If you are suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis, you probably have stiff joints, swelling and pain. This is caused by your immune system attacking your joints. You have probably heard that changing your diet may help ease some of your RA symptoms.
Many people who were studied have found that by eliminating certain foods from their diet, their symptoms have eased dramatically. This form of diet, or elimination diet, takes out certain items you are consuming and then gradually adding them back in to see which is causing the pain and inflammation to recur. Most foods that are eliminated are those with high percentages of saturated fats, such as bacon, steak, butter and cream. These high saturated fat foods increase the amount of inflammation chemicals called Prostaglandins. These prostaglandins have been known to cause pain, inflammation and joint destruction in people with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Other studies have shown that meat contains arachidonic acids. Arachidonic acids can change to inflammatory prostaglandins in the body. Some people who have changed to a vegetarian diet have found their RA symptoms have all but disappeared while others have no change at all. Another problematic fatty acid is Omega-6. Omega-6 is found in vegetable oils contains linoleic acid. A normal Americanized diet contains more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids that can be found in fish.
By removing the foods that contain prostaglandins, arachidonic acids and omega-6 fatty acids, and switching to a diet that includes more fish, nuts, flaxseed, flaxseed oil, and canola oil, you can reduce the amount of inflammation caused by Rheumatoid Arthritis. Even taking Omega-3 fatty acid supplements, many sufferers of RA have noticed a decrease in joint pain and inflammation.
Mediterranean diets have also been known to relieve symptoms associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis. A diet high in fruits, vegetables and Vitamin C, such as seen in Greece or Italy, may lower the risk of getting Rheumatoid Arthritis.
If you are currently on the medication Methotrexate for your symptoms of RA, adding Folic Acid or a folic acid supplement may ease your side effects of taking the medication. Selenium is another supplement that can be taken. Studies have shown that people who suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis have a lowered amount of selenium in their systems. Eating a 3.5 ounce can of tuna fish can give you your daily recommended allowance of selenium. Vitamin D and calcium are also needed supplements if you are taking Prednisone. Prednisone is linked to bone loss in RA sufferers, so getting your daily dose of calcium and Vitamin D are important. Ask your doctor how much calcium to need to add to your diet to counteract the bone lost to prednisone.
It has also been shown that people who drink alcohol and have lost weight have greatly lowered risks of acquiring Rheumatoid Arthritis. If you are currently taking Methotrexate, consult with your physician about drinking alcohol. It may lead to a higher risk of liver damage if you drink and take the medication both. Losing weight has also been shown to lower the symptoms of RA. This is because you are relieving the stress placed on your weight-bearing joints such as knees and hips.
Alexis has been living with Rheumatoid Arthritis for nearly 20 years, and she runs a website for Rheumatoid Arthritis diet information and how she finds Rheumatoid Arthritis relief. Her aim is to help other cope with the pain of the disease and live a normal life. To find out more, visit www.livingwithrheumatoid.com

