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