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4 foods that help manage rheumatoid arthritis

4 foods that help manage rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disorder that can affect joints and other parts of the body, like the skin, lungs, eyes, blood vessels, and heart. As it is a chronic autoimmune disorder, the condition develops when the immune system begins attacking healthy tissues. Further, unlike the wear and tear damage associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of the joints leading to swelling, bone erosion, and deformities, causing pain.

Best foods
Changes in the meal plan may not cure the condition, but making better food choices can help relieve some of its symptoms. So, doctors may recommend anti-inflammatory foods to help lower the inflammation in the body. Here are some of the foods for rheumatoid arthritis management:

Carrots
Orange vegetables such as carrots are rich sources of vitamin A and beta-carotene, which can reduce inflammation in the body. Further, cooking can help increase the concentration of these nutrients, so one can add cooked carrots to their daily meals when dealing with rheumatoid arthritis. However, rather than opting for large quantities, one must have one large carrot or seven to eight baby carrots every day.

Ginger
Ginger contains generous amounts of anti-inflammatory compounds. This versatile root also has a unique flavor, making it an excellent addition to daily meals. One can either add peeled ginger to stir-fry recipes or puree it and add it to soups. However, one should consult a doctor before as excessive ginger intake can lead to blood thinning, a decrease in blood sugar levels, and an increased risk of hypoglycemia, especially when one is undergoing treatment for health concerns.

Pineapple
Fresh fruits like pineapple contain vitamin C and the enzyme bromelain, which has been linked to a decrease in swelling and pain for those with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. So, one can add this tropical fruit to their meal plan in the form of pineapple smoothies, fruit salad, and even baked dishes. Further, the fruit can also be added to stir-fry recipes to give the dish a sweet and sour flavor.

Turmeric
This yellow spice offers a great number of health benefits. Turmeric contains curcumin, a natural polyphenol that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce pain and inflammation. A 2012 study concluded that turmeric in its natural form is completely safe and incredibly effective in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. So, those with the condition can add turmeric to their meals and teas. One can also add it to smoothies to help decrease inflammation and pain.

In addition to choosing the right foods for rheumatoid arthritis, one must avoid foods with added sugars, red meats, dairy products, and corn oil, as these can trigger and worsen inflammation in the body. Further, in case one experiences nutrient deficiencies as a result of the condition, supplements of vitamins B12, B6, C, and D can be taken to counter them. However, one must consult a doctor or a nutritionist before taking any supplements or making drastic changes to the meal plan to avoid worsening health complications and increasing the risk of vitamin deficiencies.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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6 nutrient-packed foods for lactating mothers

Lactating mothers must have nutritious meals to ensure their infants' proper growth and development. Eating the right food items can help increase breast milk production, improve the mother's health, and provide the baby with essential nutrients. Adding certain superfoods to the menu will deliver healthy nutrients to the mother and baby. Such foods are powerhouses of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help boost milk production and energy and improve health. Avocados Avocados are rich in healthy fat, fiber, and numerous minerals and vitamins that boost a lactating parent's health. It packs a high amount of potassium that helps maintain the body's fluid balance and assists in the necessary muscle and nerve function. Its vitamin C and K content delivers the required antioxidants and blood clotting factors. Oleic acid in avocados helps reduce inflammation and the risk of heart complications, while folate provides the necessary components for the growth and development of the baby. Salmon Salmon contains a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids that are essential for the baby's brain development. Salmon is also a good source of protein, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. With numerous benefits, salmon is a superfood for lactating mothers and is safe to use at least once or twice a week. Its multiple health benefits are extended to the baby along with the mother. Spinach Spinach is a superfood for almost everyone, including lactating mothers. It contains essential minerals and vitamins for a healthy mind and body. It packs high amounts of vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron. Anemia in lactating mothers is a common concern, and the iron content in spinach helps prevent it. Calcium, at the same time, is essential for the development of bone health in babies. Spinach can be included in the daily meal plan as vegetables, salads, and smoothies. Almonds Almonds are a reliable source of healthy fats, fiber, and protein. They are also considered a rich source of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin E. Magnesium is essential for proper nerve and muscle function and helps relieve stress. Vitamin E protects cells from damage as a strong antioxidant. In addition, the calcium content in almonds helps prevent calcium loss and the increased risk of osteoporosis development. Greek yogurt Greek yogurt is a high-protein dairy product that packs numerous health benefits. It is rich in probiotics that help develop healthy gut microbiota for the lactating mother and the baby. The boost it provides to gut health also plays a functional role in developing a healthy immune system. Besides being a rich source of probiotics, greek yogurt also packs a healthy dose of calcium and vitamin D. Both are essential for bone health. Greek yogurt can be used as a sour cream substitute and a mid-meal snack to avoid unhealthy snacking options. Sweet potatoes A root vegetable rich in minerals and vitamins, sweet potatoes are an all-rounder for healthy foods. They pack high amounts of fiber, potassium, vitamin A, and vitamin C. These components help develop a healthy vision and immune system and help fight off free radical damage with their high antioxidant content. Potassium helps maintain the fluid balance in the body while ensuring that the nerves and muscles are functioning correctly. They can be baked, boiled, mashed, or turned into a soup according to the lactating mother's preference.

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