Eat These 9 Foods For Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation (redness, swelling, and pain) in the joints. RA is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the patient’s body. There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, and the treatment provided aims at giving symptomatic relief to the patient. 

Just like medicines, a diet cannot cure RA. However, the goodness of the nutrients present in certain foods can help relieve the patient's inflammation. Especially a Mediterranean diet. So, what foods are good for patients with Rheumatoid arthritis? Let’s see.

9 Best Foods For Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

1. Fish 

Fishes like salmon, mackerel, tuna anchovies, sardines, and herring have omega-3 fatty acids present in them. Omega 3 fatty acids help in reducing inflammation. Baking or grilling the fish is the best way to cook it. Adding these fatty fish two or more times to the weekly diet can help with RA conditions. 

2. Olive Oil

One of the best oils to use in cooking is olive oil. It is good not only for patients with RA but also for patients having heart conditions. Olive oil contains oleocanthal which helps in reducing inflammation by inhibiting the production of chemicals that lead to inflammation. Hence, using olive oil can help alleviate pain and improve function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. 

3. Turmeric

A popular kitchen ingredient we all have; turmeric is truly magical. This spice has curcumin in it. Curcumin is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and is good for treating swelling as well. So, add this spice to your foods, have turmeric tea, or mix it in milk to get the utmost benefits from it, especially if you have rheumatoid arthritis. 

4. Beans

Packed with a richness of fiber, folic acid, magnesium, zinc, iron, and proteins, beans are a blessing in disguise for people with rheumatoid arthritis. Apart from these nutrients, beans also hold anti-inflammatory properties and are packed with antioxidants as well. Patients with RA can add chickpeas and black or red beans to their daily diet to get the best from it.

5. Berries

Berries like blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries contain antioxidants like ellagic acid and proanthocyanidins, which are beneficial for RA patients as they fight inflammation and cell damage. 

6. Ginger 

This ingredient needs no introduction; from colds and flu to inflammation, ginger helps relieve them all. The compounds present in ginger function the same way as ibuprofen or aspirin and work well in alleviating pain in RA patients. You can add ginger to flavor your foods and teas or take ginger supplements. 
 

7. Green Tea 

Popularly known for helping with weight loss, green tea is so much more than that. The polyphenols present in green tea may help in reducing inflammation and slow down the process of cartilage destruction. So, patients having RA can add green tea to their diets as it also contains epigallocatechin-3 (EGCG), which helps in inhibiting the process of production of the molecules that cause joint damage in patients having rheumatoid arthritis.

8. Nuts 

Nuts like pistachios, walnuts, hazelnuts, and almonds are extremely good for patients having rheumatoid arthritis. This is because nuts are high in omega 3-fatty acids. 

9. Broccoli 

Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that has various health benefits. In a study, it was found that consuming broccoli can reduce the levels of inflammatory markers in the blood. People with RA should add this vegetable to their diets to get maximum benefits from it. 

Conclusion 

Rheumatoid arthritis is incurable. However, with the right treatment for RA and rheumatoid arthritis diet, the symptoms can be managed, and the pain associated with the condition can be alleviated. Where there are foods that can cause an improvement in the patient’s symptoms, there are foods that can worsen RA. These foods include the following, red meat, fried foods, fast foods, dairy, processed foods, salt, and sugar. 

If you are a patient having RA, then you can add the above-mentioned 9 foods to your diet to see an improvement in your condition. You can also get a rheumatoid arthritis diet chart specifically prescribed for yourself depending on the severity of your condition and overall health.