Foods that May Help Rheumatoid Arthritis and Inflammation

First, consult with your practitioner before attempting to change diet as it can affect other diagnoses you may already have.

Eat a Healthy Diet! The old saying is you are what you eat!

There's no perfect meal plan to help you feel better if you've got RA, but go for a variety of nutritious foods. It's good for your overall well-being and weight. You might try the Mediterranean diet, which features fish, whole grains, and fruits and veggies that may lower the inflammation caused by your disease.

EATING FISH is of great support!The Omega-3 fatty acids in salmon, tuna, trout, and other coldwater fish can fight inflammation, which helps aching joints and morning stiffness. Eat about two 3-ounce servings of fish each week.

Supplements are an alternative If fish isn't your thing, omega-3 supplements might be an option for you. They could even help you cut back on anti-inflammatory medication. Borage seed oil may also relieve pain along with your RA meds. Just make sure you always tell your doctor before you take any supplements.

Switch to healthy fats! Saturated fats, which are in foods like butter and red meat, are linked with inflammation. Limit those and get your fats from healthier choices, like nuts and avocados. Instead of butter, try olive oil, which may lower pain and inflammation.

Eat your fruits and veggies. Most of them are full of antioxidants, which boost your immune system and may fight inflammation. Try fruits like prunes, raisins, and berries. Go for veggies like kale, spinach, and Brussels sprouts. And don't forget fresh, leafy greens. They're a great source of fiber and folic acid. If you take methotrexate, folic acid can help ease some of the drug's side effects.

BEANS are another tasty way for you to get fiber and protein. Fiber can ease inflammation caused by RA, and protein can help keep the muscles that support your joints strong. Beans are an excellent meat-free source of protein. Enjoy them in chili, as a side dish, or whipped into a healthy dip like hummus.

Make sure you have your Calcium and Vitamin D in your diet! They may help prevent the bone loss that can come with using corticosteroids for your RA. Milk, cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products are good sources.

You can also eat beef liver and egg yolks for vitamin D, leafy greens for calcium, and fatty fish and fortified items like cereal and orange juice for both. Supplements may be an easier way to get the recommended amounts, though.

Identify what Foods cause more Inflammation! Note down in a journal if/when you begin to feel symptoms, what you ate or drank prior to the event occurring. Some people think that this family of veggies -- tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, and some peppers -- makes RA symptoms worse. But there's no proof that they do.

If you think a specific food causes you problems, don't eat it for at least 2 weeks. See what happens when you add it back.

Add some spice into your life and regiment Try turmeric and ginger to help ease your inflammation. Fresh turmeric or ginger is best! You can usually find these at your local whole foods store or natural markets. You can add them when you're cooking. If you take blood thinner medication, talk to your doctor first. The spices may make bleeding more likely.

Drink Green Tea daily. It may lessen inflammation and joint damage from rheumatoid arthritis. And tea -- whether it's green, black, white, or oolong -- has antioxidants called polyphenols that boost your immune system.

Consult with your doctor / practitioner or a dietitian. They can help you fine-tune your diet and tell you if you need supplements. A dietician may also help you to coordinate with your doctor and assure you maintain the right diet for your condition. It's important to stick to your specific regiment.