Cure rheumatoid arthritis: Nutritional therapy and diet

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease, mainly affecting the joints causing pain and limitation of movement. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis requires a combination of drug treatment, exercise and a suitable diet, along with close monitoring from doctors to achieve the best treatment effect.
Unlike osteoarthritis (OA), which is the most common form of arthritis that occurs when the cartilage that protects joints wears down over time, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect many different parts of the body but most commonly affects the joints, causing pain and stiffness. The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is still unknown.
Rheumatoid arthritis treatment must be tailored to each patient's individual circumstances, including the severity of the disease, the effectiveness of specific therapies, and consideration of side effects. Treatment options can also be influenced by the person's other health conditions, especially those affecting the liver or kidneys.
Treatment plays an important role in managing rheumatoid arthritis and minimizing joint damage. Treatment usually involves a combination of medication and other non-pharmacological therapies, including treatment and control through diet.

1. General principles of rheumatoid arthritis treatment

Almost all rheumatoid arthritis patients need some type of medication to control their condition. But this does not diminish the importance of non-drug therapies that can improve quality of life, help control symptoms and minimize joint damage, such as diet.
Many rheumatoid arthritis patients believe that diet plays an important part in minimizing symptoms and have attempted to change their own diet. Dietary changes can support health and improve symptoms, but patients need to adhere to treatment such as taking prescription medications and doing physical activity as recommended by their doctor.

2. Nutritional and dietary therapy

2.1. Maintain a healthy weight

The biggest correlation between diet and arthritis is weight. Excess weight can make certain specialist medications ineffective, and can make your condition worse and slow down your improvement. If you are heavier than recommended, try to lose weight by combining a healthy diet with regular exercise.

2.2. Change the type of fat in the meal

People with rheumatoid arthritis have a higher risk of developing heart disease than people without rheumatoid arthritis. The amount and type of fat you eat and use in cooking affects your blood cholesterol levels, and can also affect pain and inflammation in your joints.

2.3. Eat more oily fish

Fish like sardines, mackerel, herring, salmon and snapper have darker flesh, rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fats. In addition to heart health benefits, fish oil has been shown to help reduce inflammation in general and may help relieve joint pain and stiffness. Omega-3 fats from plant sources such as flaxseed, evening primrose, and borage oils have weaker anti-inflammatory effects and less benefit.

2.4. Fish oil

High-dose fish oil supplements have been shown to reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, such as morning stiffness, number of swollen, tender joints and joint pain. Fish oil supplements should have 500-1000mg of EPA and DHA (omega-3 fats) per capsule. Be patient, as it can take up to three months for symptoms to subside. Patients should consult their doctor before using any dietary supplement.

2.5. Follow the Mediterranean diet

This diet includes poultry, fish and less lean red meat than the typical British diet, more vegetables (fresh, frozen or canned), fresh fruit, olive oil , whole grains , peas and beans and nuts and seeds. Saturated fat in meals is reduced and replaced with unsaturated fats including omega-3. Research shows that the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis when following this diet are improved.
Use oils and products rich in monounsaturated fats - more olive and canola oils. Getting plenty of omega-3 polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats can help reduce inflammation and reduce symptoms. Eating a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables (5 meals a day) will increase your intake of compounds called 'antioxidants' that can help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

2.6. Eat foods rich in iron

Fatigue is a very common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis and can be made worse by anemia (a lack of red blood cells to carry oxygen around the body). Anemia can occur as a result of impaired iron absorption during 'disease flares'.
To solve this problem, regularly eat foods rich in iron: lean red meat, eggs, green leafy vegetables, peas, beans, lentils and iron-fortified breakfast cereals. The body will more easily absorb iron if you take it at the same time as vitamin C, so eat a portion of fruit or vegetable with your meal. Although there are tips that you may come across in the media or some websites, there is no scientific evidence that red meat should be avoided with meals.

2.7 Eat calcium-rich foods

It is important to get enough calcium in your diet to ensure that your bones stay strong and healthy. Some patients have to take glucocorticoids for treatment, which is at high risk of causing osteoporosis. Good sources of calcium include low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese, green leafy vegetables, calcium-fortified soy beverages, almonds and bone-in edible fish, such as sardines.

2.8. Diet of exclusions and food intolerances

A vegetarian diet may help relieve symptoms for some people, but people should consult with a doctor or dietitian to make sure they are still getting enough nutrients. Some believe that food allergies/intolerances cause or worsen inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis patients, but there is no evidence to support this theory. However, a small number of people with rheumatoid arthritis may have a true intolerance to one or more foods. Foods to be excluded from meals are determined through an exclusion program under the supervision of a dietitian. Fasting is an extreme and temporary way to manage pain and inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis and is not recommended.

2.9. Functional foods

There is some evidence that arthritis progresses more quickly in people who do not get enough vitamin D. There is no scientific evidence to support the use of antioxidant vitamins or mineral supplements in the treatment of inflammation. rheumatoid joint. A healthy diet contains all the nutrients needed by the body. However, if the diet is limited or there is no appetite, a general multivitamin/mineral supplement can provide the essential nutrients, but with the consent of the doctor. doctor.

2.10. Gut bacteria and rheumatoid arthritis

We know that the gut microbiome plays a role in immune regulation. Recent data suggest that changes to gut bacteria may increase the risk of rheumatoid arthritis and its severity. Rheumatoid arthritis patients have been observed to have an irregular gut microbiota but until now, the use of probiotics as a treatment has not been proven.
It should not be assumed that diet can replace medicine, pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments need to be well coordinated to provide a better treatment effect. It's important to maintain a healthy weight and eat healthy combined with regular exercise to help reduce body fat. Reducing saturated fat intake and eating more omega-3s and monounsaturated fats (like olive oil) are beneficial for joint and heart health. Following the Mediterranean diet may improve symptoms. In addition, patients should always follow and consult with their rheumatologist and nutritionist before changing their diet.

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References: bda.uk.com, uptodate.com

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