People suffering from rheumatoid arthritis experience joint swelling and pain throughout their lives. This medical condition is chronic and a cure has not yet been found. Doctors currently prescribe rest balanced with exercise, anti-inflammatory or stronger medications, or surgery. Studies have shown that diet can affect rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. For patients experiencing particularly uncomfortable inflammation, an anti-inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis diet plan may provide relief.
Certain foods are believed to trigger symptoms like inflammation and removing them from the diet can lessen these. One study recently conducted revealed that between 30 and 40 percent of people suffering from this condition could benefit from excluding triggering foods from their daily diet. Triggers vary by patient but studies reveal that certain food ingredients can trigger inflammation within the body.
Hamburger like this contains loads of saturated fat that do more harm than good.
Saturated fats are thought to increase prostaglandins, which are chemicals that cause joint inflammation. Butter, cream, steak, bacon, and certain other animal products are high in saturated fats. In meats, the level of arachidonic acid is also high, which can also lead to inflammation because this acid is converted to prostaglandins. Changing to a vegetarian or vegan diet can reduce inflammation and associated pain and stiffness in joints. Other people find a fruit, vegetable, and omega-3 fatty fish-laden Mediterranean diet to be beneficial.
Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats found in nuts, tofu, soybean products, and cold-water fish like trout, tuna, and salmon. These are thought to have an anti-inflammatory affect, with DPA and DHA ingredients being the substances believed to decrease the inflammation. Studies have revealed that omega-3 fatty acids have an anti-inflammatory quality with rheumatoid arthritis and heart disease. Increased DHA consumption has been shown to decrease levels of C-reactive protein, reducing inflammation.
Diet rich in omega 3 fatty acid may decrease inflammation in RA patients.
Omega-6 fatty acids, on the other hand, can contribute to inflammation, so they should be avoided. These fatty acids are present in vegetable oils containing linoleic acid, which include corn, sunflower, and sesame oil. Western diets are reportedly higher in omega-6 than omega-3 fatty acids. Consuming omega-6 fatty acids in excess can contribute to inflammation.
Creating an anti-inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis diet and sticking to it can reduce at least one painful symptom experienced by rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. Reducing or eliminating saturated fats and omega-6 fatty acids, and increasing omega-3 fatty acids can significantly reduce joint inflammation. Becoming a vegan or vegetarian or adhering to a Mediterranean diet may also reduce the inflammatory symptoms to a relatively painless level, providing some relief.
