Rheumatoid Arthritis and Food
Treating Arthritis Without Drugs
Medicinal foods are foods that have been tried and tested for different health conditions such as Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Some foods have been known to make arthritis worse and some can improve the symptoms such as pain, stiffness, swelling and decreased mobility.
Keep in mind that every body reacts differently to foods and drugs, what may help your neighbour across the road, may not help you.
What Foods Can Help Rheumatoid Arthritis?
The following foods and dietary modifications have been shown to have a beneficial effect on arthritis.
- Vegetarian Diet
Following a vegetarian diet that includes dairy appears to help with swelling and pain.
The reasoning behind this theory is that the compromised gastrointestinal system allows protein to pass through undigested.
This then causes an inflammatory effect on the body which will worsen the inflammation seen in arthritis.
- Fasting
For many people, arthritis stems from a sensitivity to a particular food.
If you are wondering what food this could possibly be, try a quick fast or elimination diet. This process allows the immune system to test each food that you introduce to the body, one at a time.
If your symptoms worsen when you introduce a food such as a tomato for example, then you will know that you probably shouldn't eat tomatoes.
- Low Fat Diet
It makes sense if you are overweight, to cut down the fat in your diet so excess kilos disappear and there is less stress on your joints.
Some gentle exercise every day will also strengthen the muscles around your joints and give extra support.
Try to choose foods that are fat free or low in fat when choosing foods such as milk and cheese.
- Fish
Fish contain omega-3 fatty acids which is a good fat. The omega-3s seen in fish have long been known to reduce inflammation and a serving of fish three times a week is equivalent to taking omega 3 capsules.
Types of fish high in omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, tuna, trout, pollack and halibut. Sardines and tuna in tins are also fine sources.
- Cranberries
Cranberries are a high source of Vitamin C which is classified as an anti-oxidant. Anti-oxidants are chemicals that round up free radicals that are circulating in our body.
Free radicals are compounds that cause damage and wear and tear to our tissue. The more anti-oxidants, the better our joints will be.
- Sunflower Seeds
These are a good source of Vitamin E which is also an anti-oxidant. These along with almonds and Brazil nuts can help with retaining a healthy joint.
So if you are having trouble with rheumatoid arthritis, then maybe you should try these diet modifications and see if they help you. And if they do, pay it forward and pass the message along....
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