There is no specific diet for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but researchers have found that certain foods assist in reducing the swelling that triggers pain and swelling. This blog sheds light on rheumatoid arthritis, the foods that assist in relieving the symptoms, and also the foods to avoid with RA to manage your symptoms.
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto immune condition, that is, the malfunctions in the immune system cause it. RA also develops when the body’s natural defense attacks the joints. This results in painful swelling known as inflammation. Typically, your joints like hands, wrists, and knees are affected, even at times it will disturb several joints at a time. In such cases, consider visiting the best hospital for arthritis in Coimbatore to potentially manage your condition.
The common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include:
– Intense pain and stiffness in the joints
– Extreme tiredness and weakness
– Occasionally cause fever
– Joint damage
Unfortunately, RA is a chronic condition and you can only treat the symptoms. Even a few individuals will have periods of remission when they will face mild or no symptoms. Other than that, their symptoms will get severe, doctors refer to this as period flare-ups. Notably, individuals with RA can effectively manage this condition just by sticking to the medications and making certain lifestyle changes like following a proper rheumatoid arthritis diet.
Which foods may help individuals with rheumatoid arthritis?
Experts suggest that certain rheumatoid arthritis diet will help in preventing flare-ups and managing the signs. Also, there is no specific rheumatoid arthritis diet, but some foods help in controlling the swelling and support the immune system. The best rheumatoid arthritis food plan includes:
– Fish:
Salmon and tuna are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, the fat molecules in the fish help to combat the inflammation that triggers joint pain in rheumatoid arthritis.
– Fruits and vegetables:
Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, which greatly assist the immune system, also the fiber content in fruits and vegetables will help in reducing inflammation. The antioxidant-rich sources include blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, cherries, spinach, onions, and broccoli.
– Olive oil:
Olive oils are also a great source of antioxidants, polyphenols, oleuropein, and oleocanthal, and the compounds have anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties.
– Nuts and seeds:
Nuts and seeds greatly help in fighting against inflammation. Walnuts, pine nuts, almonds, and pistachios are good sources of monounsaturated fat, protein, and fiber. Consider eating a handful of nuts and seeds per day to fight against the symptoms.
– Beans:
Beans naturally have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds like:
- Fiber
- Folic acid
- Protein
- Magnesium
- Iron
- Zinc
- Potassium
Further, individuals with rheumatoid arthritis can consider incorporating black beans, red kidney beans, and chickpeas into their rheumatoid arthritis diet.
– Fiber:
Fibers are crucial for gut and heart health. It helps in lowering the inflammation. Some good sources of fiber include:
- Wholegrain cereals
- Brown rice
- Beans
- Fruits and vegetables
What are the foods to be avoided with rheumatoid arthritis?
Fats play a crucial role in inflammation, so individuals with rheumatoid arthritis should stay away from trans fats. Individuals who are following a rheumatoid arthritis diet should avoid fats like:
- Omega-6 fatty acids, like corn, sunflower, and vegetable oils
- Saturated fat from coconut oil
- Cheese, meat, and butter that consist of saturated fat
Processed foods like ready-made meals, fast foods, and biscuits contain more fats. So try to avoid these food items as much as you can. Further, studies suggest that individuals with RA should avoid nightshade vegetables from their rheumatoid arthritis diet at least for 2 weeks to check if there is any difference in their symptoms. Those nightshade vegetables include, they are nothing but tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplant. In rare cases rheumatoid arthritis will disturb the kids as well, in such cases reach out to the rheumatology specialist in Coimbatore, to regain those tiny joints.
Is rice good for rheumatoid arthritis?
Rice is also a good option for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, notably, it’s part of a balanced rheumatoid arthritis diet. Whole grain rice will offer crucial nutrients and fiber, which may reduce inflammation. When compared with refined carbs, whole grains contribute to overall joint health and alleviate the risk factors of flare-ups. However, it’s crucial to pair rice with anti-inflammatory foods such as vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats to effectively manage the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Always, keep in mind that without consulting a doctor, never follow any rheumatoid arthritis diet.
Other remedies:
– Try to be active:
Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis should actively engage in physical activity to reduce their pain and help the joints work better. This greatly assists the rheumatoid arthritis patients to stay healthier for longer. So try to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week.
– Maintain an ideal weight:
Being overweight adds more pressure on joints, this will worsen your rheumatoid arthritis pain and stop individuals from staying active. Even losing 1 kg weight will reduce the pressure on joints. The finest way to lose weight and keep it off is by following a rheumatoid arthritis diet and consistent exercise.
– Frequent screening:
Rheumatoid arthritis patients should often consider visiting a doctor to effectively treat and manage their conditions. Always, remember that people with rheumatoid arthritis can maintain a high quality of life by working with their doctor.
Bottom line:
In conclusion, we can say that, currently, there is no permanent cure for rheumatoid arthritis, it is a chronic condition that causes pressure on joints. Also, some foods can assist in reducing your symptoms. This is due to certain foods containing antioxidants, which support the immune system. Other ways to manage the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include staying active and maintaining a moderate weight.
