Can A Healthy Diet Improve Rheumatoid Arthritis?

A healthy diet is not going to completely cure you of Rheumatoid Arthritis, however it is a very important factor of the disease. Eating certain foods, supplements and vitamins can help sufferers avoid certain Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms. From specific fruits to certain types of acids and fats, having excellent health is necessary when dealing with an autoimmune disease such as this. There has been research done that supported the idea that suffering from one autoimmune disease it increases the chances of developing another alongside it. Therefore, proper diet and exercise is necessary to keep the body from becoming thoroughly sick. Some people might suggest that you simply take supplements and medications and forget about it, however that can be a very dangerous type of attitude. One's diet is very important, especially when suffering from RA, as every bit of nutrients will be going towards the fight for the body's protection.

Rich Nutrients Foods

Some people live for the Mediterranean Diet of various fruits and vegetables, as well as nuts, olive oil, legumes and certain breeds of fish. These are all foods that are rich in nutrients, and are very good for your body to ingest. You don't have to start a diet such as one of those, however it is a good idea to drop all the fast food from your mind. McDonalds, Burger King, and Wendy's are all a no-no, and a breeding ground for joint pain, and body pain in general.

Stay away from Gluten?

Gluten is a protein that can be found in wheat, rye and barley oats. The general reaction from those who ingest gluten while suffering from an autoimmune disease isn't pretty. Their bodies generally begin by attacking the small intestine, thereby preventing the body from absorbing any of the nutrients it offers. However, gluten-free products have their own problems. For instance, gluten-free often creates products that are higher in fat, as well as calories. They are low in fiber, meaning they do not help much as far as the intestines go. They don't need to be fortified, resulting in a lack of vitamins and minerals for those who eat them. When considering going on a gluten-free diet, consult your health physician or dietitian beforehand to ensure that it is the best choice for you.

Take Vitamins

There are many different vitamins and minerals that are of use to those suffering from RA. For instance, folic acid is extremely useful. It is a B vitamin that helps the body produce red blood cells. Red blood cells are particularly important for the body to create, as they transport oxygen throughout the body. Folic acid may also help nullify certain side effects from prescriptions that you may be taking, such as Methotrexate. Calcium is particularly good for those with RA, as it is known for boosting the bone's health exponentially. Vitamin D is good if you take corticosteroids, as these result in bone loss similar to the way RA does. Many other supplements can prove to be good for you, such as iron and vitamin C. Be careful to choose vitamins that will help, rather than hinder. Many people say that omega-3 fatty acids are good for a boost. You can get omega-3 fatty acids from certain fish breeds, walnuts, tofu, soybeans, flaxseed and canola oils. These generally help reduce inflammation in the joints. Some people with RA report less pain and tenderness when they take fish oil, so it may be effective.

While a good diet is one of the key aspects to keeping the body healthy, one must also take into account the use of traditional medications, exercise, joint pain supplements and other good healthy habits to develop. It is important to maintain flexibility, endurance, strength and balance to keep a healthy lifestyle. Maintaining this healthier lifestyle can be simply done, by walking every day and moving your joints frequently. The less stiffness, the more you can continue to go about your daily life. It can take a while to get used to the chances needed to work through Rheumatoid Arthritis, however it is worth every second of it. A pain free life isn't out of reach, it simply takes a bit of effort to reach and some support for the rest.