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.
Unfortunately, as an autoimmune disorder, RA does not have a cure. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t preventive measures that you can take to combat the severity and frequency of symptoms. In fact, several studies prove that there’s a connection between the foods we eat and RA symptoms. There are some food items that can contribute to inflammation while others may help to combat inflammation. By incorporating proper foods into your diet and eliminating others, you can better manage your RA symptoms. And, you can even reduce the need for conventional medications.
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, one of the most effective natural anti-inflammatories is omega-3 fatty acids. Studies show that omega-3 rich fish oil helps to prevent morning stiffness and reduces inflammation 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 combat inflammation, here is a list of foods items to avoid that can contribute to inflammation:
- Refined wheat
- Saturated fats
- Trans fats
- Alcohol
- White flour products
- MSG
- Aspartame
- Casein
- Refined sugar
- Gluten
If you follow a diet with foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and high in fiber, you can have a much better chance of keeping your RA symptoms at bay. Furthermore, most of the RA dietary guidelines are for foods that make up the Mediterranean diet. This diet also happens to exclude many of the food items that can contribute to inflammation. Also, these rheumatoid arthritis dietary tips help reduce inflammation and are also a very heart-healthy diet that may even help you to lose weight.
At Flexcin we have been making all-natural joint care supplements since the year 2000, and have helped thousands of people find an alternative relief to their joint issues. We provide US-made supplements with powerful ingredients used as alternatives to decreasing swelling and rebuilding damaged tissue. And, we offer it at a no-risk 90-day trial. If you try Flexcin and are unsatisfied with the results after taking it for three months, simply return the empty bottles for a full refund less shipping and handling.
Our products are made in the USA with powerful ingredients. Alternatives to decrease swelling and rebuild damaged tissue. And, we offer it at a no-risk 90-day trial. If you try Flexcin and are unsatisfied with the results after taking it for three months, simply return the empty bottles for a full refund less shipping and handling.
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