If you have spent any time surfing the Net or reading magazines, the chances are you will have seen the next 'miracle' diet for arthritis. Some suggest we should take certain supplements. Others that we should avoid certain foods. So is there any evidence that any of these diets actually work?

Most doctors that work in the field will tell you that diet can indeed help in controlling symptoms of your arthritis. But not the faddy diets that are often extolled in the popular press. The general consensus is that you should be following a sensible diet that is high in fresh fruit and vegetables and low in saturated fats. This will give the body all the nutrients it needs, and can help to reduce weight when combined with a sensible exercise plan.

One thing is probably worth pointing out here. This is not a 'diet' as most people use the word. It's not just a set of meals that you take for the next 2 to 4 weeks. This is a lifetime commitment to eating more healthily. In fact you could call it a 'lifetime diet'.

So is it worth the time and effort looking at arthritis diets? Sure it is. But just be aware that some of the dietary 'advice' that you read about has been produced by companies that are trying to sell you their latest pill or supplement.

One of the changes that can easily be implemented by most people is eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Diets that are high in saturated animal fats contain substances that can lead to inflammation. On the other hand vegetarian diets seem to reduce inflammation. In one study on patients with rheumatoid arthritis, those that followed an 'anti-inflammatory diet' showed less symptoms after several weeks. This diet consisted of reducing their intake of dairy products and restricting the eating of meat to twice a week.

Certain fruit and vegetables contain antioxidants that protect joints and reduce chemicals that cause inflammation. Fruit and vegetables that contain vitamin C seem to be particularly useful. Oranges have been studied and this fruit has had good results with arthritis pain. Other fruits that can be used include blueberries, spinach and apples.

Some 'alternative' arthritis diets recommend the cutting out of foods from the nightshade family. This includes tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant and peppers. There is little scientific basis for this, and quite a bit of controversy among healthcare professionals. You could try it for a period of time and see if you notice a difference. But remember that you need to make sure you have a balanced diet. Tomatoes and peppers are a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants, so you will need to ensure that you are still eating a good source of these items.