Rheumatoid Arthritis is an ongoing condition where your immune system attacks your joints and sometimes other organs. This causes pain, stiffness and swelling in the affected joints. There is also no known cure for RA. However, if you or someone you know has Rheumatoid Arthritis, you may have heard that some elements of your diet can help.
Recently, a study showed that that 35-40% of people affected by RA benefitted by eliminating certain foods from their diets. This is called an elimination diet and by using this method you remove the foods that trigger your symptoms from your daily diet. You will then slowly add the foods back into your diet and see which causes increased pain and stiffness. Most foods high in saturated fats, such as bacon, steak, butter and cream, actually increase the amount of inflammatory chemicals called prostaglandins. These prostaglandins may cause inflammation, pain, swelling and joint destruction in RA. Additionally, there are studies that show that meat contains large quantities of arachidonic acids. These arachidonic acids change to inflammatory prostaglandins in the body. A few people who suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis have found that vegetarian diets have eased their symptoms dramatically, while others have found that a change in their diet has no benefits at all. Another fatty acid, Omega-6, which is found in vegetable oils, contains linoleic acid. Studies have shown that a normal American diet consists of more omega-6 acids than omega-3 acids, which are found in cold-water fish.
By adding more omega-3s to your diet and removing the foods that are high in prostaglandins, linoleic acids and omega-6 fatty acids, you can diminish the amount of swelling and inflammation in your body. Taking an Omega-3 supplement can also help with your inflammation symptoms.
Mediterranean diets have also been known to relieve symptoms associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis. A diet high in fruits, vegetables and Vitamin C, such as seen in Greece or Italy, may lower the risk of getting Rheumatoid Arthritis.
If you are currently on the medication Methotrexate for your symptoms of RA, adding Folic Acid or a folic acid supplement may ease your side effects of taking the medication. Selenium is another supplement that can be taken. Studies have shown that people who suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis have a lowered amount of selenium in their systems. Eating a 3.5 ounce can of tuna fish can give you your daily recommended allowance of selenium. Vitamin D and calcium are also needed supplements if you are taking Prednisone. Prednisone is linked to bone loss in RA sufferers, so getting your daily dose of calcium and Vitamin D are important. Ask your doctor how much calcium to need to add to your diet to counteract the bone lost to prednisone.
It has also been shown that people who drink alcohol and have lost weight have greatly lowered risks of acquiring Rheumatoid Arthritis. If you are currently taking Methotrexate, consult with your physician about drinking alcohol. It may lead to a higher risk of liver damage if you drink and take the medication both. Losing weight has also been shown to lower the symptoms of RA. This is because you are relieving the stress placed on your weight-bearing joints such as knees and hips.
Alexis has been living with Rheumatoid Arthritis for nearly 20 years, and she runs a website for Rheumatoid Arthritis diet information and how she finds Rheumatoid Arthritis relief. Her aim is to help other cope with the pain of the disease and live a normal life. To learn more, take a look at www.livingwithrheumatoid.com