There is some research to support the notion of reducing or eliminating red meat and animal protein from the diet. It is also advisable to cut back on high fat foods and perhaps even omega-6 fats such as those found in safflower and sunflower oils.

Foods to emphasize include:

1) Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish such as salmon, herring, sardines or mackerel ? eat fish at least 3 times/week.
2) Vegetables? including brightly colored green, yellow and orange ones? include vegetables at every lunch and dinner meal.
3) Citrus fruits.
4) Foods containing zinc such as wheat germ, whole grains and oysters.
5) Ginger, which may have an anti-inflammatory effect.

In addition, eat a well balanced diet with all the other key nutrients including calcium and vitamin D.

The supplement glucosamine sulfate is helpful with osteoarthritis. Less is known about the benefits of shark cartilage or chondrotin.

If you suffer from gout, drink lots of fluids, eat fruits and vegetables and grains for energy, but de-emphasize or avoid the following foods which are high in purines which can increase uric acid production, making the problem worse:

Liver, lentils, legumes, dried apricots, processed meat, game meat, chocolate, asparagus, cauliflower, green leafy vegetables, mushroom and baking powder.