Best and Worst Foods for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Are you waking up each morning with aches or stiffness in your joints? Is this has become a daily struggle? Have you accepted this pain or discomfort and started ignoring the symptoms? If so, it's time to take action. It could be Rheumatoid Arthritis, which can worsen with time if left unaddressed.

Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Not sure what it is and how you can tackle it?

Worry not! Let us break it down in simple terms for you. Scroll down to learn about Rheumatoid Arthritis and find the ways to manage it well. So, let's get started.

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Firstly; if you have heard the term for the first time or may have heard it before but are still wondering what it is, we've got you. Rheumatoid Arthritis is a type of Arthritis that primarily affects the joints, causing inflammation, intense pain, and potential damage. And wait, this is not just a regular pain that you feel when you are tired; the pain it causes is unbearable and worsens with time if not addressed appropriately. This is an autoimmune disease in which your immune system, responsible for defending your body against infection, mistakenly attacks its tissues, leading to the problem.

The condition can't be taken for granted and calls for your immediate attention.

Also read - If you want to know more about Rheumatoid Arthritis, symptoms, and diagnosis, here’s everything you need to know.

https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/health/rheumatoid-arthritis-disease-rheumatoid-factor-ra-test-everything-you-need-to-know/ 

So, how do you tackle it?

While there is no cure for Rheumatoid Arthritis available, there are certain lifestyle or dietary adjustments that can ease the symptoms and make the condition more manageable. One key aspect that can help with its management is your diet, which has the potential to manage or worsen RA symptoms. So, let's find what you should and shouldn't eat to manage it well.

Best Foods For Rheumatoid Arthritis

1. (RA):Fruits & Vegetables: There is an old saying that for good health, one should "Eat The Rainbow," and we couldn't agree more. Whether you like it or not, seasonal fruits and vegetables are significant in Rheumatoid Arthritis management. So, make sure your plate has all the colors, which means a variety of fruits and vegetables because it is not just visually appealing but can do wonders for your health.

How does it help?

• Fruits like berries or cherries and leafy vegetables have antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that your body needs for neutralizing free radicals, combating inflammation, and supporting joint health.

2. Turmeric: Well, the spice has the title "Golden Spice," not just for its color but also for its healing properties. We all agree that no matter what, our parent's or grandparents' obsession with turmeric or turmeric remedies turned out to be true. Thanks to its active compound, curcumin, it doesn't just add flavor to the dishes but supports healthy joints, too.

How does it help?

• It contains curcumin, an active compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and adding it to your diet may relieve joint pain and stiffness.

3. Nuts And Seeds: Even your grandparents would agree that these tiny nuts and seeds are like hidden gems, valued for more than just flavor. They act as guardians of our health, and our joints are no different. So, if you haven't incorporated them into your meals yet, it's time to savor these little treasures.

How does it help?

• Walnuts, chia, and flax seeds are wonderful omega-3s and alpha-linolenic acid sources. They are known for their anti-inflammatory effects and ability to ease RA symptoms and promote joint well-being.

4. Olive Oil: If you believe it's too fancy for your kitchen and have overlooked it, you should reconsider. This liquid gold in your kitchen isn't just meant for a simple salad drizzle; it's a genuine health elixir. Beyond making your dishes healthier and tastier, it's renowned for championing your overall well-being.

How does it help?

• It contains monounsaturated fats, which contribute to a healthier inflammatory response.

So, these are some of the best foods that can ease your RA symptoms and promote healthy joints and a healthy you. But while some foods can positively ease RA symptoms, others can worsen them too. Scroll down to find those enemies and eliminate them or limit their intake in your diet.

Worst Foods For Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA):

• Processed Foods: We all may love processed food, but it doesn't love us back. Thanks to the high refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and additives, these are nothing short of the worst for your health, and if you have Rheumatoid Arthritis, they are a big no. They can exacerbate inflammation, so minimizing the consumption of fast food, sugary snacks, and pre-packed meals is always advisable to manage and alleviate RA symptoms.
• Dairy Products: While dairy products are a boon for some due to their high calcium, mineral, and other nutrient content, they can be a bane for others, especially those with Rheumatoid Arthritis. According to some studies, some individuals with RA may experience increased inflammation from the consumption of dairy products. So, consulting your doctor and looking for low-lactose options can be a wise choice for managing the symptoms effectively.
• Refined Carbohydrates: Eating foods with refined carbohydrates, like white breads or pasta and more, can lead to increased inflammation. So, even though you love these options, switch to whole grains to support health and manage RA symptoms better.

While a healthy diet can be your powerful ally in the fight against Rheumatoid Arthritis, it alone can make no difference, and individual responses vary too. Therefore, with a healthy diet or other lifestyle adjustments, embracing routine Arthritis Screening is equally crucial.

Don't Bear The Pain, Get Tested For Maximum Gain

The earlier you get yourself diagnosed, the better. While Rheumatoid Arthritis is not curable, it still can be managed well with early diagnosis and interventions. Early diagnosis and timely intervention ease symptoms, slow the progress of the disease, and prevent disability. To spread awareness about the RA symptoms or timely diagnosis, every year, 2nd February is observed as Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day. The theme for the year is "Living Well With Arthritis," aiming to remind people that Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases (RMDs) constitute a lifelong journey that profoundly impacts health. We cannot cure RMDs, but we can make this journey smoother with the right knowledge and timely action.

Book Your Rheumatoid Arthritis Test With Redcliffe Labs

If you have symptoms associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis, book your RA factor test or Rheumatoid Factor (RA) Quantitative Test with Redcliffe Labs for just Rs 399. We bring the best testing experience to your doorstep. So, don't let the Rheumatoid Arthritis pain take you down; take charge of your health with routine checkups. Book now.