Rheumatoid Arthritis is an ongoing condition where your immune system attacks your joints and sometimes other organs. This causes pain, stiffness and swelling in the affected joints. There is also no known cure for RA. However, if you or someone you know has Rheumatoid Arthritis, you may have heard that some elements of your diet can help.
Many people who were studied have found that by eliminating certain foods from their diet, their symptoms have eased dramatically. This form of diet, or elimination diet, takes out certain items you are consuming and then gradually adding them back in to see which is causing the pain and inflammation to recur. Most foods that are eliminated are those with high percentages of saturated fats, such as bacon, steak, butter and cream. These high saturated fat foods increase the amount of inflammation chemicals called Prostaglandins. These prostaglandins have been known to cause pain, inflammation and joint destruction in people with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Other studies have shown that meat contains arachidonic acids. Arachidonic acids can change to inflammatory prostaglandins in the body. Some people who have changed to a vegetarian diet have found their RA symptoms have all but disappeared while others have no change at all. Another problematic fatty acid is Omega-6. Omega-6 is found in vegetable oils contains linoleic acid. A normal Americanized diet contains more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids that can be found in fish.
By removing the foods that contain prostaglandins, arachidonic acids and omega-6 fatty acids, and switching to a diet that includes more fish, nuts, flaxseed, flaxseed oil, and canola oil, you can reduce the amount of inflammation caused by Rheumatoid Arthritis. Even taking Omega-3 fatty acid supplements, many sufferers of RA have noticed a decrease in joint pain and inflammation.
Mediterranean diets have also been known to relieve symptoms associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis. A diet high in fruits, vegetables and Vitamin C, such as seen in Greece or Italy, may lower the risk of getting Rheumatoid Arthritis.
If you are presently taking Methotrexate, eating a diet or taking a supplement with folic acid may ease some of the side effects of the medication. Another supplement that you may consider taking is Selenium. Selenium has been found to be lowered in people who suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis. By eating a 3.5 ounce can of tuna fish, you can give you your full day's requirement of Selenium. Calcium and Vitamin D are also important parts of your RA diet, especially if you take prednisone. Prednisone has been linked to bone loss, so check with your doctor to see how much Vitamin D and calcium you need to take in to counter act losing more bone.
Drinking alcohol in moderation and losing weight has also been linked to lowering your chances of getting Rheumatoid Arthritis. If you are taking Methotrexate however, consult with your physician about drinking alcohol and the effects of liver damage from the methotrexate. Weight loss has also been known to help your RA symptoms. By reducing the stress you put on your weight-bearing joints and heart, you can alleviate many of the symptoms.
Many people who were studied have found that by eliminating certain foods from their diet, their symptoms have eased dramatically. This form of diet, or elimination diet, takes out certain items you are consuming and then gradually adding them back in to see which is causing the pain and inflammation to recur. Most foods that are eliminated are those with high percentages of saturated fats, such as bacon, steak, butter and cream. These high saturated fat foods increase the amount of inflammation chemicals called Prostaglandins. These prostaglandins have been known to cause pain, inflammation and joint destruction in people with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Other studies have shown that meat contains arachidonic acids. Arachidonic acids can change to inflammatory prostaglandins in the body. Some people who have changed to a vegetarian diet have found their RA symptoms have all but disappeared while others have no change at all. Another problematic fatty acid is Omega-6. Omega-6 is found in vegetable oils contains linoleic acid. A normal Americanized diet contains more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids that can be found in fish.
By removing the foods that contain prostaglandins, arachidonic acids and omega-6 fatty acids, and switching to a diet that includes more fish, nuts, flaxseed, flaxseed oil, and canola oil, you can reduce the amount of inflammation caused by Rheumatoid Arthritis. Even taking Omega-3 fatty acid supplements, many sufferers of RA have noticed a decrease in joint pain and inflammation.
Mediterranean diets have also been known to relieve symptoms associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis. A diet high in fruits, vegetables and Vitamin C, such as seen in Greece or Italy, may lower the risk of getting Rheumatoid Arthritis.
If you are presently taking Methotrexate, eating a diet or taking a supplement with folic acid may ease some of the side effects of the medication. Another supplement that you may consider taking is Selenium. Selenium has been found to be lowered in people who suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis. By eating a 3.5 ounce can of tuna fish, you can give you your full day's requirement of Selenium. Calcium and Vitamin D are also important parts of your RA diet, especially if you take prednisone. Prednisone has been linked to bone loss, so check with your doctor to see how much Vitamin D and calcium you need to take in to counter act losing more bone.
Drinking alcohol in moderation and losing weight has also been linked to lowering your chances of getting Rheumatoid Arthritis. If you are taking Methotrexate however, consult with your physician about drinking alcohol and the effects of liver damage from the methotrexate. Weight loss has also been known to help your RA symptoms. By reducing the stress you put on your weight-bearing joints and heart, you can alleviate many of the symptoms.
About the Author:
Alexis has been a victim of Rheumatoid Arthritis for almost 20 years and runs an informational site providing Rheumatoid Arthritis diet information and how she finds Rheumatoid Arthritis relief. Her aim is to help other cope with the pain of the disease and live a normal life. To find out more, visit www.livingwithrheumatoid.com
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