Rheumatoid Arthritis – Foods to Eat and Avoid

Rheumatoid Arthritis – Foods to Eat and Avoid

Arthritis is a condition of joint pain with restricted movements, accompanied by swelling, pain, and stiffness of the joints. Simultaneously, it causes a limited range of motion, causing difficulty in performing daily tasks.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition where the immune system attacks the joints and surrounding tissues. The condition loosens the tendons and ligaments, and it also attacks the joints, damaging the cartilage, leading to bone erosion and loss of movement or function.

This condition is a progressive disease, where managing the condition involves treating the symptoms and slowing down the progress. However, this disease is not treatable. But there are several foods to eat and avoid for rheumatoid arthritis to form in the first place.

Diet plan to keep rheumatoid arthritis at bay
Here are foods one should consume to avoid rheumatoid arthritis:

  • Omega-3 fatty acids
    Healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids lower inflammation by a significant margin. They also reduce the formation of bad cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood that cause heart disease. A Mediterranean diet is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon, herring, and sardines are exclusive types of fishes rich in this substance.
  • Beans
    Beans are rich sources of fiber that lowers the levels of C-reactive proteins that cause inflammation. They also strengthen the muscles surrounding the joints. Include red kidney and pinto beans that contain folic acid, magnesium, iron, potassium, and zinc that boost the heart function and the immune system.
  • Broccoli
    Combine this vegetable with green leafy veggies like spinach, sprouts, kale, and Swiss chard that are rich sources of Vitamin A, C, and K. They also have high doses of calcium to keep the bones strong.
  • Nuts
    Dry fruits like walnuts and soybeans are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids that fight inflammation and find an important place in the foods to eat and avoid for rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Ginger
    It’s an anti-inflammatory food item that is known to reduce the formation of this painful condition to a considerable extent.
  • Olive oil
    Olive oil has natural chemicals that stop the formation of inflammation. Extra-virgin olive oil has the highest content of these natural compounds that are highly nutritious.
  • Turmeric
    It’s a top preference among the foods to eat and avoid for rheumatoid arthritis. It contains curcumin that is an anti-inflammatory compound that prevents swelling and pain.
  • Whole grains
    Whole grains fight the formation of CRP levels and have antioxidant properties that lower the levels of selenium in the blood. It’s an excellent source to manage appetite and significantly reduce the pressure on the joints.

Foods to avoid to prevent rheumatoid arthritis:

  • Red meat and dairy products
    They are high in saturated fats that promote inflammation in fat tissues that attack the joints.
  • Fried foods, fast food, and other processed foods
    A high content of trans fat triggers inflammation and raises bad cholesterol while lowering the good ones.
  • Salt and sugar
    Salt can cause the inflammation to persist while sugar releases chemicals called cytokines that fuel the inflammation process.
  • Fried and grilled foods
    These foods, including meat that is cooked in high temperatures, raise the level of advanced glycation in the blood. This causes a significant increase in inflammation and worsening of the joints pain.