If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you need to know about the direct link between the severity of your symptoms and the foods you eat. Find out how a rheumatoid arthritis diet can help you.
You might be taking prescription medications, but there is more you can do to help your body.
Make Note of What Triggers Your Symptoms
The first thing you should do is keep a log of any foods that seem to trigger your symptoms. These culprit foods will vary between individuals, that is why a log or diary is useful to track down the ones that do it for you. Once you have your list, you can then cut these foods from your diet, avoiding needless pain.
Next up: some foods that really should be part of a rheumatoid arthritis diet.
Good Foods for Arthritis Symptoms
As with any condition, the 'take in plenty of fluid' rule applies here. Make sure you do not forget to keep your liquid levels up, like water (best), soups, unsweetened juices and herbal or green teas. You might be dehydrated and not realize it, except that you feel tired. Here's a hint; if you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Get into the practice of taking in liquids whether you are thirsty or not.
Most fruit and vegetables are packed with healthy anti oxidants which have a wonderful healing effect, but there are a few to watch out for. Just avoid the foods recognized to aggravate arthritic symptoms, and focus on the better food items like apples and avocados. By the way, don't peel your apples as the peel contains five times more anti oxidants than the rest. And of course, dark green leafy vegetables are best.
What's in Your Cupboard?
You need to add to your rheumatoid arthritis diet foods which have an anti-inflammatory outcome. This will reduce inflammation in your joints and decrease pain. Two of the most powerful anti-inflammatory foods are possibly already in your kitchen cabinet. These wonder foods are:
Garlic: Increase your intake of this humble bulb, try to eat it raw whenever you can; as with most foods, cooking destroys some nutrients. It's delicious in healthy dips and guacamole. If you truly dislike the taste, take garlic supplements.
Ginger: Add ginger to your meals or infuse it in a liquid to make a fragrant tea. It is a little on the peppery side, and adds a warming effect to foods.
Foods You Should Avoid
Now how about the foods to avoid (or eat less of)? Some foods associated with flare-ups include:
Fruit and Vegetables: You may want to steer clear of citrus (lemons, oranges, grapefruits), as well as tomatoes. These foods are rather acidic, which appears to cause more numerous flare-ups.
Meat: The meats to steer clear of are beef, pork, bacon and lamb. Basically, stay away from meats containing saturated fats. If you cannot do without the occasional steak or chop, make sure to cut away all visible fat before consuming.
Something to keep in the back of your mind; various people might have different reactions to foods. This is why your list of foods to remove from your rheumatoid arthritis diet will be very useful.
Free Information on How to Treat Arthritis Naturally
You might be taking prescription medications, but there is more you can do to help your body.
Make Note of What Triggers Your Symptoms
The first thing you should do is keep a log of any foods that seem to trigger your symptoms. These culprit foods will vary between individuals, that is why a log or diary is useful to track down the ones that do it for you. Once you have your list, you can then cut these foods from your diet, avoiding needless pain.
Next up: some foods that really should be part of a rheumatoid arthritis diet.
Good Foods for Arthritis Symptoms
As with any condition, the 'take in plenty of fluid' rule applies here. Make sure you do not forget to keep your liquid levels up, like water (best), soups, unsweetened juices and herbal or green teas. You might be dehydrated and not realize it, except that you feel tired. Here's a hint; if you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Get into the practice of taking in liquids whether you are thirsty or not.
Most fruit and vegetables are packed with healthy anti oxidants which have a wonderful healing effect, but there are a few to watch out for. Just avoid the foods recognized to aggravate arthritic symptoms, and focus on the better food items like apples and avocados. By the way, don't peel your apples as the peel contains five times more anti oxidants than the rest. And of course, dark green leafy vegetables are best.
What's in Your Cupboard?
You need to add to your rheumatoid arthritis diet foods which have an anti-inflammatory outcome. This will reduce inflammation in your joints and decrease pain. Two of the most powerful anti-inflammatory foods are possibly already in your kitchen cabinet. These wonder foods are:
Garlic: Increase your intake of this humble bulb, try to eat it raw whenever you can; as with most foods, cooking destroys some nutrients. It's delicious in healthy dips and guacamole. If you truly dislike the taste, take garlic supplements.
Ginger: Add ginger to your meals or infuse it in a liquid to make a fragrant tea. It is a little on the peppery side, and adds a warming effect to foods.
Foods You Should Avoid
Now how about the foods to avoid (or eat less of)? Some foods associated with flare-ups include:
Fruit and Vegetables: You may want to steer clear of citrus (lemons, oranges, grapefruits), as well as tomatoes. These foods are rather acidic, which appears to cause more numerous flare-ups.
Meat: The meats to steer clear of are beef, pork, bacon and lamb. Basically, stay away from meats containing saturated fats. If you cannot do without the occasional steak or chop, make sure to cut away all visible fat before consuming.
Something to keep in the back of your mind; various people might have different reactions to foods. This is why your list of foods to remove from your rheumatoid arthritis diet will be very useful.
Free Information on How to Treat Arthritis Naturally
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If you want to manage your pain, here's more FREE information on arthritis and how you can feel better without drugs.
