Nutrition

Dietary management of rheumatoid arthritis

Green-cabbage

In this new chapter, we will be discussing how we can manage rheumatoid arthritis with our diet.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease of the joints. Autoimmune means that the body’s disease fighting system attacks the person’s own body cells.

The main cause is unknown. Rogue molecules cause the cartilage to break down, and the result is throbbing, warm, stiff, and swollen joints. Over time, it even exceeds the joints and damage the bones.

Rheumatoid arthritis is more common in women and has several features that makes it different from other kinds of arthritis. For example, a person with rheumatoid arthritis may feel tired, have occasional fevers, and generally not feel well. And unlike osteoarthritis, pain and stiffness is worse in the morning while pain and swelling of osteoarthritis is worse in the evening.

Management is mostly pain medications and immunosuppressant but the role of diet cannot be over looked.

Foods to include

Anthocyanin rich foods such as; red grapes, cranberries, cherries and cabbage.

Copper rich foods such as; crab, mushroom, spinach, and beans.

Omega-3 fatty acid rich foods such as; salmon, flaxseed, anchovies, and sardines.

Vitamin E rich foods such as; almonds, avocado, red bell peppers, and peanut butter.

Foods to avoid

Red meat such as; beef, mutton, and chevon.

Gluten containing products such as; wheat.

Refined carbohydrates and processed foods such as; pastries, certain cereals, and white rice.

Lifestyle modification

Modifying our lifestyle from a predominantly sedentary lifestyle to incorporating exercises like going for walks, jogging, and riding bicycles, as well as avoiding late-night high-calorie meals, excessive alcohol intake, and cigarette smoking will serve to prolong our healthy life and prevent rheumatoid arthritis from being our burden.

In conclusion, rheumatoid arthritis can be difficult to cope with psychologically, due to its autoimmune nature. But let us always remain steadfast with the simple ways of managing it; a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory nutrients, alongside regular exercise and healthy lifestyle choices, will help manage symptoms and reduce the impact of rheumatoid arthritis.

The writer Dr Bernice Korkor Asare is the CEO of Holistic Health Consult

“Your diet your health, your health your wealth”

E-mail: holistichealthconsultgh@gmail.com

Nutrition

Benefits of Tamarind Juice

Tamarind seed

Tamarind juice is particularly abundant in vitamin C, which is important for a strong immune system, healthy skin and wound healing.

Additionally, tamarind provides significant amounts of B vitamins like thiamin, riboflavin and niacin, as well as essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and iron.

– Antioxidant properties

Tamarind contains potent antioxidants, such as polyphenols and flavonoids, which combat harmful free radicals in the body. This oxidative stress reduction can help prevent cell damage and lower the risk of chronic diseases, including cancer.

-Digestive health

Tamarind contains dietary fibre and natural laxatives that promote regular bowel movements, alleviate constipation and improve overall gastrointestinal health.”

– Heart health

Regular consumption of tamarind juice may have a positive impact on cardiovascular health. It can help lower cholesterol levels due to its high fibre content and antioxidants, reducing the risk of heart disease.

– Anti-inflammatory properties

Tamarind juice does a great job in curbing inflammation in the body. High in anti-inflammatory compounds such as polyphenols and bioflavonoids, this property makes it potentially beneficial for individuals suffering from conditions like arthritis or chronic inflammatory diseases.

– High magnesium content

Tamarind is rich in magnesium- 110 mg per 120 g of pulp. This simply concludes that drinking tamarind is a convenient way to meet your daily magnesium requirements. It plays an important role in the formation of bones, regulates heart rhythm, and contraction of muscles, and keeps blood sugar levels under check.

Source; Healthshots.com