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 Dawada

Dawadawa has a lot of nutritional benefits

The African Locust bean, commonly referred to as “Dawadawa” by Ghanaians is a local seasoning used in soups and stews. It is rich in diverse nutrients and has great health benefits to Africans who consume it.

-Good vision

Due to the natural ingredients and nutrients found in the African locust bean, it makes it therefore one of the best treatments of bad vision and eye issues such as Myopia, Cataract and even minus eyes.

-It can treat stroke

Stroke is caused when the blood supply to the brain is suddenly obstructed by any substance which is fatal and dangerous to the health of individuals.

Research shows that consuming a good amount of African locust beans will definitely help you against such sickness.

-Reduces cholesterol

Cholesterol can cause blockage within the blood vessels thereby reducing the flow of blood to the heart which will definitely lead to heart issues. Eating locust beans can help your body burn the amount of cholesterol found in our bodies.

-Treat Diarrhoea

Due to the amount of tannin found in the African locust beans, it can cure diarrhoea, which is a gastrointestinal disorder with the symptoms of frequent watery bowel movements. Consuming African locust beans will help relieve you of diarrhoea

-Treat hypertension

Hypertension also referred to as high blood pressure is a long-term medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently increasing above the normal level. Therefore consuming a good amount of African Locust beans will help people with hypertension.

-Helps control blood sugar level

The human body requires sugar to produce enough energy but it should be stable otherwise if unstable, it will cause diabetes. Therefore consuming African locust beans will help you control blood sugar level.

-Improve digestion

Eating a good amount of African locust beans can improve digestion. Good digestion will give you a healthy body as the excretion process in the body will be facilitated which will prevent constipation.

-Healthy weight

Underweight is not healthy and vice-versa. It is not easy to have normal weight or for the underweight to gain weight. Eating African locust bean will help you gain weight in a natural way.

-Heal Wounds

As mentioned above it can be used to treat ulcer wounds internally as well as external wounds. The leaves when pounded can be applied on wounds and the beans can be put on the wound to heal the wounds.

-Reduce Fever

Consuming a good amount of African locust beans can reduce fever. It was traditionally used to reduce high fever which is still practiced in some rural African communities and also send away evil spirits because of its unpleasant smell.

African locust beans is one of the best gift of God to Africans but sadly, only a few see this, it consist of many vital nutrients which are cherished by the body. Therefore regular consumption of healthy African locust beans will give you good health

Source: https://gh.opera.news