*हिंदी में पढ़ें: रूमेटाइड आर्थराइटिस के लिए सर्वोत्तम आहार योजना
If you or a family member has Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), you must have noticed certain foods trigger flare-ups, while others bring periods of relief from pain, swelling, and overall inflammation. If you think food has an impact on RA symptoms – you’re absolutely right!
In this blog, we are going to go over some of the best and worst foods you can consume if you have this chronic inflammatory condition.
*Note: It is important to remember that no food can be a substitute for actual medication or used as treatment for RA. However, some anti-inflammatory items are believed to play a role in bringing relief from joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and inflammation.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?
Before we dive into the diet plan, here’s an overview of RA:
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic rheumatic and autoimmune condition that causes inflammation, swelling, pain, and stiffness in the inner lining of joints. Being an autoimmune condition, it leads to the body’s immune system attacking its own joints. Primarily affected body parts include: fingers, toes, hands, wrists, feet, knees, and hips. However, RA can also have adverse impacts on the skin, lungs, eyes, and heart.
RA Symptoms include:
- Joint pain
- Stiffness (severe in mornings)
- Inflammation
- Swelling around joint
- Fatigue
- Recurring fever
- Symmetrical symptoms (in both sides of body)
Best Foods for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Beans
Beans are fibre-rich and help in the reduction of C-reactive protein (CRP), which is an indication of inflammation. Beans are also a good source of healthy protein, which helps keep your joints and muscles healthy.
Fruits
Fruits rich in citrus: oranges, limes, and grapefruits, are a great source of vitamin C. Additionally, cherries have anthocyanins, which are powerful antioxidants. Citrus and anthocyanins boost the immune system and fight inflammation-inducing free radicals.
Fish
Herring, mackerel, sardines, anchovies, salmon, and tuna are rich in omega-3s. These help in the reduction of inflammation. Omega-3s are also good for heart health.
Nuts
If you are a vegetarian, nuts are a great alternative to fish for omega-3 fatty acids.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
Extra-virgin olive oil contains about 30 different types of polyphenols. Polyphenols are antioxidants that help slow down cartilage degeneration, and reduce inflammation.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are a much healthier choice than processed ones, as they help in lowering CRP levels. Additionally, they are rich in fibre, making you feel full. This makes diet and weight management a lot easier. A healthy weight also ensures no extra pressure on the joints.
Other Food Items
Some other foods that are good for people with RA include green leafy vegetables (spinach, broccoli, kale, brussels sprouts), red peppers, green tea, etc. Alternatively, here are some supplements that can also help lessen the intensity of RA symptoms:
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Iron
- Zinc
- Folate
- Chromium
- Selenium
- Vitamins A, C, D, E, K
- Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, and B12
Foods to Avoid for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Processed Foods
Foods high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and salt can lead to inflammation, weight gain, and even heart problems. Not only are processed foods bad for rheumatoid arthritis, but they also have a harsh impact on your overall health.
Red or Processed Meats
Red or processed meat items have high levels of saturated fat. This makes them a direct contributor to inflammation. Processed meats like deli meat (salamis, sausages, etc.) contain preservatives which can also cause inflammation. So it’s best to avoid these foods if you don’t want a hike in inflammation levels.
Carbohydrates & Refined Sugar
Sugary foods – cakes, sweets, chocolates, candies, sweetened beverages, etc. – release inflammatory proteins known as cytokines. And foods rich in carbohydrates – white rice, white bread, white pasta, potatoes, etc. – are digested into simple sugars, and have the same inflammatory impact.
Fried Foods
Fried food items have high saturated fat and omega-6 fatty acid levels. These can cause inflammation and have serious negative impacts on heart health.
Alcohol
Alcohol should never be mixed with medication. Additionally, it is also a known cause of inflammation.
Here’s a concise look at the best and worst foods for rheumatoid arthritis:
| FOODS TO EAT | FOODS TO AVOID |
| – Whole grains – Nuts – Extra-virgin olive oil – Cherries and citrus fruits – Fish – Green leafy vegetables – Beans | – Processed meats – Red meats – Fried food – Sweets & sweet drinks – Alcohol – Carbohydrates – Refined sugar |
If you require expert advice on rheumatoid arthritis treatment and dietary restrictions, visit Sohana Hospital, Mohali. We have a team of expert rheumatology doctors, who coordinate with highly-experienced in-house dieticians, to come up with a personalised diet plan suited to your unique condition.
For more RA-related information, diagnosis, and treatment – contact us or visit to consult our specialists. At Sohana Hospital, you can benefit from world-class RA treatment facilities, advanced diagnostics, and compassionate care that we ensure at every step.