If you or someone you know suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, you know how painful and debilitating it can be. If you haven't walked a mile in those shoes, you can't imagine how frustrating it can be. Your doctor may say try this medication, try that. Don't do this, do that. But sometimes, to no avail. The disease is caused by a misguided immune system attack on the body's own joint tissue, which leads to swelling, pain, stiffness and in some cases deformity. Rheumatoid arthritis is more common among women than men.
Perhaps what you're eating, or more specifically what you're not eating can be causing some of your soreness. Recent findings suggest that a diet high in fruits, vegetables, legumes and certain oils aids in relieving symptoms in people with rheumatoid arthritis. After following a diet rich in fruits and veggies for three months, people with rheumatoid arthritis experienced a number of improvements not seen in people following a typical American diet high in processed foods. Some of the improvements shown include a decrease in pain, inflammation, disease activity and in the number of swollen joints. Further, previous research suggested that more olive oil and cooked vegetables help protect people from the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
The current results suggest that "patients with (rheumatoid arthritis) can obtain better physical function and increase their vitality" from eating a fruit, vegetables, legumes and some oils diet for three months, write Dr. Lars Skoldstam of Visby Hospital in Sweden and colleagues.
This plan is similar to that of people who live in the Mediterranean. They also tend to eat a lot of fruit, vegetables, and legumes, more fish and less red meat. Moreover, they drink a moderate amount of wine, and rely on olive oil as their main source of dietary fat. Earlier research has suggested that followers of this diet enjoy a wide range of benefits, such as a lower risk of heart disease, cancer and memory loss.
Additional studies have shown that citrus and zinc may also cut rheumatoid arthritis risk. Citrus can be helpful because of the antioxidants they contain. Findings are not conclusive, yet promising.
In the study, the doctors found that women getting less than 40 micrograms of beta-cryptoxanthin, a component found in citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruit were at a somewhat elevated danger of developing rheumatoid arthritis than women who consumed more than that amount.
Although thus far it has only been proven that genetics is the culprit behind rheumatoid arthritis, if there have been some findings as to the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables, wouldn't it make sense for suffers to up their intake? It certainly can't hurt? and may actually help. Now please pass the broccoli with a side of grapefruit!
The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any health care program.
Emily Clark is editor at lifestyle health news and lifestyle health news where you can find the most up-to-date advice and information on many medical, health and lifestyle topics.
no-contract cleaning service Des Plaines ..Magnesium is an important mineral that serves numerous essential functions... Read More
You've no doubt heard the saying, "You are what you... Read More
In parts 1-6 of this series of articles titled "Take... Read More
With today's time constraints, stressful jobs, and "thin is in"... Read More
"All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed.... Read More
Inflammation is not a disease.Inflammation is best described as a... Read More
Hormonal changes during pregnancy, and quite normal fat gain often... Read More
Can a child thrive on a vegan diet? The answer... Read More
It slows ageing, promotes healthy vision, has anti-cancer properties, increases... Read More
Following a diet program of any sort can sometimes be... Read More
Have you ever thought about where your drinking water comes... Read More
It is shocking how many people are not taking advantage... Read More
Endurance Sports are like music concerts. They start at a... Read More
Fire ElementAccording to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) there are five... Read More
The most incredible thing you can do for yourself is... Read More
Following these simple nutrition guidelines will allow you to lose... Read More
(ARA) - By now you probably think you've heard all... Read More
For a natural and tasty way to improve your health... Read More
Aging occurs when the body's cells die at faster rates... Read More
The word 'homeostasis' is made up of two Greek words:... Read More
At any grocery store in North America right now, there... Read More
I spent a few days at a resort in Mexico... Read More
"The physician who knows only medicine, knows not even medicine."... Read More
Because I believe diet and exercise are so important, I'm... Read More
One must always keep in mind that copper is not... Read More
bathroom cleaning service Lake Forest ..We come from a society where growing organic and just... Read More
Omega-3 appear to reduce the risk of heart attack. A... Read More
You can trust me that I make sure to take... Read More
If you do not take time to stand back at... Read More
The above foods contain high antioxidant capacity. These foods were... Read More
It is a question we must ask ourselves continually if... Read More
A flood of scientific evidence about fish oil points to... Read More
Salt is vital for our health. Right now, you have... Read More
Summer brings a lot of fantastic things with it, but... Read More
Nuts are readily available and provide a highly nutritious food.... Read More
Incorporating these fat loss tips will improve your nutrition program.... Read More
During the Second World War, the Germans used fluoride as... Read More
Studies support the benefits of eating a diet rich in... Read More
Food nutrition factsFinding food nutrition facts and dietary nutrition used... Read More
Established in 1989 by Stephen DeFelice, "Foundation for Innovation in... Read More
Since the beginning of time, everyday fruits have been known... Read More
Sprouts not only taste good, but they are also a... Read More
In the last twenty years, a huge and growing body... Read More
The factors that affect the nutritional requirements of an individual... Read More
Did you know the average American gains 5-7 pounds every... Read More
Dr. Christine Wood, M.D, a practicing pediatrician in Encinitas, California,... Read More
My name is Mildred Shears. I'm retired and I live... Read More
For a considerable amount of time, nutrition has not played... Read More
Nuts of all kinds (I am talking peanuts, cashews etc)... Read More
Many of us sprinkle oregano on our pizza and stews... Read More
Nutrition |