While there is no definitive rheumatoid arthritis diet, certain foods can reduce symptoms. Antioxidant-rich foods like berries and omega-3 fatty acids found in fish can help, while maintaining an ideal weight is key. Medications and surgery may also be necessary for treatment.
There are no definitive answers as to whether a rheumatoid arthritis diet exists or is effective. However, there are certain foods that can reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. For best results, each individual should try the recommended foods and determine if they made a difference in their symptoms. Fortunately, the foods believed to be helpful in reducing rheumatoid arthritis symptoms are healthy additions to the diet.
Antioxidant-rich foods, such as berries, tea, garlic, and red grapes, can reduce inflammation, making them a good addition to a rheumatoid arthritis diet. One antioxidant in particular, quercetin, is thought to inhibit tumor necrosis factor in a similar way to Humira, a prescription drug for rheumatoid arthritis. Quercetin is found in cocoa powder, broccoli, and onions.
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in flaxseeds, canola, cold-water fish like salmon, and walnuts, can also be healthy additions to a rheumatoid arthritis diet. Eat these foods in moderation, as one of the keys to reducing rheumatoid arthritis pain is maintaining an ideal weight. Being overweight increases stress on weight-bearing joints, which can lead to increased joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness.
Foods that contain high amounts of beta-carotene, such as pumpkins, apricots, sweet potatoes, and carrots, may also relieve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Finally, combat osteoporosis, which affects some people who have rheumatoid arthritis, by eating a diet rich in vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease of the autoimmune system that causes chronic inflammation of the joints, as well as the tissues that surround them. In addition to joint pain and swelling, rheumatoid arthritis symptoms include weight loss, fever, fatigue, and lumps of tissue that develop under the skin along the arms. Risk factors include being a woman, being between the ages of 40 and 60, being a smoker, and having a family history of the disease.
There is no cure for the condition, and treatment is aimed at reducing pain and inflammation. Medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis include over-the-counter and prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, immunosuppressants, TNF-alpha inhibitors, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Combining medications and other conventional treatments with a rheumatoid arthritis diet may provide more relief than medication alone for some patients. If medications do not provide adequate relief, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace damaged joints and tendons. Physical and occupational therapy can be used to help treat mobility problems.
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