Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that attacks the joint linings of the feet and hands, reports MayoClinic.com. The condition leads your immune system to attack healthy joints, which results in possibly irreversible damage and painful inflammation. Certain foods are thought to increase the damaging effect of rheumatoid arthritis activity. As a result, avoiding certain foods may contribute to decreasing arthritis symptoms.
Gluten
Gluten is a protein nutrient found primarily in wheat products such as rye and barley. Gluten allergy contributes to the development of celiac, an inflammatory condition known to aggravate rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. According to the Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine, eliminating gluten from your diet will help alleviate pain from rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Eliminating gluten grain-based foods including pastas, wheat breads and pastries may reduce inflammation symptoms. Products such as corn, rice and legume-based flours may be substituted.
Red Meat and Poultry
Poultry and red meat contain beneficial amounts of omega-6 essential fatty acids, which is scientifically shown to increase inflammation. However, omega-3 fatty acids, also found in meat and fish, have been shown to reduce inflammation of arthritis symptoms. Reducing the amount of poultry and red meat and replacing it with fatty fish high in omega-3 nutrients such as tuna and salmon, may contribute to inflammation reduction, according to Arthritis Today.
Refined Sugars
Excessive amounts of refined sugars, including brown sugar, corn syrup and white sugar, may increase acidity levels in the body. The Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine recommends that arthritis sufferers limit or restrict their refined sugar intake to avoid symptoms of inflammatory disease such as rheumatoid arthritis. Substitute with natural sugar alternatives such as fruit juice concentrates, agave nectar and honey to reduce inflammatory symptoms.
Nightshade Vegetables
Nightshade vegetables including eggplants, potatoes, peppers and tomatoes are thought to increase inflammatory activity in the human body. According to the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, nightshade vegetables contain a solanine, a substance that promotes inflammation and should be avoided if you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory conditions. Replace these vegetables with broccoli, mustard greens, turnips and other fresh vegetables.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Rheumatoid Arthritis
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health: Arthritis and Nutrition
- Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine: Foods and Arthritis
- Arthritis Today: Rheumatoid Arthritis Diet: RA and Food Allergies
- Today Health: Fight Arthritis with These Foods
- Johns Hopkins Medicine: Role of Nutrition in Rheumatoid Arthritis
