Nutrition Tips to Help Ease Rheumatoid Arthritis

Some doctors believe what you eat could affect your rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, most experts say it's too soon to know if eating a certain way could reduce symptoms.  Even though studies don't favor a specific special diet, eating healthy can help you stay in shape and maybe even feel better.

Tips for healthy eating

According to the Arthritis Foundation, these nutrients may help in the management of your RA:

• Go fish for your protein. Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce inflammation in the body. Salmon, tuna, herring, and mackerel are all high in omega-3s. And some studies have found that people who take fish oil supplements need less arthritis medicine.

• Sip some green tea. Early research suggests that substances called polyphenols in green tea may help control inflammation and prevent joint damage caused by rheumatoid arthritis.

• Avoid excess alcohol, which can cause problems if taken with some medicines for rheumatoid arthritis.

• Selenium may be helpful with reducing inflammation, due to its antioxidant properties. It's thought to have a role in helping to prevent conditions such as arthritis, cancers, age-related blindness, cataracts, heart and cardiovascular disease, and kidney disease. Selenium is found in whole-grain wheat products and some shellfish. Check with your doctor before adding any supplemental selenium to your diet, as research suggests it may increase the risk for diabetes.

• Vitamin D is most widely thought of in relation to bones and osteoporosis. However, research associates an increased intake of vitamin D with a lower risk for developing RA in older women. Researchers think vitamin D may act to suppress the development of RA. Eggs and products fortified with vitamin D (such as breads, cereals, and milk) are good sources of vitamin D.

Pain-free cooking

What if painful joints make preparing food difficult? Try cooking in bigger batches, so you can reheat a meal the next day. Use utensils with padded handles, which are easier to grip. Or look for slow cooker recipes that are simple and only take one pot.

Other tips for preparing food when you're affected by RA include:

• Use fresh or frozen precut fruits or vegetables to eliminate the time and effort of peeling and chopping.

• Place your microwave oven on the countertop and use it whenever possible to eliminate stretching or bending to reach the oven.

• Sit down at the kitchen table or on a high stool at the kitchen counter or stove for chores such as stirring, mixing, and chopping.