DIET AND ARTHRITIS

Contrary to popular opinion and misinformation issued by self-appointed "experts," there is no such thing as a special arthritis diet. Doctors who specialize in rheumatic diseases, nutritionists and dieticians know this, but perhaps until this moment you did not realize it.

In some cases there may be certain adjustments in normal diets that should be made depending on the kind of arthritis you have and the treatment your doctor prescribes. Your weight also may be a factor.

No specific diet in itself will cure arthritis. The moment you accept this basic nutritional fact, you will begin to save yourself disappointment and frustration. You will also save money which you might otherwise be tempted to spend on special "arthritis foods" or other preparations dishonestly labeled as food substitutes for people with arthritis and rheumatism.

Here's a simple fact you will be glad to hear. All the foods any arthritis patient needs can be found in local food markets. So-called "health and nature" foods and other concoctions said to contain mystical qualities profit only those who advertise and sell them.

But there is overwhelming evidence that nutritionally balanced meals eaten regularly benefit anyone's over-all

health, muscle tone and, in the case of arthritis, build ability to resist the wear and tear of the disease. Although some minor adjustments in specific items may be required, in general the good diet for anyone, whether you have arthritis or not, is based on a selection from four food groups.

Briefly, they are the milk group, the meat group, the vegetable and fruit group and the bread and cereal group.

Everyday grocery cart foods in these four groups provide the 40 or more chemical units called nutrients without which your body cannot function. That is why a well selected diet is so important to you. Physicians and dietitians stress this point for all arthritis patients.

Now, of course, you will want to know how to translate !

these 40 or more essential nutrients into what foods to buy. I

You are familiar with all the foods that supply these nutrients, but to help you understand the four groups mentioned and how to use the items in them, here's a practical and easy-to-follow daily food guide prepared by trained and experienced nutritionists and dietitians.

You'll find the choices within each group wide enough to allow for low, high or normal calorie needs, depending on whether you are underweight, overweight or simply want to maintain your present weight. They are so liberal that they allow also for your

personal tastes and a varying

food budget as well.

l. Milk Group

Use two or more cups of milk or its equivalent daily.

Milk in any form is our leading source of calcium and riboflavin, one of the B vita-