If you wake up each morning with writhing pain in your joints, it is time you go see an orthopaedic doctor to rule out rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Not only is it a painful condition that can make you feel sore all over, it can also dampen your spirits greatly.
Before we go any deeper into understanding the ways one can lead an absolutely normal life with rheumatoid arthritis, it is important that we understand what RA actually is. A recent study suggested that more than 2 million people in the Indian subcontinent suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. Like most orthopaedic conditions, rheumatoid arthritis strikes women more than men!
Though there is no compelling data to prove that a specific diet can alleviate and treat RA, those who suffer from the condition will vouch that there are some foods that make symptoms a lot better in some cases, and worse in others.
Though doctors are still not able to substantiate individual diet factors and response to RA, they suggest a few dietary changes to keep RA under control. These are the changes in diet that are certainly worth trying. What have you to lose after all?
Here is what a diet for Rhumatoid Arthritis patient should include and what needs to be avoided.
Loosing a few pounds will reduce the pressure exerted on your joints. And the best way to do that is to reduce the consumption of carb rich food that often makes you put on considerable weight. Ditch the carbs, and ease those weight bearing joints!
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A typical Mediterranean diet comprises of all those foods that your grandma professed being the best. Fruits, veggies, cereals, and legumes! Can they do you any harm? Not in your wildest dreams! Incorporate these foods and you will feel healthier! Switch to olive oil, and your joints will be nourished and you will observe an improved physical functioning.
Omega 3 is a part of any healthy diet prescription! So it is time to bring the healthy fish home and unleash your culinary skills! Some varieties of fish such as Salmon are a rich source of Omega 3 fatty acids that help reduce inflammation of the joints.
This may be a dampener for meat lovers, but the benefits of going vegetarian certainly will outweigh your disappointment of sacrificing meat. More than one study has shown that those who follow a pure vegetarian diet show remarkable improvement with their RA symptoms. Only a person suffering from RA can understand the value of no more morning stiffness, reduced pain and improved grip! This is what was reported by those who gave up meat in a year-long study. Antioxidants found in broccoli, peas and other veggies are said to protect the tissue around the joints and alleviate pain!
[Read:Diet Tips To Prevent Arthritis]
A recent study suggests that most Indians have Vitamin E and Selenium deficiency that can aggravate RA symptoms. Vitamin E is said to reduce joint damage and bring down pain levels. Selenium in particular is said to do wonders for RA patients, as it reduces pain in swollen joints, treats the inflammation and relieves stiffness. Consult a doctor to get the right multivitamin pill to help you with your RA.
Many people are allergic to dairy products, shrimps and prawns and have reported a peak in pain when they consume these. While these may not be your triggers, identify what triggers your pain and eliminate those foods from your daily diet.
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Last but not the least, be sure to perform light stretching exercises that your orthopaedic doctor suggests in combination with these dietary changes. This will allow you to lead a life free from the worry and nightmares of pain and immobility!