Nutrition for Kids With Arthritis
- Some children with juvenile arthritis have a problem with weight loss due to the demands that arthritis puts on the body. Children in this category need a nutritional plan that includes additional calories so that they maintain a normal, healthy weight. Some children feel sick due to medication or pain, so finding extra ways to make every bite count is important. This means choosing foods that are high in protein and calories but low in unhealthy fats and sugars. Keeping snacks handy is helpful for getting the child to eat whenever he is the slightest bit hungry.
- Overweight children with juvenile arthritis face a different set of nutritional problems. Children may not be able to exercise or be active as much because of pain, so it is important you stick to a diet with a healthy amount of calories for the child's age, activity level and weight. Healthy diets for overweight children include a combination of lean meats, whole grains, dairy products, fruit and vegetables, and healthy fats. Eliminating junk food, sodas and unhealthy fats is key in bringing the overweight child back to a healthy weight with nutrition.
- Nutritional supplements such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids may be given to your children with juvenile arthritis to help relieve symptoms. These supplements are thought to work by reducing inflammation in arthritis sufferers. Research has been done on other supplements such as thunder god vine, turmeric, boswellia, green tea and ginger root, but the results are not definitive in humans as of January 2011.
- During busy times it can be difficult to monitor everything that a child eats. Keeping a daily log can help with this, as well as talking to the child about the importance of keeping up with the diet. It will help manage symptoms, which will ultimately provide greater freedom and ability to enjoy life. Positive reinforcements such as praise and hugs can help with this also. Bring the log to doctors appointments so that the child's nutrition can be looked over and changes can be made to the diet plan as needed.
