Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that causes severe pain in your joints. This autoimmune disorder causes your body to attack healthy tissue. The lining in your joints becomes inflamed and causes constant swelling. Eventually bone erosion may occur, reports MayoClinic. Usually the small joints in your hands and feet are affected and you may find it difficult to grip utensils with your hands or experience severe pain when you walk. Following a balanced diet may help alleviate some of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
Balanced Diet
Following a well-balanced diet requires you to eat a variety of foods from all food groups. Balanced means that you consume the nutrients your body needs without having too much or too little of any one thing. A healthy diet minimizes sugar and unhealthy trans fats and saturated fats. A well-balanced diet maintains your weight and reduces the effects of rheumatoid arthritis.
Food Groups
Eat the right amounts of food from each food group. MyPyramid, a website run by the United States Department of Agriculture, outlines each food group and how much you should eat from each one. Eat 3 to 4 oz. or equivalents from the grain group each day and ensure that at least half of your consumption comes from whole grains. Read the label on breads and cereals to verify that one of the top ingredients is whole grains. Consume 2 to 3 cups of vegetables and 1 1/2 to 2 cups of fruit. If fresh vegetables and fruits are not available, frozen varieties are your next best option. Consume 3 cups or equivalents from the milk group each day. Select low or reduced fat dairy foods. Eat 5 to 6 oz. of meat and beans everyday, but consume lean varieties such as chicken breast or fish.
Healthy Fats
Fat is important in your body for energy and metabolism of fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may decrease if you eat healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated fat. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in cold-water fish, such as salmon. Shorter chains of omega-3s can be found in walnuts or flaxseed. Adding omega-3s to your diet is one of the simplest and safest ways to minimize inflammation in your body, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM. Heart-healthy monounsaturated fats are found in avocados and olive oil. You can consume polyunsaturated fats by eating nuts, seeds and vegetable oils. While these fats may help reduce inflammation, you should continue to keep your total fat consumption to a minimum.
Additional Foods
Ginger is a spicy herb that has been used to treat joint pain from rheumatoid arthritis, according to NCCAM. Adding raw ginger to your diet has few side effects, but your should limit your intake to small doses. Turmeric is a spice that helps reduce inflammation by protecting your joints. Add powdered turmeric to your favorite curry dish to add flavor and help with your rheumatoid symptoms. Enjoying a cup of green tea in the morning may also help with your pain and inflammation.
