Rheumatoid Arthritis Diet - Which Foods Reduce Inflammation And Pain?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that is characterized by swollen and painful joints and can affect people of any age. It differs from osteoarthritis , which is a natural wear and tear of the joints with age. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the body's own immune system attacks the joints. The underlying cause of the condition is unknown, but the result is painful swelling, stiffness and inflammation in the joints.

There is no basic treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. Traditional treatment of the disease involves taking medications that can have negative side effects. These medicines include:

• Painkillers;
• Anti-inflammatory drugs;
• Drugs that suppress the immune system

Many people with rheumatoid arthritis turn to alternative treatments, including dietary changes . Foods that reduce inflammation throughout the body can reduce joint pain and swelling.

Some anti-inflammatory foods are high in omega-3 fatty acids . It is useful to add fatty fish to the diet, such as:

• Mackerel;
• Herring;
• Salmon;
• Tuna

Nutritional supplements containing fish oil can also be taken. It is also useful to eat nuts such as walnuts and almonds. It is also useful to add ground flaxseed to cereals, yogurt or baked goods. Chia seeds are also high in omega-3s.

Antioxidants are compounds that can destroy harmful free radicals in the body and can also reduce inflammation. A diet rich in antioxidants can reduce joint pain and inflammation in people affected by rheumatoid arthritis. Some important antioxidants in the diet are:

• Vitamin A;
• Vitamin C;
• Vitamin E;
• Selenium

They can be obtained through:

• Consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables;
• Consumption of nuts;
• Drinking green tea

Foods high in fiber can reduce the amount of C-reactive protein (CRP) in the blood. This marker indicates the level of inflammation in the body. Intake of more fiber occurs when consuming foods such as:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables;
• Whole grain foods;
• Bob;
• Nuts

Strawberries can reduce the level of C-reactive protein in the body while adding fiber to the diet. They can be eaten fresh or frozen.

Flavonoids are compounds that are produced by plants. They can be obtained by consuming fruits and vegetables. Flavonoids can reduce inflammation in the body and help reduce the pain and swelling of rheumatoid arthritis. Foods high in flavonoids include:

• Forest fruits;
• Green tea;
• Grapes;
• Broccoli;
• Soybeans

Chocolate also has a high content of flavonoids, but it is advisable to stick to dark chocolate, as it contains a high percentage of cocoa, but is low in sugar.

Some spices reduce inflammation in the body. Turmeric , common in Indian food, contains a compound called curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties, ginger also has a similar effect.

Capsaicin, a compound found in hot peppers , also helps reduce inflammation in the body and is also an effective pain reliever.

Some diets are naturally rich in anti-inflammatory foods. The Mediterranean diet is an excellent example of this. The foods it includes are:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables;
• Whole grain foods;
• Olive oil

The Mediterranean diet consists of lots of fish for protein, but little red meat.

The paleo diet is a way of eating that follows the diet of our ancestors, it includes the consumption of:

• Meat
• Vegetables;
• Fruits;

The paleo diet avoids :

• Cultivated cereals;
• Sugars;
• Dairy products;
• Processed foods

Like other modern diets, this one is high in protein and low in carbohydrates.

The paleo diet promotes the consumption of certain foods that reduce inflammation, such as fruits and vegetables. But it also includes a lot of red meat, which can have the opposite effect, so it is important to consult a specialist when making a dietary choice.

In addition to eating foods that reduce inflammation, foods that cause or trigger inflammation,  such as white flour and white sugar, saturated and trans fats such as those found in fried foods , should also be avoided . Red meat and dairy products should also be avoided as much as possible.

Consumption of moderate amounts of alcohol can reduce inflammation. Alcohol has been shown to lower blood levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), but excessive consumption can have the opposite effect.