Sunday, December 18, 2011

What to eat to beat Joint Inflammation?

Is there a relationship between foods and joint pain? Different diets and supplements make claim to lessen swollen joints and morning stiffness or to cure joint pain and arthritis. All these have unproven. Many researches are done from decades to find connection between food and RA but no study has found any definitive link. People suffering from arthritis/joint inflammation must eat good diet. To know what to consume to beat arthritis, read on the article.

33% to 75% people who are suffering from RA find that certain foods (red meat, milk products) worsen the condition while many people suffering from RA do not have any food problems. To get relief from problem foods, you must avoid the foods that make your condition worse as well as maintain calcium intake, good nutrition and vitamins. Be sure you don’t eliminate the whole food groups from your diet.
what to eat to beat Joint Inflammation?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is very prevalent condition in U.S. People suffering from this condition experience fatigue, stiffness and inflammation & pain in joints. Aging, disease and injury can lead to joint inflammation but the real cause is unknown. 1 out of 5 people in United States are suffering from joint inflammation. Compared to men, this condition is more common in women. 70% rheumatoid arthritis patients are women.
RA pain medications can bring nutritional challenges along with providing relief from the pain. Methotrexate consumption decreases the levels of folic acid while corticosteroids like prednisone lowers the amount of potassium in the body. Women with arthritis do not get sufficient vitamin D and calcium so for them, it is very essential to obtain those nutrients in sufficient amount. Deficiency of vitamin D and calcium increases the risk of developing osteoporosis.

Diet to Beat Arthritis


The Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet is full of fruits, fish, olive oil and vegetables. It is also low in calories and animal fats while high in fiber, nutrients, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. As per 2003 Swedish study, Mediterranean diet improved the physical functioning and vitality of the people with RA when they consumed it for 3 months. Olive oil has anti-inflammatory effect in the body. The diet also includes canola oil, beans& legumes, whole grains, nuts, poultry, spices and herbs. This diet includes red meat in low amount. Fish contains high amount of omega-3 fatty acids which help to lower the risk of heart disease. Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants are good for RA as well as to maintain weight. So this diet is also helpful for maintaining weight. Along with this diet, you should perform some exercise.

Fish oil

Fish oil or omega-3 fatty acid supplements help to treat symptoms of RA. As per the Arthritis Foundation, RA patients who consume fish oil can cut back NSAIDs without experiencing a disease flare. The risk of cardiovascular disease is also decreased by fish oil. Fish oil can be used as a supplement, you can’t substitute it with DMARDs. The risk of bleeding can be enhanced if you take it with blood thinner medications. So before starting to consume fish oil, you must discuss your prescription with Rheumatologist. According to the Arthritis Foundation, you can consume up to 2.6 grams fish oil, 2 times daily.

Vitamins and Minerals

People with RA may want multivitamin that includes minerals. As per some studies, vitamin E supplements may decrease the RA joint pain. Those who consume methotrexate to slow RA progress should take folic acid supplements to lower the adverse effects. You should consult your doctor to know whether you should take calcium or vitamin D supplements. Selenium, a mineral also helps to get relief from RA symptoms.

Herbal remedies

Turmeric and ginger both can help to alleviate morning stiffness and joint pain in people with RA. They also protect stomach against NSAIDs’ gastrointestinal effects. Both can increase the risk of bleeding if taken with blood thinner medications. People who have gallstones should avoid the use of turmeric and ginger.

Dietary Supplements

Generally, dietary supplements are known to provide relief from RA pain but there is no herb or supplements that can cure or stop progress of this condition. Prescription medications like DMARDs (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs) can stop progress of RA. FDA does not regulate supplements like drugs, so it is difficult to make out what they contain. You should always contact with your physician regarding what supplements can be helpful or unsafe for you.

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