Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a painful inflammatory arthritis that affects joints and nearby tissues. Pain, swelling and stiffness are all symptoms of RA and may be controlled in many people through medication use. Changing the way you eat and prepare food may be an alternative form of treatment that can help reduce the inflammation levels throughout the body. Dietary treatment for rheumatoid arthritis may be used in conjunction with more conventional medical treatments.
Elimination Diet
Each person who has RA may have a particular group of foods that seem to increase his symptoms. The Arthritis Foundation's online publication "Arthritis Today" suggests that people who have inflammatory joint pain begin an elimination diet to determine the specific foods that are triggers. Writing down the timing of symptoms along with what you have eaten helps determine a pattern. Dropping the offending food from your diet and noting how you feel can pinpoint the foods that you should avoid to feel better.
Omega-3
Omega-3 fatty acids are a form of natural anti-inflammatory and may reduce the inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis, says the Arthritis Research Campaign (ARC), a UK-based organization. Fish that are classified as "oily" can be beneficial to RA sufferers, and include salmon, fresh tuna, mackerel, sardines, anchovies and herring. Cooking with oils that are rich in omega-3 may also help reduce inflammation. Walnut and flaxseed oils all contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids.
Antioxidants
Dietary treatment of RA should include plenty of fresh produce that contains antioxidants, says ARC. Antioxidants, specifically vitamin C, but others as well, act as an anti-inflammatory agent and help protect joints from damage. Berries, citrus fruits, apples, sweet potatoes and broccoli are all good sources of antioxidants.
Vitamin D
Drinking milk fortified with vitamin D, exposure to sunlight or taking vitamin D supplements can all be part of a dietary approach to easing the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. ARC states that people who have RA are more likely to have a vitamin D deficiency than those who do not suffer from inflammatory joint disease. Boosting your consumption of the nutrient may be beneficial to your joints.
