Rheumatoid arthritis is a painful condition in which the immune system attacks the lining of your joints, especially those in the hands and feet, causing swelling and damage to the bones and joints involved. For some people, what they eat can affect the severity of their symptoms, although this doesn't appear to be the case with everyone who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis.
Foods That May Increase Symptoms
Foods that are highly allergenic, such as cereals, codfish, cow's milk, eggs and pork, may increase rheumatoid arthritis symptoms in some people, according to an article on ArthritisToday.org. Coffee, dairy products, alcohol, citrus fruits, tomatoes, red meat and some spices sometimes cause increased symptoms as well. Some of the increased symptoms after eating foods may be due to histamines, which get released after consumption of certain foods, including strawberries, spinach, shellfish and chocolate, as well as some of the foods previously above, according to an article published in "Rheumatology" in 1999.
Foods That May Decrease Symptoms
Foods containing omega-3 fatty acids may help to reduce rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Check with your doctor before taking supplements, however, since they can interfere with certain medications. Otherwise, following a vegan diet or an elimination diet may help you to reduce your symptoms, since these eliminate many of the foods that often increase symptoms.
Considerations
Although following a strict vegan diet can reduce symptoms, most rheumatoid arthritis sufferers find it very difficult to stick to for any length of time. If you try an elimination diet, make sure not to eliminate whole food groups. A dietitian can help you to plan a healthy diet which limits foods that seem to increase your symptoms.
Other Ways to Improve Symptoms
Not everyone responds to dietary changes, and if your symptoms improve it may be only a slight improvement or a temporary improvement. Medications, such as NSAIDS, immunosuppressants and steroids, can help, as can therapy and surgery. Exercising, relaxing and applying heat and cold to the affected joints can also decrease the pain and swelling of your joints.
References
- Arthritis Today: Rheumatoid Arthritis Diet: RA and Food Allergies
- Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center: Nutrition & Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism: Diet and Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Review of the Literature
- Rheumatology: Diet Therapy for the Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis?
- Mayo Clinic: Rheumatoid Arthritis
