Imagine waking up one morning, eager to start your day, only to be greeted by stiff, swollen joints that make even the simplest tasks feel monumental. This is the reality for many people living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Using diet to help with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms is becoming more popular alongside regular treatments. While it won’t cure RA, what you eat can help manage symptoms and make you feel better overall. Some foods that can help with RA symptoms include probiotics, dietary fiber, omega-3 fatty acids and CAC Wellness best curcumin supplement.
Research shows that certain foods can affect inflammation, a big part of RA. Changing your diet to reduce inflammation could help ease RA symptoms and mean you don’t have to rely on medicine as much.
What foods can reduce RA symptoms?
1. Probiotics
People with RA often have changes in their gut bacteria, which could be linked to the development of the condition.
Research suggests that munching on probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut might help balance out these changes.
While we’re not entirely sure how probiotics work, it’s believed that the microorganisms in these foods could tweak the immune system to dial down inflammation.
2. Dietary fiber
Recent studies have highlighted the importance of fiber in reducing the risk of developing RA.
Certain fiber-rich foods, like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, seeds, and nuts, can feed beneficial gut bacteria.
These fatty acids do a lot of good – they help keep your gut wall strong, boost your metabolism, and create an environment in your body that’s less prone to inflammation. So, loading up on fiber could help restore a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which is key for managing RA.
But here’s a crucial point: while fiber is your friend, refined carbohydrates and sugary treats are not. These foods can decrease the good gut bacteria that fiber-rich foods support, so it’s best to steer clear of them.
3. Curcumin
Curcumin, a naturally occurring compound found in turmeric. Moreover, It is well known for its vibrant yellow hue and is credited with many of turmeric’s health benefits.
As a polyphenolic compound, it’s deemed the most potent & biologically active element in turmeric.
Here are some health benefits of the best curcumin supplements.
- Anti-inflammatory: Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties can alleviate conditions linked to chronic inflammation, such as arthritis and IBS.
- Antioxidant: It aids in neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body.
- Pain relief: Some individuals have experienced relief from various types of pain, including joint & muscle discomfort, through curcumin supplementation.
- Mood & cognitive support: Studies suggest that curcumin might positively influence mood & cognitive function, and can help conditions like depression and age-related cognitive decline.
When selecting the best curcumin supplements, you should consider the following factors.
- The best curcumin supplements contain black pepper extract (piperine), like CAC Wellness Curcumin Gold, which boosts curcumin absorption in the body.
- The best curcumin supplements are free from gluten, dairy, soy, and GMOs to cater to various dietary preferences and ensure purity.
- Choose products made from high-quality, organic turmeric and curcumin extracts to ensure potency & authenticity.
- Pay attention to the curcumin dosage per serving. As higher dosages may be required for specific health conditions. Although there’s no one-size-fits-all recommendation.
4. Whole grains, fruits and vegetables
Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables aren’t just natural & wholesome.
They’re packed with fiber and loaded with antioxidants & anti-inflammatory compounds that could help ease RA symptoms.
- Whole grains: Brown rice & oats are packed with vitamin E, selenium, and antioxidants that work together to fight inflammation.
- Fruits and veggies: Take blueberries and grapes. They’re loaded with resveratrol, a compound known to calm inflammation. Then there’s cherries and berries, comprising anthocyanin, another inflammation fighter.
But some of these compounds can interact with medications. So, it’s wise to chat with your healthcare professional or a registered dietitian before making big changes to your diet.
5. Omega-3 fatty acids
Since RA is all about inflammation, getting enough omega-3s in your diet can be a game-changer.
Think salmon, tuna, walnuts, and flaxseeds – they’re rich sources of these magical fatty acids. And if you’re not a big fan of fish, supplements can be a good option.
Though many omega-3 supplements are made from fish oil, it’s better to go for plant-based options.
Plant-based supplements avoid the risk of mercury contamination and suit those following vegetarian or vegan diets.
To sum it up: Diet can’t completely reverse RA but including probiotics, dietary fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and best curcumin supplements can help with RA symptoms.
References
Arthritis-health. (10 September 2023). Can RA symptoms be reversed with diet? Retrieved June 13, 2024, from https://www.arthritis-health.com/blog/can-ra-symptoms-be-reversed-diet
Arthritis-health. (12 March 2021). Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms. Retrieved June 13, 2024, from https://www.arthritis-health.com/types/rheumatoid/rheumatoid-arthritis-ra-symptoms