For
people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, you
know that the joint pain and body aches that characterize the disease can make
daily life difficult. Advanced medications, such as disease modifying
anti-rheumatic drugs, are making the illness more manageable than ever before,
but an often overlooked component in your rheumatoid arthritis treatment plan
could be your diet. In fact, a growing volume of research is showing that
certain foods can play a role in easing pain and soreness. Here's the latest
information on eating to beat RA.
Flaxseed
Flaxseeds are rich in a plant-based form
of omega-3s and might yield results for inflammation and joint pain that are
similar to those from eating fatty fish or krill oil. "Flaxseed and
flaxseed oil are rich in alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid that
may be helpful for inflammatory diseases like arthritis," says Fabrizio
Mancini, DC, a chiropractor and author of The Power of Self-Healing.
To help your body get the most nutrients from flaxseeds for rheumatoid
arthritis, use them ground rather than whole. "Sprinkle a few tablespoons
on your cereal in the morning or include them in a smoothie," he suggests.
"You can also use them in baked goods."
Turmeric
What gives curry powder its characteristic golden yellow
color? It's turmeric root, used in a variety of Indian and Asian dishes.
"One of the most healing plants in the world is the herb turmeric,"
says Dr. Mancini. "It contains an active compound called curcumin, which
appears to have healing powers for a wide range of conditions, like arthritis.
Taking curcumin may improve joint stiffness, swelling, and pain."
Pomegranate
These trendy fruits have actually been cultivated since
ancient times, but there's been a recent flurry of interest in their health
benefits. Though pomegranate has not been adequately tested in humans as a treatement for RA. a recent study found that mice who received an extract of
pomegranate in supplement form had less inflammation and less deterioration of
their joints than mice that did not take the supplement. "Pomegranate
juice has been touted for some time as an alternative treatment for arthritis,"
says Mancini. "While it is certainly no cure, there appears to be a real
benefit in reducing inflammation, and that may translate into less pain for
some arthritis patients."
Krill Oil
Studies have long shown the anti-inflammatory activity of omega-3 fatty acids, like those
found in cold-water fish such as salmon, as well as their possible role as a
rheumatoid arthritis treatment. Krill oil, which comes from a tiny crustacean
similar to shrimp, is a relatively new supplement that is similar to fish oil,
but with a higher concentration of omega-3s. A recent study of 90 people, some
with rheumatoid arthritis, found that taking 300 milligrams of krill oil daily
reduced pain and stiffness and improved function.
Cherry Juice
Anecdotally, cherry juice has been used as a treatment for gout related pain for decades. Though sample sizes are
small, studies are also revealing that this juice might help with other types
of joint pain and inflammation as well, including that caused by rheumatoid
arthritis. “Tart cherries have higher levels of anthocyanin, a phytonutrient
and antioxidant, than sweet cherries and other fruits, making them power
berries to reduce inflammation and pain, improve recovery time after strenuous
activity, and possibly even aid in sleep,” Mancini says.
Ginger
This spicy root can be ground up or shredded to make a tea or
mixed into dishes for an interesting flavor — and certainly one of the tastiest
rheumatoid arthritis treatments. As per Ayurvedic concepts ginger just has an anti-inflammatory action which might be beneficial to some people with joint pain related to
rheumatoid arthritis. As per the Ayurvedic concepts dried ginger water intake regularly tends to relieve the symptoms of RA and other joint related pains
Green Tea
The benefits of green tea, which,
unlike black tea, is made from unfermented leaves, have been touted for
centuries, and studies have looked at its positive effects on health
conditions, from dental cavities to cancer. Drinking it may also help ease
rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Of all the teas, the green variety has the
highest concentration of powerful antioxidants called polyphenols, which give
it inflammation-fighting strength, says Dr. Wei.
Compiled from
Healthy Living
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