Help Fight Your Symptoms Of

Rheumatoid Arthritis

With Good Nutrition

 

 

Today we are going to discuss what role nutrition may play in keeping symptoms or "flare ups" at bay in those of us that suffer from an autoimmune disease.  What are autoimmune diseases??? An autoimmune disease is a disease that occurs when our own immune system attacks our own healthy cells........so not just the bad stuff, but our good stuff too.  So wrong.....I know!!!  Some of these autoimmune diseases are Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus, Addison's Disease, Sjogren Syndrome, Celiac Disease, Graves Disease, and Type 1 Diabetes.  But for todays topic, we will just focus on nutrition and its role in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

 

 

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?  RA is a chronic and painful autoimmune disease that affects our joints and connective tissue and in some cases, our organs.   In my opinion and experience, bringing your "scripts" to the pharmacy is not the only thing we can do for ourselves when you suffer from RA.  Numerous studies have shown and I have had the benefit of actually seeing patients with good outcomes when they eat a "Clean" Diet.   When I say "Clean", I mean well balanced and as much plant based foods as possible.  Your nutritional plan should consist of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean sources of protein, and low fat dairy foods.  Your plate should be a colorful canvas to ensure that you are getting all of the wonderful antioxidants in vegetables and fruits!!! I definitely recommend buying white plates.....that way you can see all of the beautiful colors and it makes you enjoy your food that much more!!!  Also rich in antioxidants to be included in your "Clean" diet are nuts, beans, dark chocolate (don't get carried away!!), green tea (my favorite!!) and red wine (again, don't get carried away!!)  However, also make sure to put fish at the top of your list!!!!  The omega-3-fatty acids found in salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, and trout are considered to be a major anti-inflammatory in food.  Numerous studies have shown that consuming omega-3-fatty acids in food or supplement form can help ease symptoms of stiffness and joint pain.  However, check with doctor before you start taking the supplement form because it may interfere with other medications you are on if you don't take the proper dosage.  Recent research suggests about 2.7 grams per day is needed to help ease symptoms. 

 

Have any of you ever heard of C-Reactive Protein (CRP)????  Well, CRP is an indicator of inflammation in our blood.  Some of you may have seen this on your lab sheet after you get your blood tests done and if you have never seen  any of your actual lab sheets and instead just accept a letter from your doctor saying "All labs are good or within normal limits".  Wrong!!!! If you have an autoimmune disease or not, you should always ask for an "actual" copy of labs for you to see and compare year after year....after all....it's your blood!!!  O.K., I'm off my soap box!!!  Back to CRP.....the good news is that many studies have shown that by increasing fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your daily nutritional regimen......CRP levels decrease!! Yay!! 

 

I'm sure this way of eating all sounds pretty familiar to you all....it is just a healthy way of eating.  Minimize the sugar and fat laden foods......I promise that you will feel the difference after the first week of following this "WAY OF LIFE".  Also, if your not a "food network star"......the kitchen needs to become your best friend.  Eliminate processed foods in a box or can and get cooking!!!!  Have fun in the kitchen!!!   I realize that we should all try to follow this way of life, but for those of us that suffer from an autoimmune disease....it is a necessity.  And don't forget to exercise within your limits...this too will help your overall well-being!!!