What's a Good Diet for Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Diet for rheumatoid arthritis is an important consideration for arthritis suffers, as poor nutrition has been linked to a greater susceptibility to the disease. Also, arthritis patients who are overweight will suffer worse due to their joints having to bare a heavier load. Generally the diet recommended for arthritis patients is similar to that suggested for overall health and well-being – a balance of complex carbohydrates, lean protein and good fats such as those found it seeds, nuts and fish.
Many arthritis patients also suffer from vitamin and or mineral deficiencies and a blood test should be performed routinely to check for this. In particular, calcium, magnesium and folic acid are critical micronutrients which should be incorporated into the arthritis diet, preferably through natural sources or failing that via a supplement tablet.
Patients needing to lose weight should restrict their calorie intake appropriately while still maintaining nutritional balance and ensuring they are taking in plenty of fiber-rich foods such as whole grains (wholemeal bread and rice etc) and vegetables like leafy greens, carrots, sweet potatoes etc. A diet high in fruits and vegetables is an excellent start to a diet for rheumatoid arthritis.
In some patients, arthritis is related to allergy to certain foodstuffs. Some arthritis patients benefit from practicing “exclusion” – by eliminating one or more problematic components from their diet, they can gain relief from their condition. Common foods that are associated with arthritis include dairy, red meat, certain vegetables and preservatives or food additives.
If you think a food allergy may be worsening your arthritis, try an exclusion diet for a fortnight and see if it makes a difference for you. Many people find they are able to pinpoint the problem through this method.
Speak to a nutritionist for a more detailed analysis of your diet and a recommendation for a personal plan for your very own, unique, custom-tailored diet for rheumatoid arthritis.
