Rheumatoid arthritis (or RA) is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when the immune system mistakes your cells for foreign ones and starts attacking them. The pain experienced occurs after the immune system attacks the membrane around the joints causing them to swell and wear away the cartilage in your joints. Suffering from RA can be frustrating as it becomes difficult to do many of the activities that were once enjoyable. Symptoms of arthritis can include experiencing pain, swelling, and inflammation in the joints.
However, arthritis can also cause fatigue, weight loss, and even anemia. Fortunately, improving RA symptoms can be as simple as eating a rheumatoid arthritis diet full of anti-inflammatory foods. These are known to soothe the symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis and help reduce symptoms:
1. Fish
Fatty cuts of fish are known to produce anti-inflammatory effects. In one study, participants that ate fish at least four times a week had decreased the levels of inflammation throughout their body in just eight weeks. They are abundant in omega-3 fatty acid which decreases joint pain and stiffness. Also, they are a great source of vitamin D which is vital for bone health. People who have RA usually have a vitamin D deficiency, which is linked to musculoskeletal pain. Eating more fatty fish could help prevent brittle bones and pain.
2. Garlic
Believe it or not, garlic has been shown to have an anti-inflammatory effect that can help your symptoms of arthritis. Garlic helps to reduce the production of cytokines which promote inflammation throughout the body. However, garlic works best when it is raw because it loses most of its effectiveness after you cook it.
3. Ginger
Ginger is not only delicious, but it can help alleviate the symptoms of arthritis. Studies have shown that after using ginger extract for six weeks, participants noticed improvements in their knee pain. Even if the ginger is powdered or dry it will still be effective in reducing inflammation and symptoms.
4. Broccoli
Eating cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, decreases inflammation and reduces symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. It contains sulforaphane, a compound that prevents the formation of some cells that cause arthritis.
5. Walnuts
High in omega-3 fatty acids, walnuts are known to decrease the symptoms of arthritis. Omega-3 acids are shown to decrease the amount of pain resulting from arthritis inflammation. It was so significant, participants were able to reduce their dose of arthritis medication.
6. Spinach
Studies have shown that by eating more fruits and vegetables, people are able to reduce the amount of inflammation that they experience. Spinach is full of nutrients and antioxidants, such as kaempferol, which has been shown to prevent the progression of osteoarthritis and reduce inflammation caused by RA.
7. Berries
Berries are full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that our bodies require and they’ve been shown to help people with rheumatoid arthritis. Studies have shown that women who ate at least two servings of strawberries a week showed less inflammatory markers in their blood.
