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Dietary Help for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Patients suffering from joint pain, inflammation and fatigue from rheumatoid arthritis may wonder if a special diet can help reduce their symptoms. Dr. April Chang-Miller, a consultant in the Division of Rheumatology and Internal Medicine at Mayo Clinic in Arizona, says there is no definitive evidence, and more research is needed regarding a specific diet affecting rheumatoid arthritis. During research, excluding or including individual food items, not whole food groups, has been found to relieve some symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, according to Dr. Chang-Miller.

  1. Diet Additives

    • Eating certain oils may help reduce joint inflammation. Consuming omega-3 fat found in fish oils has been shown to significantly reduce pain, according to Joel Kremer, head of rheumatology at Albany Medical College in New York. Taking 3,000 to 5,000 mg of omega-3 fish oils each day produces noticeable results within three months, according to Kremer. Less potent, but also showing healing properties are black currant, evening primrose, flaxseed and borage seed oils.

      Adding Vitamin E supplements to your daily diet can improve symptoms, according to Dr. Mahadev Murthy of the Nutraceutical Network of Canada. Taking 400 units of the antioxidant each day can help improve immune system functioning and act as an anti-inflammatory.

    Foods to Avoid

    • Sensitivities to individual foods is common among rheumatoid arthritis patients, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Increased inflammation of the joints has been found among patients consuming diets high in saturated fats, including vegetable oil. Found in animal products and saturated fats, arachidonic acid is known to cause inflammation. Limiting the consumption of red meats, dairy products, eggs, alcohol, caffeine, nightshade vegetables and acidic foods can lessen the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

    Diet and Health

    • Maintaining a healthy weight by eating a nutritionally balanced diet is recommended for everyone, including those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Consuming whole unprocessed fruits and vegetables, polyunsaturated fats and filtered water are healthy food choices. Planning a physician-approved daily exercise routine that accommodates your physical abilities is encouraged. Reducing extra body weight removes stress from weight-bearing joints, according to Dr. Chang-Miller.

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