How to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Ideal Diet For Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a
chronic progressive inflammatory disease that involves the most commonly
affected joints (arms and legs). It causes pain, stiffness, swelling, and
limitation of movement and joint function. Typically, this disease appears in
old age, although it may appear any time after the thirtieth year of life.
Women are at greater risk of this disease than men. More people dealing with
arthritis start with alternative treatments, including implementing a diet for
rheumatoid arthritis.
If you suffer from this
disease you should know that they are foods that reduce inflammation that can
help you reduce pain and improve joint function. Studies have shown that the
optimal diet for this disease includes large amounts of fruit, vegetables, whole
grain foods, and dietary fibers. Reducing or eliminating the intake of products
of animal origin, refined carbohydrates, saturated fats, and tobacco can help
you reduce the symptoms of this disease.
Best Diet To Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis
Here is a list of foods that
are recommended as the ideal diet for rheumatoid arthritis:
1. Consume Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Many anti-inflammatory foods
are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Therefore, regularly consume fish such as
mackerel, herring, salmon or tuna. If fish is not your favorite food, try to
eat more nuts, such as walnuts or almonds. In addition, you can add flax seed
in breakfast cereals or in your homemade pastries. Chia seed is also rich in
omega 3 fatty acids.
2. Include More Foods Rich In Antioxidants In Your Diet
Antioxidants that destroy free
radicals can help you in the process of reducing inflammation in your entire
body. Studies have shown that diets rich in antioxidants can help you relieve
pain and joint inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. Important antioxidants are
vitamins A, C, and E, as well as selenium, zinc and copper minerals. To intake
the recommended amounts of antioxidants through your diet, it is recommended
that you eat more fresh vegetables and fruits, nuts and to drink green tea more
often.
3. Eat Foods Rich In Dietary Fiber
Studies have shown that foods
rich in dietary fiber can help you eliminate the amount of C reactive protein
(CRP) in the blood. CRP is a point that indicates inflammation in your body.
Therefore, try to include these foods in your diet: whole grain foods; fruit especially
berries, pears, melon and oranges; peas, beans, and pulses; nuts and seeds.
4. Include Flavonoids In Your Diet
Flavonoids are nutrients that
are found in foods of plant origin. They can help you reduce inflammation and
joint pain in rheumatoid arthritis. Foods that are rich in flavonoids are
forest fruits, grapes, broccoli, and soybeans. Cocoa is also rich in
flavonoids, so it is recommended that you enjoy a cup of hot cocoa daily. You
can also consume dark chocolate, which contains a high percentage of cocoa and
a small amount of sugar.
5. Spice Up Your Meals
Certain spices can help you
deal with rheumatoid arthritis. Spice up your meals with turmeric and ginger,
which have anti-inflammatory characteristics. Capsaicin found in hot chili
peppers can also help you reduce inflammation and effectively reduce pain.