Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is the most common type of childhood arthritis. It is often treated with medication, physical therapy and exercise. Nutrition changes can be made to help to improve pain and quality of life. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, which means it involves the immune system. The immune system becomes less effective and releases chemicals that cause inflammation. The condition occurs in many periods of remission and exacerbation. Some foods will decrease or increase inflammation in the body. For a dietary change to be successful at decreasing pain, it must be followed consistently for a long period of time.
Eat Fish Oil
Fish oil is abundant in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammatory activity by changing cytokine metabolism. Cytokines are proteins in the immune system that direct inflammatory responses.
Avoid Red Meat
Red meat contains arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid is found in omega-6 fatty acids and exclusively in animal foods. Reducing red meat intake appears to decrease inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. The exact cause of inflammation as a result of meat consumption differs depending on the composition of the animal's cellular membranes.
Omega-6 fatty acids compete with omega-3 fatty acids in metabolism. Therefore, another benefit of decreasing red meat intake is enhancing the benefits of omega 3 fatty acids.
Eat Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants. Juvenile arthritis patients have lower antioxidant levels in their blood. It is beneficial to eat more antioxidants in the diet in order to obtain normal antioxidant levels.
Try a Vegetarian Diet
During periods of acute exacerbation, a vegetarian diet is beneficial. This is because the diet encourages no intake of red meat and increased intake of fruit and vegetables. Include a fish or fish oil supplement to insure adequate omega 3 fatty acid intake.
For children, semi-vegetarian diet may be more favorable than a strict vegetarian or vegan diet to adjust for dietary preferences or social settings when a vegetarian diet is not easily accessible.
Take a Multi-Vitamin
Taking a multi-vitamin helps insure enough vitamins and minerals are being eaten to meet the recommended requirements. Meeting daily vitamin requirements may become difficult, especially if starting a vegetarian diet or making any other major dietary changes.
Physical Activity
Range of motion and strengthening exercise will help to improve joint mobility and improve muscle mass. Yoga, tai chi, stretching, sit-ups, and push-ups are examples of good exercises.
References
- Krause's Food and Nutrition Therapy; L Kathleen Mahan and Sylvia Escott-Stump; 2008
- Understanding Nutrition Tenth Edition; Ellie Whitney and Sharon Rady Rolfes; 2005.
- KidsHealth
