Rheumatoid Arthritis Diet Menu and Recommendations

Rheumatoid Arthritis


In medical field Rheumatoid Arthritis is commonly known as RA. Its a chronic inflammatory disorder that usually affects small joints of hands and feet. Around 200,000 to 3 Million cases of Rheumatoid Arthritis are reported in US every year. Its a medically manageable disorder of human body and treatment can help in recovering from this condition. Rheumatoid Arthritis is a immune system disorder in which our immune system starts to damage tissues of our own body including joints and internal organs.

When Rheumatoid Arthritis affects the joint linings, it causes painful swelling on the skin. If its not treated timely then it can cause bone erosion and joint deformity. Apart from medications and therapies our diet and some exercises can also help in treating this condition.

There are a number of nutrients present in our food items which can help in curing any disease. Usually we ignore this factor. But taking care of our diet can help you in using less medication. It not only saves your expenses on medicines but also gives you a natural way to cure Rheumatoid Arthritis. Most of the experts agree with the fact that most of the supplements should be used in natural form in the form of your diet, rather than taking them in the form of medication.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Diet


There is no accurate cure for Rheumatoid Arthritis but some foods can help you in treating some symptoms. We would suggest you to consult your doctor before practicing the food habits given here.

According to US Food and Drug Administration, the major part of diet (around two third) should be fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Remaining part of diet should include low-fat or fat-free dairy products and some protein products. Fiber in fruits and vegetables can reduce inflammation. Fiber diet reduce the CRP (C-Reative Protein) in our blood. Higher level of CRP in blood means inflammation. Strawberries are considered best for this effect. Antioxidants present in fresh colourful fruits and vegetables help in getting relief from inflammation.

According to Ruth Frechman of American Dietetic Association, Omega-3 fatty acid in fish oil is one of the best anti inflammatory food. Following fish varieties are considered best for omega-3:
  • Herring
  • Mackerel
  • Trout
  • Salmon
  • Tuna
If you don't want to eat fish and just want to use fish oil then consult your doctor about its dosage as fish oil may interfere with some other drugs.

Extra-virgin Olive Oil contains Oleocanthal which blocks the enzymes that causes inflammation. So you should use extra virgin olive oil as an alternative to cooking oil and butter. It takes 3 to 4 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil to equal the effect of 200mg Ibuprofen tablet as an anti inflammatory medicine.

Low level of Selenium (a mineral) is found in people suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis. Increasing the level of Selenium can control inflammation. This Mineral is found in whole-grain wheat products and some shellfishs like oysters and crab. But selenium can put you to the risk of diabetes, so consult your doctor before adding selenium to your diet.

Exercises for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Read More

Inflammation causing Foods to be avoided


Just like some foods decrease inflammation, some foods can increase it too. So make it sure that you don't eat such foods. Some of such foods which can cause inflammation are:

  • Hamburgers
  • Grilled or Fried Meat
  • Omega-6 fatty Acid : Its found in oil of Corn, Sunflower, soyabean and cottonseed.

You can plan a diet to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis taking into consideration all the facts listed here. Before planning your Menu consult your doctor so that your diet don't interfere with any other medical condition.

Some websites provide complete Diet Menu for a week , but can't suit everybody as everyone have his own taste and own medical conditions. So one diet plan might not be suitable for others. So its its better to make your diet menu yourself with the help of your doctor.

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