Rheumatoid Arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disease affecting mainly your joints, but in some cases your skin, eyes, lungs, heart and blood vessels as well. As an autoimmune disorder, your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in your body. This causes painful swelling in the affected areas.
Symptoms of RA include:
Did you know that many of our patients have these issues and chronic pain, and we have helped so many with lifestyle changes?
In addition to treatment, there are several lifestyle changes you can consider to help with RA symptoms. For example, changing up your diet. Check out these foods that help fight Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Research suggests that food high in omega-3 fats help prevent inflammation. This healthy fat is found in salmon, sardines, mackerel, trout, flaxseeds and walnuts. Try eating 3 to 4 ounces of fish, twice a week.
Broccoli really is a superfood. It is rich in vitamin C and K, calcium, and contains a helpful compound called sulforaphane. According to a Mayo Clinic study, Broccoli actually helps protect against the development of RA. Try also adding cauliflower, brussel sprouts and kale to your regular diet.
Olive oil, a heart-healthy fat, contains oleocanthal, which blocks inflammation enzymes. Try using as a replacement for other oils in your cooking and salad dressings.
Cartilage protects and cushions joints as they move. Vitamin C protects collagen, which is a large part of cartilage. Try adding more citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits to your diet reap this vitamin C benefit.
Green tea contains polyphenols, which are antioxidants believed to reduce inflammation and slow cartilage destruction. When looking for your morning caffeine kick, try switching from coffee to a hot cup of green tea.
C-reactive protein (CRP) in the blood is a marker of inflammation. Whole grains help lower these levels. Next time you are at the store, skip the white rice and pick up some brown rice. Oatmeal and whole-grain cereals are also a smart choice.
Anyone can be affected by RA. Having a family member with RA can increase your odds, however, the majority of people with the disease do not have a family history of the disease. Currently, RA affects about 1% of Americans. It affects almost 3 times as many women as it does men. If you feel RA may affect you, let us help you. At Synergy Integrative Medical Clinic, we focus on health from inwards out.
We have not only recommendations on overall lifestyle, but we also offer nutrition therapy.
