Diet Tips for Rheumatoid Arthritis Joint Pain
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease where the body attacks its own tissues, particularly the tissues of the joints. RA affects the synovial membrane (the lining of a joint) causing swelling, pain, and eventually erosion of the bone material underneath. Over time, the erosion of the bone material can cause joints to become severely deformed and result in permanent physical disabilities and chronic pain. A healthy diet geared towards helping those with RA is important. And, we have outlined below the best rheumatoid arthritis dietary tips.
As an autoimmune disorder, RA does not have a cure. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t steps you can take to help manage the severity and frequency of symptoms. In fact, several studies point to a connection between the foods we eat and RA symptoms. There are some food items that can contribute to inflammation while others may help support a healthy inflammatory response. By incorporating good foods into your diet and eliminating others, you can better manage your RA symptoms day to day.
Be sure to consult with your doctor before making any dietary or supplement changes to ensure there’s no risk of adverse reactions with your current medications.
Foods that Help Combat RA Symptoms
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
According to the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics, omega-3 fatty acids are among the most talked-about nutrients for supporting a healthy inflammatory response. Omega-3 rich fish oil has been studied for its role in easing morning stiffness and supporting a healthy inflammatory response in joints. Other food varieties that are the highest in omega-3 fatty acids include nuts, seeds, and plant-based oils. Good food sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids include servings of: Flaxseed and flaxseed oil, chia seeds, walnuts, salmon, herring, olive oil, sardines, mackerel, soybean oil, and trout.Fiber
Studies show that people who eat a high fiber diet have lower levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in their blood. CRP is an indicator of the amount of inflammation in the body. So foods that are high in fiber tend to contain numerous vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants needed for joint health. Examples include vitamins C, D, E, B6, B12, folic acid, selenium, magnesium, zinc, and calcium. Furthermore, the USDA federal guidelines for adequate fiber intake is 38g/day for men ages 19-50 and 30g/day for men over 50. For women ages 19-50, the guidelines are 25g/day and 21g/day for women over 50. Use this list of high-fiber foods to see the fiber content per serving of foods that you can incorporate into your diet. Now that you know what foods to incorporate into your diet to help support a healthy inflammatory response, here is a list of food items to avoid that can contribute to inflammation:- Refined wheat
- Saturated fats
- Trans fats
- Alcohol
- White flour products
- MSG
- Aspartame
- Casein
- Refined sugar
- Gluten
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results vary. Consult your healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement.