Rheumatoid arthritis results from an improper immune response that attacks the lining of the joints. The exact cause remains unclear, but theories include a genetic predisposition triggered by environmental factors or hormonal issues. No official diet exists to treat RA, but certain links discovered between diet and autoimmune diseases suggest making certain changes might reduce symptoms. But you will find one purported diet's guidelines contradict another's -- this means you might have to experiment and see what works best for you. Talk to your doctor before making any significant changes to your diet or using supplements.
Food Allergies
"Arthritis Today" magazine reports that research has shown sensitivities to certain foods appear to be more prevalent in sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis. Negative reactions to these foods create processes that could worsen symptoms, such as triggering the production of inflammatory substances that lodge themselves in joints. Researchers in Norway found the intestinal fluids of RA sufferers contained larger amounts of antibodies -- substances the body produces to fend off a perceived harmful substance -- to cow's milk, eggs, cereal and codfish. Of course, these results were observed in a test tube and not an actual person, but it suggests that what you eat could influence your symptoms.
The University of Maryland Medical Center also notes that food allergies might play a role in worsening RA. If you suspect you have food allergies, try an elimination diet, which involves removing a food or group of foods from your diet for a certain amount of time and adding it back in to see if it makes any difference. To make sure you do it properly, work with a doctor or dietitian for guidance. The most common food allergies include wheat, dairy, fish, soy, fish, shellfish, eggs and peanuts.
Allergy expert Dr. Jonathan Brostoff recommends trying the Stone Age Diet for a month to determine if your inflammation worsens as a result of consuming common food allergens. This diet is named as such because it represents what our earliest human ancestors thrived on. He recommends eating only meat, fish, fruits and vegetables. He says research has shown this diet reduced morning stiffness and pain as well as inflammation markers in the blood.
Experimenting With a Vegan Diet
UMMC states that there have been reports of RA sufferers claiming an improvement in symptoms after switching to a vegan diet -- one completely devoid of any animal foods. The primary components of the diet include fruits, vegetables, nuts, roots, seeds, sprouts and berries. These reported benefits have only been anecdotal, meaning this diet was not tested in any sort of trial or study.
Decreasing Inflammation
Inflammation is a key component of RA and other autoimmune disorders, and some foods contain components that trigger this process while others have components that reduce the inflammatory response. Inflammation-causing foods include simple carbohydrates that break down quickly such as refined flour breads, pastas, rice, soda, candy and other sugar-rich foods. Fats that trigger inflammation include trans fats, so avoid any packaged product that lists hydrogenated oils. You will also typically find them in many commercially prepared baked goods, fast foods and fried foods. Polyunsaturated fats such as sunflower oil, safflower oil and mixed vegetable oils can also cause inflammation when eaten in excess. Cook with olive oil or canola oil instead.
Anti-inflammatory foods include antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables; monounsaturated fats found in olive and canola oils, nuts, seeds and avocados; and omega-3 fatty acids found in flaxseed, hemp seed and fatty fish like salmon and tuna.
Considerations for Heart Disease and Diabetes
If you suffer from RA, you have an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis. Many of the aforementioned dietary suggestions will help reduce your risk of these conditions as well, such as reducing your intake of refined carbohydrates and sugar and eating fewer bad fats. As for osteoporosis, eat plenty of calcium-rich foods, but if you have found dairy problematic, look for beverages and foods fortified with calcium and eat a lot of plant sources such as leafy greens.
