Does a Natural Health Diet Cure Tendinitis?

Tendinitis is characterized by pain and inflammation of your tendons. A lack of effective treatments leads some people to seek natural cures through diet. A natural health diet focuses on whole foods and avoids foods considered highly acidic. No known diet will completely cure tendinitis. However, certain foods may improve your overall health if you have tendinitis, and others you should avoid.

WHOLE FOODS

The primary focus of a natural health diet is fresh, whole foods, according to Jack Challem, author of "Inflammation Syndrome." Whole foods provide the vitamins and nutrients that your body needs to balance inflammation, Challem explains. Whole foods are also the least likely to trigger inflammation in your body. Each meal should contain at least 2 cups of colorful vegetables. You should also eat three to five servings of fresh fruit daily.

MEATS

Avoid highly acidic meats such as sausage, corned beef and lunch meat, as well as all organ meats. Acidic meats are likely to trigger inflammation, causing a tendinitis flare-up, according to Neal Barnard, author of "Foods That Fight Pain." Choose lean, grass-fed beef, chicken and turkey, as well as game meats such as duck and ostrich.

FISH

Fish provide omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for tendinitis. You should have at least two servings of fish weekly, Challem says. According to a review of clinical trials published in the December issue of "The Journal of the American College of Nutrition," clinical data suggests that omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for inflammatory conditions. Placebo-controlled trials found that omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation and decrease the need for anti-inflammatory medicine.

TIPS

Barnard explains that many people find that certain foods trigger flare-ups. The most common culprits are corn, wheat, dairy and soy. Keeping a food diary will help you narrow in on which foods are triggering your flare-ups so that you can avoid them. Avoid acidic fruits such as grapefruit and lemons and focus on low-acid fruits such as watermelon, apricots, strawberries and apples.

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