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Written by John Sinatra
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Rheumatoid Arthritis dietRheumatoid arthritis is a debilitating disease that is results in an overactive immune system attacking healthy joint tissue leading to swelling, stiffness and pain
There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis but there are many different medication and drugs available to help people that suffer with the disease to better manage it and help control their levels of pain and discomfort. Many people have also found that their diet can affect their rheumatoid arthritis symptoms . While a diet alone cannot cure rheumatoid arthritis, it can affect how a persons body responds to the disease as well as medication used to control rheumatoid arthritis. People suffering with rheumatoid arthritis are encouraged to keep a daily journal monitoring food intake and what effect that food has on their symptoms and the disease itself.
The Arthritis Foundation recommends that a person who has been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis eats a diet low in fats and calories and high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. A rheumatoid arthritis diet should be include many antioxidant rich foods such as apples, beets, brussel sprouts, blueberries, broccoli, cranberries, kale, oranges, plums, red grapes, spinach and strawberries. Antioxidants have been shown to reduce inflammation. Green tea is also very high in antioxidants and it may be beneficial to drink one to three cups a day. There are ongoing studies being conducted to determine the effect that green tea has on rheumatoid arthritis treatment. Omega 3 fatty acids also appear to have anti-inflammatory affects and should be added to the diet as well. Foods that are rich in omega 3 fatty acids include eggs, canola oil, flax seed oil, and cold water fish such as mackerel, salmon and herring. Many people that suffer from rheumatoid arthritis are deficient in vitamin E so people suffering from the disease should try to incorporate foods rich in vitamin E into their diets as much as possible. Foods that have a high level of vitamin E include kiwi fruits, whole grains, collard greens, dark green leafy greens such as romaine lettuce, Boston lettuce and Bib lettuce as well as filberts which are also known as hazelnuts, almonds and sunflower seeds. Calcium is a very important thing to have in any diet, but is especially important to people who suffer with rheumatoid arthritis. Calcium can be found in milk, cheese and other dairy products. For people that have a dairy intolerance calcium nay also be obtained from soy products such as tofu, and bok choy, as well as fortified cereals and juices. Dark green leafy vegetables are also a source of calcium. Protein is also important for people who suffer with rheumatoid arthritis to help them maintain and build muscles. Beans, poultry, fish, and lean red meats are good sources of protein as well as raw nuts. Anyone who has been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis is urged to stay away from saturated fats and oils as these may actually increase inflammation and swelling.
People who are suffering with rheumatoid arthritis are urged to talk to their doctors about how different drugs and medications may affect their diets and which food they should avoid or consume more of to make up for their treatments. While a persons diet cannot cure their rheumatoid arthritis it is very important to eat the proper foods. A poor diet can lead to other serious conditions which can be even more problematic when coupled with rheumatoid arthritis. Diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease all stem from poor diet choices and these conditions can seriously affect how rheumatoid arthritis is managed and what medications a person can take for treatment. Poor nutrition can also lead to weight gain which puts undue stress on joints as well as contribute to fatigue and depression. |