Do These Foods Cause Your Rheumatoid Arthritis?

by E Richards

Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common chronic autoimmune disease, characterised by excruciating pain, & inflammation amongst other symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis, is a debilitating condition that affects a large number of the world’s population, symptoms of RA normally start over the age of thirty, women tend to be far more likely to suffer with RA than men. A version of RA is known to affect children, known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis occurs in all races and ethnic groups. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory illness that affects the joints and because it is “systemic” (affecting the entire body), it can affect other parts of the body as well. Rheumatoid arthritis treatment includes painkillers and medicines to reduce inflammation and prevent the disease’s progression.

Medications include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying anti rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biological response modifiers, and corticosteroids. Non-drug treatments include physical therapy; modified exercise programs; devices such as canes, special shoes, and splints (rigid supports that keep a part of the body from moving while it heals); and lifestyle changes–such as balancing activity with rest, eating a healthy diet, and reducing stress.

When the body’s immune system falls completely out of sync, medicines called Immuno-suppressants may be used, Immuno-suppressants are designed to deplete and manage your immune system. These particular drugs are less commonly used due to the fact that they leave the body unable to fight other infection, and illnesses.

An autoimmune diseases is the description given to a condition which causes the body’s own antibodies mistakenly attack their own body tissues (in RA the area normally attacked is the joint synovium), this causes the pain and inflammation.

Commonly affected joints include those in the hands, wrists, feet, ankles, elbows, shoulders, hips, knees and neck. Rheumatoid arthritis varies from person to person, but most cases are chronic, meaning they never go away. Some people have mild or moderate disease, with flares (periods of worsening symptoms) and remissions.

Arthritics should always advise from their doctor regarding suitable medication and and pain relief. As with all medicines, arthritis drugs must be used with caution, patients should inform their doctors about any changes which may occur while using the medication.

Studies indicate the benefits and indeed the damaging effect of some foods in relation rheumatoid arthritis. Some foods are known to help one’s RA, while others will actually make things worse.

A clear link exists between rheumatoid arthritis & food allergy & intolerance

Foods which contain a chemical called inflammatory prostaglandin are known to be bad for sufferers of RA, these natural chemicals can be directly responsible for triggering attacks of arthritis. Many sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis have shown a marked improvement when removing certain foods from their diet.

Foods which should be avoided by anyone suffering with rheumatoid arthritis

1.Processed foods

2.Fat & all fatty foods

3.Sugar

4.Additives and preservatives

5.Citrus fruit

Foods which should shown caution by anyone suffering with rheumatoid arthritis

The following foods cause much confusion amongst nutritionists and professionals alike, these foods are referred to as nightshade foods’

1.Potatoes (especially when green)

2.Tomatoes (especially when green)

3.Hot peppers (all colours)

4.Sweet peppers (all colours)

5.Paprika

Good foods for people suffering with RA

1.Brown rice (a good alternative to potatoes)

2.Sweet potatoes

3.Onions

4.Nuts

5.Celery

6. Most oily fish

This is only a small list of some of the foods which have a link to RA (good or bad). Diet and natural programmes used to treat arthritis may not be quickest rout to pain relief because they first have to tackle the underlying contributing factors, this may take a few weeks, however natural practices do actually address the disease and not just the symptoms.

Natural practices could be the answer to one’s RA,and shouldn’t be discounted.

About the Author:
Reduce your arthritis pain and inflammation…quickly, using A Simple & Practical Method If your looking for a safe and effective way of treating your arthritis pain without drugs, supplements or complete diet change, visit Cure Your Arthritis for a drug free alternative.

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Written by E Richards on December 10th, 2009 with no comments.
Read more articles on Arthritis.

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