Diets Rheumatoid Arthritis: 3 Best Foods For Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis affects the structure and function of cartilage in the human body. A membrane called synovium provides space and fluid for lubrication and movement of cartilage. In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks the synovium, leading to an inflammatory immune response that causes pain, joint deformity, and disability.
Rheumatoid arthritis (arthritis) is one of the most common autoimmune diseases. It affects up to 1.3% of the world’s population, with women contributing more.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis affects the structure and function of cartilage in the human body. A membrane called synovium provides space and fluid for lubrication and movement of cartilage. In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks the synovium, leading to an inflammatory immune response that causes pain, joint deformity, and disability.
The root cause of rheumatoid arthritis remains unclear, but the genetics and health of our gut bacteria can play a significant role in this.
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include:
- Joint pain and tenderness
- Redness and swelling of the joints
- Joint stiffness especially in the morning
- Mild fever
- Fatigue
- Anemia or anemia (low number of red blood cells)
- Hard masses under the skin
- Poor joint mobility
Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may recur, during which symptoms appear or worsen for a period of days to weeks. Untreated rheumatoid arthritis can lead to permanent bone and joint damage.
Foods to Avoid
Pharmacological treatment is the forefront of the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, which includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and corticosteroids.
However, preliminary research and patient statements have shown that dietary patterns can also affect disease activity. In particular, gluten and dairy products can be mentioned.
Gluten
People with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to produce anti-gluten antibodies. These are antibodies similar to those found in celiac disease, and that is why celiac patients should avoid gluten intensively.
Researchers still doubt how gluten affects rheumatoid arthritis, but it may be related to increased intestinal permeability or intestinal leakage.
Some studies have found benefits to the gluten-free diet, while others have not.
People who produce anti-gluten antibodies appear to directly benefit from the benefits of a gluten-free diet. For others, reducing the consumption of low-value foods that often contain gluten can be indirectly beneficial.
Eggs and dairy
Early studies have shown that consuming eggs and milk can be problematic. These foods produce specific immune antibodies and inflammatory markers associated with rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, at least in rodents.
However, these effects are associated with food sensitivity, unlike gluten, which is food intolerance. As a result, if you suspect food allergy or intolerance, see your doctor determine the exact result.
Foods and nutrients that may help ( diets rheumatoid arthritis )
Certain foods and nutrients may help reduce the inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis.
Most studies have used supplements instead of whole foods and at the highest doses of nutrients often needed.
It should be noted, however, that patients without medical supervision should not take supplements because of the risk of drug interactions and side effects.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fats (especially DHA and EPA) from fish oil have anti-inflammatory effects. In a study of 140 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, one group received 5.5 grams of fish oil daily, while the second group’s daily quota (control group) was only 0.4 grams. All participants were given several anti-rheumatic drugs. Both groups experienced a decrease in disease activity, but the first group showed a higher rate of recovery.
Therefore, it appears that a dose of at least 2.7 g of DHA plus EPA can increase the effectiveness of the anti-rheumatic drug for at least the first six months.
It should be noted that fish oil supplements may interact with certain medications for rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, you should first consult your doctor.
Vitamin K2
New research has shown that a particular form of vitamin K2 (also known as MK-7) can increase the effectiveness of rheumatoid arthritis drugs. Of the 84 patients with the disease, the first group received 100 μg of MK-7 per day for three months, while the second group received a placebo.
The first group showed significant improvement for inflammation markers and disease activity rating scores. In addition, MK-7 benefited from increased levels of the active form of osteocalcin, an important marker of bone health.
At present, it is unclear whether vitamin K2 dietary sources provide similar effects.
Vitamin D and calcium
People with rheumatoid arthritis are at increased risk for bone disease due to chronic inflammation, decreased physical activity, and corticosteroid use. If vitamin D and calcium do not appear to have a direct effect on the risk or symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, maintaining adequate levels of them is essential to reduce the risk of bone fractures.
Vitamin D is essential for maintaining good health. Vitamin D supplements plus calcium are recommended if the sun exposure may not be sufficient. Food sources including fatty fish, egg yolk, and fortified milk are also recommended.
What is the Best Diet or Eating Pattern for Rheumatoid Arthritis?
diets rheumatoid arthritis :
There is limited evidence that vegetarian and vegan diets can be beneficial.
Vegetarian diets are typically low in omega-3 fats and vitamin D. These nutrients can have a significant effect on rheumatoid arthritis.
Some have argued that if the primary target is for health reasons, vegetarian diets are too restrictive.
Paleo diet
The Paleo diet, also known as caviar or paleontology, is an eating pattern that eliminates certain food groups. These foods include wheat (gluten) and dairy products that are known to cause inflammation in some people.
Patients’ reported evidence suggests that the Paleo diet can help rheumatoid arthritis. This is probably because gluten or dairy-sensitive people immediately notice their condition improving.
This diet is high in omega-3 fats and eliminates low-fat foods that can be helpful.
Unfortunately, the Paleo diet also recommends reducing and eliminating the consumption of nutritious foods such as legumes and potatoes, which is unnecessary.
The Mediterranean diet consists of traditional foods consumed in countries such as Croatia and Greece before the 1970s.
It focuses on the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, whole grains, olive oil, and seafood. Due to the favorable levels of omega-3 fats and arachidonic acid, this diet has shown positive signs in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
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