Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a painful disease that causes inflammation of the joints. However, rheumatoid arthritis can also have a debilitating effect on the body’s organs, including the heart and lungs. This condition causes your immune system to fight against the tissues in your body.
There are various symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis. One of the most common is severe joint pain. Other symptoms are fatigue, swollen ankles, dryness in the mouth, fever. The same symptoms usually affect both sides of the body, for example, pain in both knees.
The disease has four main stages. In the first stage, the body destroys its tissue. The joints become swollen in the second stage. During the third stage, the joints become deformed. If there is no treatment, the disease becomes chronic as the joints become fused. If you have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, you must pay keen attention to your dietary needs. Some of the foods that should be excluded from your diet are listed below:
1. Processed baked goods
These items are usually store-bought and have a high refined sugar content. Preservatives are also used to maintain the shelf life of the products. Sugar and preservatives should be avoided as they contain inflammatory properties that worsen the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
2. Sugar and sugar alternatives
Generally speaking, you should limit your sugar intake even if you are strong and healthy. Too much sugar in the diet can lead to a multiplicity of health issues, including obesity. People affected by rheumatoid arthritis should consume small amounts of foods that are high in sugar. Ice cream, sodas, and even sauces contain large amounts of added sugars. The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis will be exacerbated if these products are consumed regularly.
3. Red meat
Medical research states that red meat should be avoided or consumed in small portions because it contains saturated fats, which can cause inflammation. This meat contains a bacteria (MAP) that also affects persons who have rheumatoid arthritis. Even though red-meat is rich in iron, it should be served in limited portions, especially if you link consuming the product to a flare up in your condition.
4. Fried foods
Fried foods should also be consumed infrequently as they contain trans-fat. Consuming fast food also causes inflammation. These foods also affect your cholesterol levels, often causing bad cholesterol to increase and good cholesterol to decrease.
5. Dairy products
Milk products such as ice-cream, butter, and high-fat dairy like cheese contain proteins that may aggravate rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. The fat content in these foods is very high and can result in increased inflammation of the joints.
6. Alcohol
Small amounts of alcohol will not usually cause any harm. However, large quantities can interfere with medications. Alcoholic beverage consumption reduces water content in your body, which in turn affects the flexibility of the joints. It can also lead to liver disease and bleeding ulcers. Each individual is different, but reducing your intake of these types of drinks will prove beneficial for your health.
You may be quite discouraged-especially if you enjoy sweet snacks and desserts. Don’t beat up on yourself too much. Remember, it’s all about moderation. While it might be in your best interest to eliminate certain foods from your diet, this does not mean you are banned forever from having every delicacy or sweet. You must be cognizant of your specific needs, also ensure that you are in constant communication with your healthcare provider.
Also, ensure that you do your research to discover new ways to combat this disease. Get all the help you can, and you will be able to live a productive and useful life.
