Diet For Arthritis-The Truth About Your Diet As a Cure for Arthritis

Does diet and nutrition affect rheumatoid arthritis?  Is there a diet for arthritis that will help relieve joint pain?  Research in this area shows confusing and contradicting results. However, some common elements appear regularly in research studies which would indicate these are worth considering.

Research results and many experts agree that rheumatoid arthritis patients tend to be deficient in folic acid, B vitamins (B6 and B12), vitamins C, D, and E, calcium, magnesium, selenium, and zinc. Folic acid and the B vitamins deficiencies occur especially in patients taking methotrexate. Certainly eating a balanced diet is the first best form of nutrition, but supplements may be needed to meet the extra needs of rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Two different studies with mice show that both green tea and a combination of fish oil with vitamin E reduce the inflammation related to cytokines. The presence of cytokines (pro-inflammatory) in the blood correlates to inflammation in the joints resulting in pain for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers.

Some studies indicate that green tea also aids the body in metabolizing fat which makes it an excellent aid to rheumatoid arthritis patients taking prednisone which causes excessive fat storage. Whether this works or not, green tea is recognized as an excellent anti-oxidant and certainly can’t hurt patients with autoimmune diseases.

Does diet or certain foods cause flare-ups in rheumatoid arthritis? Again research is controversial. Many experts recognize that allergens affect rheumatoid arthritis because it is an autoimmune disease. So anything that affects the immune system might affect RA. Most experts caution against radical diet changes especially elimination diets or fasting due to the risks of malnutrition or other side effects.

So what is safe and how do you find what works for you? Careful, logical, and systematic testing of foods in your diet can give positive information that will help rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. The best thing to do is begin to journal everything. Keep a daily log of all food and beverages consumed. With this log, record daily activities including exercise and anything that causes pain (e.g. opening a jar, lifting, rising, swollen joints, etc.). Over time if there is a repeated pain with a common cause then eliminate that food or activity.

Each person is unique and each case of rheumatoid arthritis will vary. Determine to eat a healthy diet and use supplements as needed in a healthy way. With study, reasonable effort, and care you can determine the kind of diet and supplements that work for you.

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