You Feeling Well?

If you are suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis, you probably have stiff joints, swelling and pain. This is caused by your immune system attacking your joints. You have probably heard that changing your diet may help ease some of your RA symptoms.

Many people who were studied have found that by eliminating certain foods from their diet, their symptoms have eased dramatically. This form of diet, or elimination diet, takes out certain items you are consuming and then gradually adding them back in to see which is causing the pain and inflammation to recur. Most foods that are eliminated are those with high percentages of saturated fats, such as bacon, steak, butter and cream. These high saturated fat foods increase the amount of inflammation chemicals called Prostaglandins. These prostaglandins have been known to cause pain, inflammation and joint destruction in people with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Other studies have shown that meat contains arachidonic acids. Arachidonic acids can change to inflammatory prostaglandins in the body. Some people who have changed to a vegetarian diet have found their RA symptoms have all but disappeared while others have no change at all. Another problematic fatty acid is Omega-6. Omega-6 is found in vegetable oils contains linoleic acid. A normal Americanized diet contains more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids that can be found in fish.

By removing the foods that contain prostaglandins, arachidonic acids and omega-6 fatty acids, and switching to a diet that includes more fish, nuts, flaxseed, flaxseed oil, and canola oil, you can reduce the amount of inflammation caused by Rheumatoid Arthritis. Even taking Omega-3 fatty acid supplements, many sufferers of RA have noticed a decrease in joint pain and inflammation.

It has been known that people living in Greece and Italy have a lower risk of getting severe Rheumatoid Arthritis. By following their Mediterranean diet, which includes fruits, vegetables and Vitamin C, you can also relieve your symptoms dramatically.

If you are presently taking Methotrexate, eating a diet or taking a supplement with folic acid may ease some of the side effects of the medication. Another supplement that you may consider taking is Selenium. Selenium has been found to be lowered in people who suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis. By eating a 3.5 ounce can of tuna fish, you can give you your full day’s requirement of Selenium. Calcium and Vitamin D are also important parts of your RA diet, especially if you take prednisone. Prednisone has been linked to bone loss, so check with your doctor to see how much Vitamin D and calcium you need to take in to counter act losing more bone.

Another study has shown that by drinking alcohol in moderation and weight loss can also lower your chance of getting Rheumatoid Arthritis. Do not drink alcohol, however, if you are currently taking methotrexate, as this can cause severe liver damage. Losing weight is very important for your joint health as well. Being overweight can add to the strain you put on your knees, hips and other joints, not to mention the added strain on your heart.

Alexis has been a victim of Rheumatoid Arthritis for almost 20 years and runs an informational site providing Rheumatoid Arthritis diet information and how she finds Rheumatoid Arthritis relief. Her desire is to help others deal with the pain of this horrible disease and to live a normal life. To take advantage of this information visit www.livingwithrheumatoid.com