You may have heard claims that the right diet can provide relief from rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Unfortunately, studies show that diet alone is not the answer. But diet is still important to your health, and it can impact the way you live with RA.
How diet may affect RA
Just as RA affects you in a unique way, your diet may affect RA. Keep a journal to track your diet, and if you notice that your body is sensitive to certain foods or beverages, discuss it with your rheumatologist.
The suggestions below have been supported by the Arthritis Foundation and various studies, and their relationship to RA will continue to be explored. They are not meant to determine what your diet should be, nor are they a substitute for treatment. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet.
What you may want to add
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Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables may reduce inflammation. These include:
| apples |
brussels sprouts |
plums |
| beets |
cranberries |
red grapes |
| blueberries |
oranges |
spinach |
| broccoli |
peppers |
strawberries |
- Green tea is not only filled with antioxidants, it's being studied to determine how it may affect the onset and progression of RA
- Omega-3 fatty acids may have some anti-inflammatory effects. High levels of these can be found in eggs, canola and flaxseed oils, and cold-water fish, like salmon, mackerel, and herring
- Vitamin E levels may be low in people with RA. Good sources include kiwifruit, whole grains, collard greens, dark leafy lettuces (eg, Romaine, Boston, and bibb), and various types of nuts (eg, filberts, almonds, and sunflower seeds)
- Calcium is a nutrient that everyone needs, but people with RA may need it even more. Milk and other dairy products are great sources. And for the lactose intolerant, soy, tofu, bok choy, and fortified juices and cereals are good substitutes
- Proteins, which help maintain muscle strength and your immune system, can be found in beans, poultry, fish, and lean red meats (eg, ground sirloins, flank steak, and round tip sirloin)
You may also want to consider the following:
- The Arthritis Foundation recommends a diet low in saturated fats and calories, and rich in fruits, vegetables, and grains
- Saturated fats and vegetable oils can increase inflammation
- Different treatments can cause your body to use different nutrients (eg, calcium, vitamin B, and folic acid). Ask your rheumatologist about what you can eat or drink that may balance your body's needs
- Diet can impact other conditions or diseases (such as diabetes or heart disease), which, in turn, may impact RA
- Excess weight can put added stress on your joints
- Poor nutrition can contribute to fatigue
As research continues to examine the relationship between diet and RA, it's important for you to stay informed. Remember that proper, balanced nutrition is essential to your health. If you find a particular food or beverage to have a positive or negative effect, discuss it with your rheumatologist.
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