Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disorder characterized by painful joint inflammation in the feet and hands. Unlike other arthritis types, rheumatoid arthritis attacks and damages your joint lining, which can cause bone erosion and subsequent limb deformity. Rheumatoid arthritis treatment aims to pain, progression of the disease and inflammation. According to John Hopkins Medicine, a healthy diet is important for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers.
Whole Grains
Whole grains contain more minerals, fiber and vitamins because it has not been chemically stripped of nutritious parts of the grain plant. Whole grains also contain beneficial sources of B vitamins, such as B6 and folate. John Hopkins Medicine reports that folate, B12 and B6 deficiencies are directly correlated with rheumatoid arthritis. Replace added sugars, white bread and other enriched carbohydrate sources, with whole grain foods. Examples of whole grain foods are millet, popcorn, wild rice, bulgar, whole wheat, oats, barley and brown rice. Whole grain cereals and fortified cold oatmeal cereal contain substantial amounts of B vitamins, which contribute to reducing inflammation.
Fatty Fish, Flaxseed and Walnuts
Fatty fish, walnuts and flaxseed provide omega-3 fatty acids, healthy fat nutrients that decrease arthritis-related inflammation and improve your heart functions. Because omega-3 fatty acid supplements may produce side effects, notes John Hopkins Medicine, fatty fish, particularly cold water, may provide the best benefits. Fatty fish include herring, halibut, salmon, tuna, mackerel, flounder and lake trout. Fish also contains healthy amounts of vitamin D and calcium, which are important to bone health. Canola oil, walnut oil, walnuts, nuts, seeds, flaxseed oil and flaxseed provide ample amounts of omega-3 fats and make for nutritious additions to cereal, yogurt, salad and baked goods.
Vegetables and Fruits
Vegetables and fruits supply your body with vitamins, antioxidants and minerals that assist your body in fighting disease and infection. Vegetables and fruits that contain vitamin C are important since rheumatoid arthritis is typically linked to vitamin C deficiencies, reports John Hopkins Medicine. Eat a wide array of vegetables and fruits for optimum health benefits. Vitamin C food sources include oranges, tangerines, citrus juices, papaya, kiwi, strawberries, grapefruit, tomatoes, kale, spinach, broccoli and sweet potatoes.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: 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
- Joy Bauer, R.D., M.S., C.D.N: Fight arthritis with these foods, Oct 2007
- Johns Hopkins Medicine: Role of Nutrition in Rheumatoid Arthritis
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