Top 5 Nutritional Strategies for Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis
Manage rheumatoid arthritis with a targeted diet including garlic, ginger, fatty fish, broccoli, and berries. These foods possess anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce joint pain and inflammation. Complement your diet with prescribed medications like Actemra® for optimal results. Incorporate these strategies for better joint health and improved quality of life.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term autoimmune disorder characterized by joint inflammation and pain. It can occur in individuals of any age, though those over 65 are at higher risk. Along with prescribed medications, incorporating specific foods into your diet can help lessen RA symptoms. Research highlights several superfoods that support joint health and reduce inflammation. Including these foods can be a natural approach to managing rheumatoid arthritis more effectively.
Recommended Foods
Here are five foods beneficial for rheumatoid arthritis management:
Garlic
Garlic isn't just a culinary staple—it boasts strong anti-inflammatory properties, helping to combat joint inflammation characteristic of RA.
The immune response in RA triggers joint inflammation. Garlic enhances immune function, reducing inflammation and potentially lowering cartilage damage due to inflammatory cytokines.
Ginger
Ginger is widely used in cooking for its flavor and medicinal benefits, notably for alleviating knee pain linked to osteoarthritis. Its active compounds, shogaol and gingerol, inhibit inflammatory pathways, thereby reducing swelling and boosting immunity.
Fatty Fish
Fish like salmon, mackerel, and trout are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which help diminish joint inflammation and pain. Their vitamin D content further supports immune health and calcium absorption, strengthening bones affected by RA and osteoarthritis.
Cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli, bok choy, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and collard greens, contain sulforaphane, which blocks enzymes that break down cartilage and promote inflammation. The vitamin K in these vegetables may slow osteoarthritis progression.
Berries
Berries are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and compounds like rutin and quercetin. These nutrients neutralize inflammation and decrease joint pain, aiding RA management naturally.
Medications
Alongside dietary choices, certain medications can help control RA symptoms. Actemra® (tocilizumab) is effective in reducing inflammation by blocking interleukin 6 signaling. It is administered via IV or injections. Other drugs like methotrexate, infliximab, and celecoxib are also prescribed for symptom relief.
