Rheumatoid Arthritis: 3 Foods that Fight

If you have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, you know how frustrating it can feel to be in constant pain to the point where you can’t even move parts of your body. Finding an effective treatment plan is crucial for managing rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Each person is unique, and your doctor will help you come up with an ongoing treatment plan. You can also take steps at home by eating a healthy diet. Here we break down 3 foods that fight rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect your joints and much more. In fact, some people experience rheumatoid arthritis pain in their skin, eyes, lungs, heart and even blood vessels. Reducing inflammation is an important part of managing rheumatoid arthritis. Because of this, a rheumatoid arthritis diet should focus on foods that naturally reduce inflammation in the body.

Fish

Fish are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for fighting inflammation in the body. Specifically, fish contain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), also known as marine fatty acids, both of which can stop inflammation before it starts.

“The marine omega-3 fatty acids nip inflammation in the bud before it ignites,” said Kim Larson, a nutritionist and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Spokesperson. “They really help to tamp down inflammation in the body on a cellular level.”

Try This: Eat three to four ounces of fish two times a week. Salmon, tuna, mackerel or herring are all great choices. If you don’t like fish, omega-3 enriched eggs also contain EPA and DHA. If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, you can get a different type of omega-3, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) from soy, flaxseed oil, walnuts and some leafy greens. Your body partially converts ALA to EPA and DHA, so these are great choices if you don’t eat meat.

Green Tea

A study published in the journal, Arthritis and Rheumatology, revealed that regular consumption of green tea may help rheumatoid arthritis sufferers ease symptoms.

Green tea contains a compound called epigallocatechin-3-gallate, or EGCG, which has the potential to reduce swelling. While there are medications available to manage rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, most come with side effects and other risks. Green tea can not only help combat rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, but is also good for your overall health.

Try this: Drink a glass of green tea with lemon in the morning, or add matcha powder to a smoothie.

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Fiber

Fiber may reduce inflammation by lowering body weight. Additionally, consuming foods that are high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, beans and nuts, are high in vitamins, minerals, protein and other healthy nutrients.

Try This: The recommended amount of fiber is 20 to 35 grams each day. Fill at least one quarter of your plate with whole grains, such as whole wheat flour, bulgur, oatmeal, whole cornmeal or brown rice, and half of your plate with fruits and vegetables.