If you have rheumatoid arthritis, your immune system mistakenly attacks the thin membrane lining your joints, causing inflammation, pain and stiffness. Though no known cure exists for the disease, medications and lifestyle changes, such as exercise, mechanical devices called orthoses and a healthy diet, can help you manage your symptoms, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). For best results, seek guidance from your doctor or dietitian before altering your diet significantly.
Function
An appropriate diet for rheumatoid arthritis, like most healthy diets, provides sufficient amounts of calories and nutrients. Your diet should also promote healthy weight management, since excess pounds exacerbate joint inflammation, pain and stiffness. Though research findings are limited, emphasizing foods that may reduce inflammation and limiting pro-inflammatory foods may also help, according to MayoClinic.com.
Optimum Foods
In general, aim for a balanced diet, including healthy foods from all the vital food groups including complex carbohydrates, lean protein sources and healthy fats. Opting for fatty fish regularly may provide exceptional anti-arthritis benefits, according to research published in "Rheumatology" in 2008. In the study, 58 patients with rheumatoid arthritis consumed 10 g of cod liver oil containing 2.2 g of essential fatty acids or a placebo for nine months. By the study's end, 39 of the participants who consumed fish oil were able to reduce their dosage of anti-inflammatory medications compared to 10 percent in the placebo group. For potentially similar benefits, consume salmon, albacore tuna, herring, lake trout, flounder, halibut, mackerel or sardines regularly. Plant foods that may provide similar benefits include ground flaxseed, walnuts and canola oil. Incorporate a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, such as berries, citrus fruits, bell peppers and leafy greens, for strengthened immune system function. For positive energy and digestive function, consume fiber-rich whole grains, such as brown rice, wild rice, barley, whole wheat and air-popped popcorn. Lean protein sources include lean poultry, fish, low-fat dairy products and legumes.
Foods to Avoid
Since foods affect people with arthritis differently, taking note of, and avoiding, foods that seem to trigger or worsen your symptoms may prove helpful. Some people have reported fewer rheumatoid arthritis symptoms after switching from a diet high in added sugars and animal protein to a plant-based diet, according to the UMMC. Common sources of added sugars include regular soft drinks, candy, milk chocolate, frozen desserts, pancake syrup, jelly and commercially-prepared cakes, cookies, pies and pastries. Limit animal foods high in saturated fat, such as red, processed and fried meats, butter, margarine and deep-fried foods, which may worsen inflammation and leave less room in your diet for potentially helpful fare such as fish.
Dietary Supplements
If you have difficulty meeting your nutritional needs through food alone, your doctor may recommend dietary supplements. Potentially helpful supplements, according to the UMMC, include fish oil supplements for improved heart-health and reduced inflammation, vitamin E for reduced pain, and the B-vitamin folic acid, since the arthritis medication methotrexate may lead to folate, the natural form of folic acid, deficiency. Turmeric, available as a supplement and cooking spice, may help reduce pain and inflammation. Since supplements can pose side effects and interfere with medications, seek your doctor's pre-approval.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Rheumatoid Arthritis; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; Dec. 15, 2009
- MayoClinic.com; Healthy Breakfast: Quick, Flexible Options to Grab at Home; Nov. 20, 2009
- "Rheumatology"; Cod Liver Oil (n-3 Fatty Acids) as an Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug Sparing Agent in Rheumatoid Arthritis; B. Galarraga et al.; 2008
