There are so many forms of arthritis, but arguably one of the most debilitating is rheumatoid arthritis. Fortunately, you can do some things to reduce the pain and fatigue — most importantly developing a proper diet plan. Did you know that fatty foods as well as sugars can exacerbate your symptoms?
Although there is no specific “arthritis diet,” customizing your diet by eliminating sugar and excess starch from your diet. Did you know that if you’re deficient in minerals, your body will look for what it needs by stealing calcium from the bones and teeth. Since calcium is the primary mineral used to neutralize high acid in the cells, we could be left with “toxic” minerals, because there’s not enough calcium to fight them off. This can also lead to osteoporosis, arthritis, kidney stones, and even hardening of the arteries.
Here are some types of foods to avoid and some to include in a diet that may ease pain, stiffness and tiredness:
Avoid fatty foods – Saturated fats found in some foods such as butter, bacon and various dairy products might increase inflammation. Chemicals called prostaglandins are found in these foods and have been identified as culprits in arthritic joint destruction. Meats contain arachidonic acid, which can convert to prostaglandins after it’s ingested.
A vegetarian diet can help – Some people find that eliminating meat and adopting a completely vegetarian diet helps relieve the pain and stiffness caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Others find no advantage to eating a meat-free diet.
Eliminate alcohol – It’s best to entirely eliminate alcohol from your diet if you’ve been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. On the other hand, research shows that alcohol may protect against developing the disease. If you’re taking arthritis medication, be sure to talk to your health care provider about harmful side-effects.
Take vitamins – Certain vitamins and minerals should be included in any diet to prevent symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis – especially if you take certain prescriptions such as methotrexate. A diet high in folic acid (a B vitamin) can help to alleviate side-effects of methotrexate and also helps manufacture important red blood cells. Selenium, found in tuna, is also a good way to prevent damage to tissue. Vitamin D can prevent bone loss.
Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids – Foods such as nuts, some fish, flax seed and soybean products are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids that can effectively reduce inflammation. As an added benefit, these fatty acids also help prevent heart disease, which is more likely in those who have rheumatoid arthritis.
Consider a Mediterranean diet – Research has shown that cases of rheumatoid arthritis are rare in Mediterranean countries such as Italy and Greece – or less severe if diagnosed. A Mediterranean diet consists of fruits, vegetables and foods rich in vitamin C. Olive oil and legumes also figure in to this healthy and disease-fighting diet.
There’s no need for a trial and error approach. Many people have quit the sugar habit and improved their health by changing their diet. If you know an improved diet could improve your health, the plan is meant for you.
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I did a little research on this as well and posted a blog post on the same topic.Some articles recommend eliminating certain types of foods; others say eliminating certain foods won\’t help.It can be frustrating.The best thing I came away with after researching the topic is that it depends on the individual. The sufferer can begin by eliminating one food type and see if it helps, and continue until he/she has narrowed down the food(s) that causes the inflammation. Does anyone have personal experience with eliminating certain foods with or without success?
Ron invites you to read . . . What Foods To Avoid with Arthritis?
Diagnosed @ rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and gout masquerading as RA, and suffering typical RA joint pain and lack of mobility, & gout flares, I strongly modified my food intake. I cut way back on wheat products, milk, sheese, or yoghurt, potatoes, peppers,tomatoes, and eggplant, as well as sardines and organ meats. I had become almost symptom-free, with less joint swelling and pain, and no gout flares. MY rheumatologist prescribed 80 mg. Uloric; my blood uric acid went down to 4.7 – although several tophi still remain.
It’s my belief that the antigens in the foods mentioned above may penetrate a leaky gut and deposit in cartilages, where they are attacked by the body’s immune systems. This causes the inflammation and symptoms with which we are all familiar. I correlate not eating these foods with my lessened joint inflammation. It also seems that I am able to consume occaional amounts of these, without triggering a painful response.
If you’re willing to modify what you eat to reduce your symptoms, try eliminating certain families of foods, and see what the results are!
Rich
I like this information. I’m 23 and my doctor is checking into rheumatoid arthritis for me. I’ve had pain in my shoulder for 7 years and pain in the joints of my fingers and wrist, on my right hand, for about 2 years. They already ruled out carpal tunnel, so I like knowing there are food choices that can help. It makes me want to change my diet/life style even if I’m not diagnosed with RA.
I definitely agree with you on the vitamins part, they can really help out your bones and build back up some of your damaged connective tissue.
David invites you to read . . . Natural Arthritis Pain Relief That You Ought to Know
Arthritis does seem to make the rounds, doesn’t it? Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks for the info on arthritis. Always good info for the Sandwich Generation caring for elderly parents not to mention those of us in the Baby Boomer generation who, themselves, are dealing with arthritis.