Raynaud's disease, sometimes called Rayanud's phenomenon, is a relatively common vascular condition among Americans. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute states that about 5 percent of people in the United States have this condition. In most cases, conservative care strategies can help manage your Raynaud's disease-related symptoms. Before using diet and nutrition to help treat your Raynaud's disease, meet with your family physician to review all relevant diet-related topics.
Raynaud's Disease
Raynaud's disease is significantly more common in women than in men. According to the Vascular Disease Foundation, about 80 percent of people with Raynaud's disease are women. Raynaud's disease is characterized by short bouts of blood vessel narrowing that limit the amount of blood flowing to your extremities. Most people with this condition experience finger-related symptoms, such as numbness and pain, although you may also feel symptoms in your toes, nose, ears, nipples and lips.
Helpful Dietary Practices
Several dietary practices may be helpful in treating your Raynaud's disease. In her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch states that eating a diet of 50 percent raw foods may be particularly helpful. Consider avoiding both fatty and fried foods as well as foods and beverages that contain caffeine. Increase your consumption of evening primrose oil and foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as mackerel, lake trout, herring and salmon.
Featured Food
Salmon may be one of the most effective foods in treating your Raynaud's disease. Salmon contains a significant amount of omega-3 fatty acids, which may help decrease symptoms in people who have primary Raynaud's, or Raynaud's that is not caused by other ailments, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Salmon contains numerous other important nutrients, including vitamins B-3, B-6 and B-12, selenium, phosphorus and magnesium. Salmon is also an excellent source of dietary protein.
Considerations
Raynaud's disease, though not a life-threatening health problem, should be managed by a licensed health care professional. If your doctor diagnoses you with this condition, ask her about the merits, drawbacks and limitations of natural therapies such as diet and nutrition in treating this health problem. The use of diet and nutrition does not guarantee a favorable health outcome. More scientific research evidence may be needed to evaluate the true health effects of foods historically used in treating this condition.
References
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: Raynaud's Phenomenon
- Vascular Disease Foundation: Raynaud's Disease
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Raynaud's Phenomenon
