What Foods Make Rheumatoid Arthritis Worse?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease. Inflammation is problematic in all arthritis, whether it is autoimmune rheumatoid arthritis, or arthritis most connected with wear and tear on joints over time, osteoarthritis. The traditional medical approach to these two kinds of named diseases is to use medications to block the inflammation cascade.
Though, these can be a successful approach in reducing the symptoms and sometimes preventing additional joint damage. However, the drugs don’t get at the root cause of the problem asking why you developed the inflammation in the first place.
From forgetfulness to joint pain…
Have you been told that you are getting older and it’s “ normal” to have a joint pain?
Functional Medicine takes a deeper and holistic approach and can give you options for addressing the root of the problem whenever it starts in the gut, from the food or stress.
Rheumatoid arthritis develops through a mixture of genetic and environmental factors.
What are the initial signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?
The symptoms of RA vary from person to person, the foremost common symptoms include:
Pain, stiffness and swelling within the joints, mainly in the morning
Redness or warmth in the joint
Inflammation around the tendons
However, RA requires a comprehensive and systemic approach addressing all factors (called triggers) involved in the inflammatory disease process.
Implementation of dietary interventions is crucial here.
Picture 1 shows a graphical representation of the effects of different factors on RA progression/remission.
The bottom left side of the picture presents diets causing remission of RA symptoms such as vegan, elemental, elimination and the Mediterranean diet.
Whereas the upper left side shows the impact of food antigens, environmental, epigenetic and genetic factors contributing to increased inflammation of joints and synovial membranes. Most people have no idea that eating the wrong type of foods can increase the arthritis pain flare-ups leading to chronic inflammatory conditions.
The foods you eat will considerably affect inflammation in your body.
What foods make arthritis worse?
Processed food: reduce the number of processed foods such as fried meat, frozen ready to eat meals, grilled, pasteurized foods. When foods are processed, toxic advanced glycation end products (AGE) are released which damage certain proteins in your body resulting in arthritis pain and other inflammatory responses. Instead, include more fresh vegetables and fruits into your diet.
2. Sugars and refined carbs: excessive amounts of sugar lead to an increase in AGEs –causing inflammation. Exclude baked cakes, sodas, candies to reduce your arthritis pain and inflammation.
3. Dairy products: evidence demonstrates that dairy products may increase arthritic pain by irritating the tissue around their joints.
If you are worried, try removing the diary for a few weeks, and then reintroduce it to check how your body reacts. Instead, try adding protein from vegetable sources such as organic tofu, beans, lentils, nut butter of your choice or quinoa to see whether your symptoms are reduced.
4. Cigarettes: cigarette smoking is definitely on the "no" list as it is linked to severe RA flare-ups, because it can trigger a genetic reaction that leads to a more serious form of the disease.
5. Alcohol: the research is a bit mixed when it comes to inflammation and alcohol. However, the levels of inflammatory C-reactive protein (CRP) were higher when alcohol intake was severe.
Several research papers have shown that certain types of alcohol — mainly red wine — seem to have anti-inflammatory properties due to the high concentration of antioxidants like resveratrol.
Confusing, isn’t it?
What you can do?
Healthy body and joints required a nourished and well-composed diet, a moderate amount of activity and an adequate quantity of relaxation.
There are lots of ways to support yourself and you don't have to do it without help.
Seek professional support and in fact, getting outside help may change your life.
Take action and trust your gut :-)