Rheumatoid Arthritis is a disease where your immune system attacks your joints. This can cause severe pain, stiffness and swelling in many of the joints of your body. You may have heard that changing your diet can help ease some of these symptoms.
Many people who were studied have found that by eliminating certain foods from their diet, their symptoms have eased dramatically. This form of diet, or elimination diet, takes out certain items you are consuming and then gradually adding them back in to see which is causing the pain and inflammation to recur. Most foods that are eliminated are those with high percentages of saturated fats, such as bacon, steak, butter and cream. These high saturated fat foods increase the amount of inflammation chemicals called Prostaglandins. These prostaglandins have been known to cause pain, inflammation and joint destruction in people with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Other studies have shown that meat contains arachidonic acids. Arachidonic acids can change to inflammatory prostaglandins in the body. Some people who have changed to a vegetarian diet have found their RA symptoms have all but disappeared while others have no change at all. Another problematic fatty acid is Omega-6. Omega-6 is found in vegetable oils contains linoleic acid. A normal Americanized diet contains more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids that can be found in 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.
People who take Methotrexate have found that adding folic acid to their diets eased many of the side effects from taking the medication. Another supplement that has been found to help is Selenium. Because people with Rheumatoid Arthritis have a lower amount of selenium in their systems, eating a can of tuna fish a day can put those levels back to normal. Also, if you are currently taking Prednisone, you know that there is a side effect of losing bone. Taking a calcium or Vitamin D supplement can resolve this problem as well. Talk to your doctor to find out how much you need to take to counteract the bone loss.
Another study has shown that by drinking alcohol in moderation and weight loss can also lower your chance of getting Rheumatoid Arthritis. Do not drink alcohol, however, if you are currently taking methotrexate, as this can cause severe liver damage. Losing weight is very important for your joint health as well. Being overweight can add to the strain you put on your knees, hips and other joints, not to mention the added strain on your heart.
Alexis has been living with Rheumatoid Arthritis for nearly 20 years, and she runs a website for Rheumatoid Arthritis diet information and methods of relief. Her aim is to help other cope with the pain of the disease and live a normal life. To find out more, visit www.livingwithrheumatoid.com
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