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4 foods that help manage rheumatoid arthritis

4 foods that help manage rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disorder that can affect joints and other parts of the body, like the skin, lungs, eyes, blood vessels, and heart. As it is a chronic autoimmune disorder, the condition develops when the immune system begins attacking healthy tissues. Further, unlike the wear and tear damage associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of the joints leading to swelling, bone erosion, and deformities, causing pain.

Best foods
Changes in the meal plan may not cure the condition, but making better food choices can help relieve some of its symptoms. So, doctors may recommend anti-inflammatory foods to help lower the inflammation in the body. Here are some of the foods for rheumatoid arthritis management:

Carrots
Orange vegetables such as carrots are rich sources of vitamin A and beta-carotene, which can reduce inflammation in the body. Further, cooking can help increase the concentration of these nutrients, so one can add cooked carrots to their daily meals when dealing with rheumatoid arthritis. However, rather than opting for large quantities, one must have one large carrot or seven to eight baby carrots every day.

Ginger
Ginger contains generous amounts of anti-inflammatory compounds. This versatile root also has a unique flavor, making it an excellent addition to daily meals. One can either add peeled ginger to stir-fry recipes or puree it and add it to soups. However, one should consult a doctor before as excessive ginger intake can lead to blood thinning, a decrease in blood sugar levels, and an increased risk of hypoglycemia, especially when one is undergoing treatment for health concerns.

Pineapple
Fresh fruits like pineapple contain vitamin C and the enzyme bromelain, which has been linked to a decrease in swelling and pain for those with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. So, one can add this tropical fruit to their meal plan in the form of pineapple smoothies, fruit salad, and even baked dishes. Further, the fruit can also be added to stir-fry recipes to give the dish a sweet and sour flavor.

Turmeric
This yellow spice offers a great number of health benefits. Turmeric contains curcumin, a natural polyphenol that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce pain and inflammation. A 2012 study concluded that turmeric in its natural form is completely safe and incredibly effective in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. So, those with the condition can add turmeric to their meals and teas. One can also add it to smoothies to help decrease inflammation and pain.

In addition to choosing the right foods for rheumatoid arthritis, one must avoid foods with added sugars, red meats, dairy products, and corn oil, as these can trigger and worsen inflammation in the body. Further, in case one experiences nutrient deficiencies as a result of the condition, supplements of vitamins B12, B6, C, and D can be taken to counter them. However, one must consult a doctor or a nutritionist before taking any supplements or making drastic changes to the meal plan to avoid worsening health complications and increasing the risk of vitamin deficiencies.

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