If you are suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis, you probably have stiff joints, swelling and pain. This is caused by your immune system attacking your joints. You have probably heard that changing your diet may help ease some of your RA symptoms.
Many studies have shown that by eliminating certain foods from your diet, you can dramatically reduce the symptoms caused by Rheumatoid Arthritis. Called an Elimination Diet, by removing certain foods from your plate, and gradually re-entering them into your diet, you can see which foods are accentuating the pain and stiffness you are feeling. Removing foods that are high in saturated fat are the most common foods to eliminate. These saturated fats are commonly found in bacon, steak, butter and cream. These foods increase the amount of inflammation chemicals called prostaglandins in your body. Prostaglandins have been shown to cause the pain and inflammation associated with RA. Studies have also shown that meats contain arachidonic acids, which can convert into inflammatory prostaglandins throughout your body. Many people who have switched to a vegetarian diet have shown dramatic decreases in their Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms however there are others who haven’t seen any differences at all. Omega-6 fatty acids, which are found in vegetable oils, contain linoleic acid. An average western diet consists of more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids which are found in cold-water fish.
By adding more omega-3s to your diet and removing the foods that are high in prostaglandins, linoleic acids and omega-6 fatty acids, you can diminish the amount of swelling and inflammation in your body. Taking an Omega-3 supplement can also help with your inflammation symptoms.
It has been known that people living in Greece and Italy have a lower risk of getting severe Rheumatoid Arthritis. By following their Mediterranean diet, which includes fruits, vegetables and Vitamin C, you can also relieve your symptoms dramatically.
People who take Methotrexate have found that adding folic acid to their diets eased many of the side effects from taking the medication. Another supplement that has been found to help is Selenium. Because people with Rheumatoid Arthritis have a lower amount of selenium in their systems, eating a can of tuna fish a day can put those levels back to normal. Also, if you are currently taking Prednisone, you know that there is a side effect of losing bone. Taking a calcium or Vitamin D supplement can resolve this problem as well. Talk to your doctor to find out how much you need to take to counteract the bone loss.
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.
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 desire is to help others deal with the pain of this horrible disease and to live a normal life. To find out more, visit www.livingwithrheumatoid.com
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