Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation that can lead to joint damage, pain and swelling. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis often include achiness, morning stiffness and fatigue. Research indicates that diet might play a crucial role in reducing inflammation and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in salmon, herring, tuna, walnuts and avocado, might help reduce inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis, according to lead researcher Bernat Galarraga and colleagues from University of Dundee in the United Kingdom. They discovered that rheumatoid arthritis patients taking cod liver oil, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, for nine months experienced reductions in inflammation and helped decrease the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, according to the January 2008 issue of the journal "Rheumatology."
Vitamin B6 Foods
Increasing the intake of vitamin B6-rich foods might decrease inflammatory compounds in rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. Researchers from Chung Shan Medical University in Taiwan investigated the impact of vitamin B6 on interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, both indicators of inflammation. The report, which was published in the July 2010 issue of the "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition," revealed that subjects taking vitamin B6 supplementation for 12 weeks experienced decreases in both interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Include vitamin B6 foods such as bell peppers, garlic, spinach, tuna and banana in your diet.
Alcohol Consumption
Consuming moderate amounts of alcohol may reduce the severity of rheumatoid arthritis, according to a study conducted by lead researcher Gerry Wilson and colleagues from the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom. They discovered that participants who drank alcohol frequently had less severe rheumatoid arthritis symptoms compared to subjects who never drank alcohol or drank it infrequently. Subjects who drank alcohol had less damage to joints and lower levels of inflammation compared to infrequent drinkers, the July 2010 issue of the journal "Rheumatology" reports.
References
- Nutra Ingredients: Daily intake of essential fatty acids could help reduce the need for painkillers in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), according to a new study
- Nutra Ingredients: High-dose B6 may improve arthritis measures
- Science Daily: Alcohol Reduces the Severity of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Study Finds
