Content

• Steps
• Tips
• Warnings

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease in which the body's immune system essentially attacks the tissues around its own joints. A proper diet can help relieve arthritis symptoms. As you read on, you will learn what foods you can and cannot eat if you have RA.

Steps

1. 1 Take fish oil supplements. Recently, it was discovered that our bodies convert DHA (docosahexaenoic acid - a polyunsaturated fatty acid) found in fish oil into a substance that helps reduce inflammation without suppressing the immune system. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before adding any supplements to your diet.
2. 2 Supplements with vitamins A, C and D3. Vitamins A and C are antioxidants that can prevent joint damage that can cause pain in RA. Vitamin D has been shown to have positive effects on the immune system and has anti-inflammatory properties. Again, check with your doctor or pharmacist before adding any supplements to your diet.
3. 3 Eat a balanced diet. Include a variety of healthy carbohydrates, fats, and proteins with every meal.
4. 4 Drink plenty of purified water. Water will cleanse the body and promote all the normal processes in your body.
5. 5 Eat fresh, whole foods. Highlight brightly colored fruits and vegetables - pumpkin, greens, sweet potatoes, and blueberries.
6. 6 Eat less protein, especially animal protein. Include plant-based sources of protein in your diet, such as beans. People with autoimmune diseases are better off following a low-protein diet. If you eat 2,000 calories a day, then only 400-600 should come from protein, especially animal sources.
7. 7 Limit your intake or avoid processed foods altogether. They contain many harmful additives that can worsen RA. When buying packaged foods, be sure to read the label, and if you see that the ingredient list is mostly additives and not real food, then put the product back on the shelf!
8. 8 Maintain a healthy weight. This will reduce inflammation in the body as well as reduce stress on the joints.
9. 9 Drink white or green tea. Both have beneficial phytochemical and antioxidant properties.
10. 10 Cut back on sugary foods. These include soft drinks and other sweets with added sugar.
11. 11 Avoid foods containing high fructose corn syrup. This ubiquitous, laboratory-made supplement can put a lot of strain on the liver and make it difficult for you to maintain a healthy weight.
12. 12 Eat less saturated fat found in meat and dairy products. Concentrate on omega-3 foods like salmon, sardines, flaxseeds, and walnuts.
13. 13 Avoid margarine and other trans fats. These unhealthy fats, found in fried foods and foods with hydrogenated oils, contribute to inflammation.
14. 14 Add avocado to your diet. It contains many healthy monounsaturated fats.
15. 15 Cook with olive oil. For an anti-inflammatory diet, it is best to choose olive oil from all oils.
16. 16 Take a gluten sensitivity test. You can also simply limit processed foods made from wheat, which make rheumatoid arthritis worse.
17. 17 Add fiber to your diet. You should eat 35-40 grams per day.
18. 18 If possible, limit your exposure to insecticides and buy organic produce grown without pesticides. These chemicals can lead to an exacerbation of RA.

Tips

• Make one or two changes at a time. Even small changes are very important.

Warnings

• Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any supplements to avoid drug interactions.