Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes the joints to become inflamed and deformed. Fortunately, arthritis can be reversible and, in some cases, even curable with proper diet and nutrition, according to Phyllis Balch in her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing."
Food Allergens and Inflammation
The Canadian School of Natural Nutrition recommends identifying and eliminating food allergies and sensitivities, which can cause allergic inflammatory reactions in some people. Balch explains that allergies trigger inflammation that can aggravate arthritic symptoms, especially in rheumatoid arthritis sufferers.
Remove the Common Food Allergens
In order to pinpoint foods that you may be sensitive to, CSNN recommends eliminating the most commonly allergenic foods for three weeks, then adding back one food item per day and monitoring for an exacerbation of symptoms. The most common dietary culprits include dairy, wheat, gluten, citrus, red meat, potatoes, tomatoes, bell peppers, egg, eggplant, caffeine and sugar.
Remove the Nightshades
Balch says that nightshade foods like eggplant are also problematic to many arthritis sufferers, and she recommends eliminating them for three weeks as well to find out if they are a problem for you. The trouble with nightshades is that they contain a substance called solanine that many arthritis sufferers are sensitive to. Research suggests that solanine interferes with enzymes in the muscles and this interference can result in discomfort and pain, explains Balch. Besides eggplant, nightshade foods include tomatoes, white potatoes, tobacco and peppers.
Consume Fish for Its Omega-3 Content
While the above foods may worsen your RA, there are also certain foods that you can consume to help to improve your RA symptoms. Balch recommends consuming two servings of cold water fish a week or alternatively, taking a fish oil supplement that contains 2.5 to 5 g of essential fatty acids daily. She explains that the omega-3 essential fatty acids found in fish increase the production and activity of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins, thereby reducing arthritic inflammation and pain. They also help to suppress the immune system reaction that causes RA, says Balch. Balch warns that you may need to take the EFAs for a few months before you notice a relief, but many people who stick with it have noticed a substantial relief of swollen joints and morning stiffness.
Additional Helpful Foods
Pineapple may also be beneficial, says Balch, because it is a natural source of bromelain, an enzyme that helps to reduce inflammation. Tart red cherries can also relieve pain and inflammation, and Balch suggests eating twenty fresh or frozen cherries a day. Finally, barley and wheatgrass juice have been found to have anti-inflammatory and detoxification properties, says CSNN. They are also both good sources of beta-carotene, which helps to prevent tissue destruction. CSNN recommends consuming one ounce every morning of either of these juices, and doing so on an empty stomach to maximize absorption.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Third Edition"; Phyllis Balch; 2003
- "Pathology and Nutrition"; The Canadian School of Natural Nutrition; 2008
