7 foods beneficial for people with rheumatoid arthritis

People with rheumatoid arthritis can improve their condition by eating fatty fish, olive oil, drinking green tea, ginger tea...

Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the tissues that connect the joints. The disease causes symptoms such as swelling, pain, inflammation, and joint deformity, and often appears in the joints of the hands, back, feet, and knees. The disease cannot be completely cured and requires long-term treatment and a combination of medications.

Adequate rest and an anti-inflammatory diet can improve symptoms. Here are some foods that are beneficial for people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Olive oil

Researchers from the Monell Institute for Science at the University of Pennsylvania in the US have discovered that the compound oleocanthal in olive oil has natural anti-inflammatory effects. Olive oil also has a high anti-inflammatory effect when combined with fish oil.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C aids in collagen synthesis, helps build and repair blood vessels, tendons, ligaments and bones, and is beneficial for people with osteoarthritis. Foods rich in vitamin C include oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, lemons, guavas, etc. However, they can interfere with the ability to process certain medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. People with arthritis should supplement vitamin C from tomatoes, peppers, melons, strawberries, kiwis, potatoes, and cooked broccoli.

According to the National Academy of Sciences, women need 75 mg of vitamin C per day and men need 90 mg. Pregnant women need 85 mg of vitamin C and breastfeeding women need 120 mg.

Fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals, which help reduce inflammation. — Fruits contain many vitamins and minerals, which help reduce inflammation. Photo: *Freepik*

Berries

Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries... contain powerful antioxidants such as proanthocyanidin and ellagic acid. These two substances help fight inflammation and cell damage. Pomegranates are also high in water and tannins, which help fight swelling caused by arthritis. In addition to the above, apples are also high in antioxidants and a good source of fiber, helping to curb cravings.

Ginger

A meta-analysis from the University of Copenhagen (Denmark) found that ginger is effective and quite safe in supporting the treatment of arthritis. Arthritis patients who took ginger were twice as likely to stop improving their condition as those who took a placebo. This study took data from 590 arthritis patients over the age of 18.

Green tea

Drinking green tea every day provides polyphenols, an antioxidant that reduces inflammation and slows cartilage destruction. It also contains epigallocatechin-3 (EGCG), which blocks the production of molecules that lead to joint damage.

Fatty fish

People who regularly eat fish containing omega-3s are less likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis. For those who already have the disease, omega-3s help reduce swelling and joint pain. The Arthritis Foundation recommends eating 100g of these fish twice a week to protect the heart and reduce inflammation.

Whole grains

Whole grains provide fiber and important nutrients like selenium, potassium, and magnesium, better than refined grains. Diets rich in whole grains are also associated with better weight control and reduced pain and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Huyen My (According to Everyday Health, WebMD, Cleveland Clinic )

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