Foods to Avoid Rheumatism

Rheumatism, also called rheumatoid arthritis or RA, is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in the joints of your hands and feet. Common rheumatism symptoms include swelling, fatigue, crippling pain and joint stiffness. Adjusting your diet to include rheumatism friendly foods may help reduce joint inflammation and support your immune system.

Vegetables and Fruits

Vegetables and fruits are RA friendly foods that provide your body with antioxidants that promote healthy immune functions. They also contain vitamin A, vitamin C and B vitamins, which may help lessen your rheumatism symptoms, reports Eric Newman in "Rheumatoid Arthritis FAQs." Examples of vegetables and fruits with powerful nutrients for your condition include oranges, strawberries, spinach, collard greens, cherries, pineapples, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, kale, asparagus, prunes, cranberries, broccoli, mustard greens, cabbage, cantaloupe, eggplant, watermelon, green peppers, red peppers, Romaine lettuce and carrots.

Fish

According to researchers at John Hopkins Medical Center, consuming a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids helps reduce and prevent rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Omega-3 nutrients help decrease arthritis-associated inflammation in your body. Fish sources include salmon, tuna, lake trout, herring, halibut, snapper, mackerel and cod. Omega-3 fatty acids are also found in nuts, seeds, flaxseed oil and canola oil.

Whole Grains

Unlike refined grains, whole grains are not stripped of their nutritional content. In the publication "The Arthritis Sourcebook," author Earl J. Brewer states that consuming whole grain sources may reduce the effects of rheumatism as they contain amino acids that help reduce and prevent joint inflammation. Examples of whole grains include oats, spelt, bulgar, millet, wheat, rye, brown rice and wild rice.

Eggs

Foods with sulfur are beneficial to include in a rheumatism diet, according to Brewer. Sulfur is necessary for promoting the health of your connective tissue, joint membranes and bones. They also contain healthy amounts of protein, which aid in continuous joint and muscle repair. Vitamin B, a joint health nutrient, is found in eggs as well.