Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune disease that targets the joint lining called the synovial membrane. Onset of symptoms may strike between the ages of 30 and 50. With other chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, diet plays a vital role in managing disease; however, there is little evidence confirming the benefits of specific diets for rheumatoid arthritis, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Effects of Rheumatoid Arthritis
It is not known what causes rheumatoid arthritis, but hormones, smoking, genetics and environmental exposures may have a role. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause major destruction to the joints, and the inflammation can spread to other organs, such as the heart, eyes and lungs. Risk for heart disease and cancer increases as well. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include swelling, fatigue, joint pain, loss of appetite and fever. More women than men are affected by the disease.
Foods That Further Joint Inflammation
The enzymes that are major causes of joint inflammation are exacerbated when you eat foods that have more omega-6 than omega-3 fatty acids. Foods with omega-6 fatty acids are mostly prevalent in snack and fried foods made with corn, sunflower, safflower, soybean and cottonseed oils. Egg yolks and meat have omega-6 fatty acids as well. Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids are herring, mackerel, salmon and tuna. Obesity is connected to arthritis, and a diet high in snacks and fried foods can cause weight gain. Extra weight aggravates knees, hips and other weight-bearing joints, causing pain.
Ideal Eating Habits
Dietary interventions can help you manage pain and reduce stiffness caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Plant-based foods contain antioxidants and phytochemicals, which may decrease the activity of enzymes and lessen joint inflammation. Eat more vegetarian or vegan meals, including nuts, to decrease saturated fat by avoiding meat and increase fiber in your diet. Tea and chocolate are good sources of phytochemicals that you should consume regularly. The Mediterranean diet includes most of the food groups and reduces the likelihood of you having a nutritional deficiency from eating a mostly plant-based diet. It includes fruits, vegetables, cereals, legumes, fish and olive oil and is low in red meats. Eliminating certain foods from your diet will help you know which foods trigger joint inflammation, but make sure your diet includes a variety of foods for good nutrition. (see reference 3)
Nutritional Supplements
Research is ongoing about the effects of dietary interventions and herbal and dietary supplements on rheumatoid arthritis. Preliminary evidence from the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine shows that fish oil, gamma-linolenic acid, the herb thunder god vine, tumeric, ginger and green tea is encouraging in relieving tender joints and morning stiffness. However, high dosages of a supplement can cause harm in the body. For example, fish oil may interact with certain medicines, including blood thinners and drugs used for high blood pressure. Always talk to your physician before using herbal treatments to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
