Rheumatoid Arthritis Diet
An arthritis diet can often be as helpful as medications when it comes to fighting joint disease. Gout, an arthritic condition, is highly treatable through adjustments in one’s eating habits. As with just about any condition, even just day-to-day life, what a person eat matters. People can get more valuable energy from certain foods compared to others. There are plenty of options out there, especially those specifically for joint disease. Don’t fall for any “arthritis-curing miracle diet.” There are many fakes and frauds out there. Before wasting money, a person should ask a doctor about the food plan. The important thing is to make sure a person is following a rheumatoid arthritis diet that is healthy and approved by a doctor. Some people believe that certain foods are allergens, which can trigger rheumatoid arthritis. So by avoiding particular foods, a person can see a decrease in arthritic symptoms. Of course, since not all people have the same food allergies, there is no particular food to stay away from. Instead, there are foods that are not recommended as part of an joint disease diet. These include chocolate, additives, red meat, sugar, particular vegetables, salt, caffeine and certain dairy products. If it seems a particular food is setting off someone’s joint disease, that food should be eliminated from the food plan and joint disease symptoms should be monitored. If symptoms decrease, there may be evidence of an allergic reaction to that food, triggering the joint pain. Just be sure not to completely abandon a whole food group. A person’s food choice still needs to be balanced, even if vitamin supplements are needed.
There are foods out there that naturally reduce joint disease symptoms. These should definitely be included in moderation as part of a rheumatoid arthritis diet. Studies have shown that fish oils, oranges, and plant oils can actually reduce joint inflammation from joint pain. The oils decrease joint tenderness and fatigue as well. Some dietitians recommend organically grown fruits and vegetables. Cold water fish like tuna and salmon could help ease rheumatoid arthritis as well with their omega 3 fatty acids. Don’t confuse these with omega 6 fatty acids, which should be avoided in food choices. Vitamin D may help the symptoms of joint disease. One can get plenty of this from sunflower seeds, eggs and shrimp. Also, taking vitamins each day helps not only with overall health, but with joint disease as well.
The best arthritis diet or rheumatoid arthritis diet is the same one that most health professionals recommended for everyone – a balanced food plan. Whether a person has joint disease or not, he can probably benefit from a specialized diet. This special plan recommends that a person stay away from too much sodium and too much sugar. Also, alcohol should be avoided on the special food plan, not just because it depletes the vitamin and mineral intake, but also because alcohol could interact with an arthritic medication. Make sure to get plenty of starch and fiber for energy. In addition, stay away from saturated fat, cholesterol and fat found in many tempting foods. If a person has to get fast food, stick with the salad and no french fries. Fatty foods will only increase weight gain. Overall, the arthritis diet is a careful balance of the four basic food groups along with exercise. Keeping ones self at a healthy weight will help relieve the weight on joints. The heavier one is, the more weight is put on joints and the more painful joint disease becomes.
Because it is so important what people eat as they age and develop certain diseases and conditions, one may want to consider seeking professional advice. Talk to a doctor about getting on a healthy arthritis diet. She may be able to recommend a particular plan to follow or a book as a guide for new menus. Plus, a doctor will need to know if there is a change in the food plan so she can monitor any changes in health and weight. She may advise her patient to work with a nutritionist or registered dietitian. A nutritionist can look at a person’s painful condition, current health and lifestyle and help to develop the best rheumatoid arthritis diet for that person. Like the doctor, they will monitor the patient’s weight and progress as they change the food plan . They can help a person to count calories and track carbs. They may even provide some recommended meals and recipes.
Remember that joint disease symptoms can change from day to day. A person may want to associate particular pains to a particular food, but that really can be done unless symptoms have been monitored for at least a week without that food. There is still research and studies being conducted on the connections between diet and arthritis. There is always new and often conflicting information coming out. The best source for the patient and his rheumatoid arthritis diet is the doctor. Because joint disease is different for different people, the approach to treatment will most likely be different. It may take a combination of medications and this special food plan to overcome much of the day-to-day pain. Seek support through prayer and family. God will help a person overcome the joint disease . “I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.” (Proverbs 8:17)