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Rheumatoid arthritis: 7 diet dos and don'ts

See if a change in diet can help your RA symptoms. 

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There's debate over how foods affect people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but most research points to a nutritious, well-balanced diet as a vital part of managing RA symptoms and overall health. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease (NIAMS) advises people with RA to get enough—but not an excess—of calories, protein, and calcium. There'Show More

salmon and spinach
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DO: Eat a Mediterranean-Style Diet

Rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, a Mediterranean-style diet is packed with antioxidants and phytonutrients that fight inflammation. "A Mediterranean diet is likely to have the best health-promoting benefits for people with RA," says Lona Sandon, RD, a registered dietitian who has RA.Show More

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DON'T: Overdo Your Sugar Intake

Sugars increase your body's acidity levels, raise your risk of high blood pressure, and promote inflammation. Too much sugar can also weaken your immune system by causing white blood cells to stop fighting infection. The crash that often follows a "sugar high" may worsen fatigue symptoms in peopleShow More

sushi
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DO: Eat Enough Omega-3s

Omega-3 fatty acids have long been hailed for their heart-boosting benefits. Evidence suggests omega-3s may also reduce joint stiffness and arthritis pain because of their anti-inflammatory effects, though more research is needed to confirm the current understanding. These fatty acids are foundShow More

red meat in the grocery store
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DON'T: Eat Too Much Red Meat

Studies suggest people who eat more red meat increase their risk of developing RA or worsen existing RA symptoms. The reason? "Eating more red meat increases pro-inflammatory proteins," says Grant Cooper, MD, author of The Arthritis Handbook: Improve Your Health and Manage the Pain ofShow More

man with vitamins
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DO: Check for Nutrient Deficiencies

People with RA often have nutrient deficiencies because of RA or RA medications. The most common deficiencies in people with RA are folate, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin B6, vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and selenium, according to the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center. Selenium and vitamin EShow More

foods common allergies
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DON'T: Ignore Food Allergies and Sensitivities

Some people with RA find that certain foods or food groups may trigger flares. Avoiding these foods may have short-term benefits and improve RA symptoms. The Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center advises that milk, meat, and processed foods are common suspects. One method to determine food sensitivitiesShow More

pouring rose wine
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DO: Drink Alcohol in Moderation

A glass of wine with dinner or an occasional alcoholic beverage may actually lower RA risk, according to some studies. Though more research is needed to understand alcohol's effects on RA, evidence suggests moderate alcohol consumption may suppress the immune system and influence how RA develops.Show More

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