Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that can cause joint pain and damage throughout your body. The joint damage that RA causes usually happens on both sides of the body.

So, if a joint is affected in one of your arms or legs, the same joint in the other arm or leg will probably be affected, too. This is one way that doctors distinguish RA from other forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis (OA).

Treatments work best when RA is diagnosed early, so it’s important to learn the signs. Read on to learn everything you want to know about RA, from types and symptoms to home remedies, diets, and other treatments.

 

Is There a Diet for Rheumatoid Arthritis?

No. But research shows that the Mediterranean diet's tasty fare -- like olive oil, fish, greens, and other vegetables -- can lower inflammation, which is good for your whole body.

In one study of women with RA, those who took a cooking class on Mediterranean-style foods and ate that way for 2 months had less joint pain and morning stiffness and better overall health than those who didn’t take the class.

Aim to eat a healthy diet with:

• Lots of whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. They should make up two-thirds of your plate.
• Low-fat dairy and lean proteins, which should make up one-third
• Small amounts of saturated and trans fats
• A little sugar
• Limited alcohol

Although no food plans are proven to help with RA, you may read about some that claim to do so or about people with RA who say a diet worked for them.

Before you try one, it’s a good idea to discuss it with your doctor, especially if it calls for large doses of supplements or cuts out entire food groups.

 

Foods to Eat With RA

Beans

They're packed with fiber, which can help lower your levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a sign of inflammation. Beans also give you protein to keep the muscles around your joints strong. Red, kidney, and pinto beans are good sources of things like folic acid, magnesium, iron, zinc, and potassium, all of which can give your heart and immune system a boost.

 

Broccoli

Along with other green leafy veggies like spinach, Brussels sprouts, kale, Swiss chard, and bok choy, it’s full of vitamins like A, C, and K, which protect you from free radical damage. They’re also a great source of calcium, which keeps your bones strong.

 

Cherries

Chemicals called anthocyanins are powerful antioxidants that help hold down inflammation. They also give cherries their bright color. You can find them in other purple and red fruits, too, like raspberries and blueberries.

 

Citrus fruits

Oranges, grapefruits, and limes are great sources of vitamin C, which leads to a strong immune system that can help hold off inflammatory diseases like RA.

 

Fish

Salmon, herring, sardines, mackerel, tuna, and anchovies are great sources of omega-3s. Salmon has the most, with up to 2 grams per 3-ounce serving. Don’t overcook it, because that can destroy more than half of the omega-3s. Bake or grill fish instead of frying it to preserve healthful fat. Try to eat it twice a week.

 

Nuts

Don't like fish? Walnuts, canola oil, and soybeans are rich in a different type of omega-3 fatty acid. Or ask your doctor about supplements.

 

Ginger

Gingerol compounds, which give this root its flavor, also seem to be an anti-inflammatory. Studies in animals look promising, but scientists need to do more work on people before we’re sure.

 

Foods That Can Help RA Symptoms

Diet won’t cure rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but the right food choices can help by controlling the inflammation that wreaks havoc in the body, delivering nutrients your body needs and helping you maintain a healthy weight.

That’s important because excess weight adds to pressure on achy joints and can make certain RA meds less effective. What’s more, body fat produces proteins called cytokines that promote inflammation.

Studies show that a Mediterranean diet, with lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats is a good choice for people with RA. Here’s a look at some foods you should be eating.

 

References

 

“Everything You Want to Know About Rheumatoid Arthritis.” 2014. Healthline. September 4, 2014. https://www.healthline.com/health/rheumatoid-arthritis.

“Foods That Can Help RA Symptoms | Arthritis Foundation.” n.d. Accessed October 14, 2020. https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/treatment/treatment-plan/tracking-your-health/foods-that-can-help-ra-symptoms.

“Inflammation-fighting Foods for RA.” n.d. WebMD. Accessed October 14, 2020. https://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/ra-foods.

 

 

 

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