Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto immune disease that is accompanied with pain, stiffness and tiredness. If suffering from this condition your food choice can either ease or worsen your symptoms.
It is very important to observe yourself after every meal in order to find out what type of food can trigger your discomforts. After that you need to avoid these kind of foods and introduce food that has beneficial effect on you.
Usually food that is rich in saturated fat, such as meat (especially bacon and steak), butter, cream etc, increases the level of prostaglandin in body and thus worsen the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Many people who suffer from this illness became vegetarians and by doing so eased their pain and stiffness.
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are known to have beneficial effect on rheumatoid arthritis. Omega-3 fatty acid are present in cold-water fish.
However, omega 6s that are present in vegetable oils such as corn oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, wheat germ oil and sesame oil showed negative impact on rheumatoid arthritis.
Polyunsaturated fats (omega 3s) found in cold-water fish, nuts, olive and flaxseed oil have anti-inflammatory properties and thus are beneficial on rheumatoid arthritis. Omega-3 fatty acids from oily fish and seafood are also rich in EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and can also ease the inflammation.
People who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis may have higher risk of heart disease and therefore it is even more important to consume food rich in omega 3s.
If having rheumatoid arthritis you diet should consists of salmon, tuna and trout at least few times per week. Walnuts, tofu, soybean products, flaxseed and flaxseed and canola oil are also excellent choice.
You can add omega-3 fatty acid supplements to your daily diet. After regular usage of such supplements, by this it is meant weeks or sometimes months of regular usage, you will experience improvement on your illness.
Another important food for easing symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis is food rich in vitamin C such as fruits and vegetables.
So called Mediterranean-type diet being full of fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes ( all these food contain phytonutrients) showed beneficial effect on rheumatoid arthritis disease. Antioxidants from such food especially vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium and carotenoids are soothing pain.
Plants that conatin bioflavonoids are good way to fight viruses. They have anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties. Therefore they should be added to your diet.
If your doctor prescribed methotrexate to you, you should increase intake of food that contains folic acid in order to avoid side effects of it.
Selenium eliminates free radicals from the body and help people who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore it is advisable to eat tuna on regular basis.
Calcium and vitamin D are important supplements for you if you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis.
If you are taking medicines for rheumatoid arthritis, consult with your physician about whether you are allowed to drink alcohol or not.
Losing weight will also ease pain and stiffness in your joints.
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