Home Care in Allen, TX – Fight the Painful Symptoms of RA with these Helpful Nutritional Tips
People with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) have experienced the pain and are well aware of the inflammation that arises from the disease. While there is no exact diet that will treat the condition, some foods will help lower the inflammation in the body’s joints. The following healthy foods are good for you and include fruits and vegetables, whole grains, olive oil and fish; hopefully your elderly loved one with RA can benefit by incorporating these foods into their diet.
Inflammation Fighter: Fish
People with RA tend to have a higher levels of substances referred as cytokines which normally ramp up the inflammation of the body. Thus, taking omega -3 fatty acids will help reduce the cytokines and other related inflammatory chemicals.
These high quality fats will also provide your loved one with other related functions like reduction of the bad cholesterol and the triglyceride levels when they are used as substitute to Trans fats in the diet. High levels of cholesterol and triglycerides promote inflammation which contributes to heart disease.
Nearly all fish contain some amount of omega -3s but salmon, herring and sardines have greater amounts of omega -3s. Serve your elderly parent salmon, herring and sardines more often to help out with their levels of anti-inflammatory oils.
Foods for Relieving RA: Colorful Produce
Health experts have advised people to add color to their diet. What do you think of that? This is because the substances that give fruits and vegetables color includes flavonoids and the carotenoids, which are also antioxidants. Antioxidants play an essential part of an inflammation fighting diet. Vitamin C is another beneficial antioxidant found in fruits and vegetables. Selecting colorful foods – red, orange or blue and purple will always ensure a variety of fruits and vegetables.
Anti-Inflammation Diet: Whole Grains
Eating foods like brown rice, barley and oatmeal will reduce the levels of C-reactive protein which is an element in the inflammation of the body. Eating complete grains will help you manage your weight and thus stay feeling better. When your loved one can maintain a healthy body weight, it will go a long way to taking pressure off of painful joints.
Foods for Lowering Inflammation Caused by RA: Olive Oil
According to a study by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, people who consumed lower amounts of extra virgin olive oil were more likely to develop RA than those who ate more of it. This is another good reason to add extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) to a person’s regular diet.