Rheumatoid arthritis affects 1.3 million people in the United States, according to the Arthritis Foundation. A chronic disease with no known cure, it is characterized by swelling in the lining of the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can lead to severe joint dysfunction. Early diagnosis is important so that treatment can get underway to ensure the best outcomes. Some nutritional interventions may help. Talk to your health care provider about the role of nutrition in your treatment plan.
Healthy Diet for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Few scientific studies have thoroughly examined the benefits of special diets in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, according to Cheryl Koch, C.N.S.D., of the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center. Koch suggests that rheumatoid arthritis patients eat a variety of healthy foods rather than following unproven dietary regimens. She recommends a diet abundant in grains, vegetables and fruits, low amounts of fats and moderate consumption of sugars. People who drink alcoholic beverages should limit their intake.
Food Sensitivities and Rheumatoid Arthritis
According to Koch, some patients with rheumatoid arthritis have food sensitivities that lead to flare-ups of symptoms. For these patients, diets in which food groups, such as meat, processed foods and dairy products, are temporarily eliminated may be helpful. In elimination diets, suspected allergens are cut from the diet for a period of time and then gradually reintroduced. That way, it is possible to see if there is a correlation between a food group and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms in that patient. If you suspect that certain foods are exacerbating your symptoms, ask your physician if an elimination diet would be appropriate.
Vitamins and Minerals
In her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," author Phyllis Balch states that selenium, the vitamin B complex, boron and vitamin C plus bioflavonoids may be helpful nutrients in rheumatoid arthritis. Selenium is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative stress. The vitamin B complex may reduce inflammation. Boron is a trace mineral important to the health of the skeletal system. A vitamin C supplement with added bioflavonoids has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Use these vitamins and minerals under the supervision of a qualified health care provider.
Other Dietary Supplements
According to the Arthritis Foundation, rheumatoid arthritis symptoms may respond to a number of dietary supplements. Turmeric, the spice that gives curries their bright yellow color, has anti-inflammatory properties and boosts the immune system. Thunder god vine, a supplement used in traditional Chinese medicine, was shown to improve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms in several clinical trials. Gamma-linolenic acid helped to alleviate joint pain and stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis patients who took the supplement for two months. The use of these supplements is not an adequate replacement for advice and treatment from a qualified health care practitioner.
References
- Arthritis Today: Supplements
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis Balch; 2006
- John Hopkins Arthritis Center: Nutrition and Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Arthritis Foundation: Rheumatoid Arthritis
