Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms include joint pain, inflammation and restricted movement. Making some diet changes could help to relieve signs of the autoimmune condition. These are the best
fruit and
vegetables you should eat to reduce symptoms.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term autoimmune condition, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of joints.
It can lead to joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, and it usually affects the hands, feet and wrists.
Making some small diet changes could help to reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, according to the Arthritis Foundation.
It’s crucial that patients add more fruit and vegetables to their diet plan, it said. They help to reduce inflammation, which is one of the after-effects of the immune system’s attack on joints.
“While there is no specific diet that people with rheumatoid arthritis, should follow, researchers have identified certain foods that can help control inflammation,” said the Arthritis Foundation.
“Many of them are found in the so-called Mediterranean diet, which emphasises fish, vegetables and olive oil, among other staples.
“Fruits and vegetables are packed with antioxidants, which support the immune system – the body’s natural defence system – and may help fight inflammation.
“Best sources are colourful foods, such as blueberries, blackberries, cherries, strawberries, spinach, kale and broccoli.”
Rheumatoid arthritis patients should aim to eat at least one and a half to two cups of fruit a day, as well as two to three cups of vegetables per meal.
Olive oil is another great anti-inflammatory food, said the Arthritis Foundation.
It contains healthy monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and oleocanthal - a compound that helps to reduce inflammation.
Extra virgin olive oil is the best type of oil to use when cooking and with salads, it said.
It’s less refined and processed, and it retains more nutrients than other varieties, it added.
Onions could also help to reduce inflammation and heart disease risk. Add onions to salads, stir-fries, whole-wheat pasta dishes, or even sandwiches.
There’s currently no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but treatments can help to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and slow down joint damage, said the NHS.
Early diagnosis of the condition is crucial, as the longer it goes untreated, the higher the chance of joint damage.
Regular exercise can help to keep joints mobile, and strengthen the muscles supporting the joints.
It’s important to increase the amount of exercise you do gradually, so the joints don’t become too swollen.
About 400,000 people in the UK have rheumatoid arthritis.