Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fats, which may protect joints from inflammation. A study published in Clinical Nutrition suggests that people with RA who consume more monounsaturated fats may feel better than those who consume less. The vehicle for the avocado is important, too.
Hot and cold cereals are good options. They are quick ways to get a serving of fiber-full whole grains that can help reduce inflammation. While oatmeal may be your go-to grain, there are several nutritious cereals made from corn, brown rice, quinoa, hemp, buckwheat and kamut.
Citrus foods, such as oranges, grapefruit, lemon, and limes, are rich in vitamin C, and are also good sources of inflammation-fighting antioxidants, which are beneficial for those with rheumatoid arthritis.
Bananas and Plantains are high in magnesium and potassium that can increase bone density. Magnesium may also alleviate arthritis symptoms.
Avocado. Avocado is a good source of vitamin C and vitamin E — the latter is not found in a lot of other fruits. These vitamins have an anti-inflammatory effect, which means eating avocados may help decrease joint pain.
Nightshade Vegetables
Eggplants, peppers, tomatoes and potatoes are all members of the nightshade family. These vegetables contain the chemical solanine, which some people claim aggravates arthritis pain and inflammation.
Another study, published in Nutrients, found that yogurt consumption was associated with lower levels of inflammatory markers, and as the study authors note, “may be an important part of a healthy diet, designed to mitigate systemic inflammation.” Cohen recommends plain Greek yogurt, which has more protein than other ...
Berries. From strawberries and blackberries to cranberries and blueberries, these gemlike fruits are particularly potent in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.
Honey is a sweet natural fluid that is significant in the treatment of arthritis and other types of health conditions. It contains anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-bacterial agents.
Eat and Drink Less Dairy on a Diet for Rheumatoid Arthritis
The body forms these antibodies to protect itself from what it mistakenly perceives as a harmful substance, but the antibodies attack other parts of the body in addition to the milk. Cut dairy products from your diet to see if that reduces your RA symptoms.
Wheat products — like pasta, bread, crackers, and bagels — may spell trouble for your joints, especially if you have rheumatoid arthritis. The reason? Wheat contains gluten, a protein that can irritate and aggravate arthritic joints.
Auer used to prefer milk chocolate but learned to like dark chocolate, which has antioxidants that may reduce inflammation. An ounce of dark chocolate a day should suffice for this effect, experts suggest. Antioxidants are also plentiful in tea, red wine, and fruits and vegetables.
Recent studies have also suggested ginger can help reduce the production of inflammatory prostaglandins, hormones that cause pain in people with arthritis. Gingerol, shogaol, and zingerone, which are present in ginger, can help reduce swelling and inflammation associated with arthritis.
If you suffer from joint pain or arthritis, make sure your diet goes heavy on the cucumbers (load up all of your salads with them)—cucumbers contain silica which besides being good for hair and nails, is excellent for joint health.
Reduced Inflammation
Beets are also rich in nitrates, which reduce inflammation by removing harmful compounds from your bloodstream. This combination of betalains and nitrates makes beets a great choice for people with inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia.
A recent study by Joseph Maroon, MD showed that grapes contain resveratrol. Resveratrol has been known to be effective in preventing heart disease but recently it has been discovered that it may also be effective in helping with symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Meat & Seafood: Opt for Lean Meats and Fatty Fish
Fatty fish is the most potent and easily absorbed source of anti-inflammatory omega-3s. It's a great substitute for red meat, which has been linked to increased inflammation. Chicken and turkey are also great choices.
Myth: Dairy Makes RA Worse
You don't have to cut milk, cheese, or yogurt from your diet. There's not much evidence that your joints will feel better if you skip those foods. And keep in mind that some RA meds put you at greater risk for osteoporosis, so you don't want to miss out on dairy's bone-building benefits.
2. Salmon, tuna, sardines and mackerel. These fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which studies have found can decrease inflammation. According to the Arthritis Foundation, eating a 3 to 4 ounce serving of these fish two or more times a week is recommended for protecting the heart and reducing inflammation.
Although milk has some inflammatory properties, cow milk is considered to be one of the best beverages for arthritis. Make sure you are lactose tolerant and you are not experiencing inflammation after drinking milk. The nutrients present in milk ensure that your bones become stronger against fractures and pains.