Do Any Foods Make Arthritis Worse
Some people feel that certain foods are bad for arthritis and that cutting them out helps with their symptoms. Some of the foods people worry about include:
- citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons and grapefruit
- vegetables from the nightshade family including potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, chillies and aubergines
- gluten, a protein found in pasta, bread and cereals.
Theres no evidence that diets where certain foods are cut out, also known as exclusion or elimination diets, are helpful for people with osteoarthritis. They have been shown to sometimes help people with rheumatoid arthritis, though the food that may cause symptoms is likely to be different for each person.
This could be for a number of reasons, including the person being allergic or intolerant to the food they cut out, rather than being directly related to the arthritis. If healthy foods are not affecting your symptoms, you dont need to cut them out of your diet.
If you want to try cutting certain foods out of your diet to see if it improves your symptoms, the important thing to remember is to speak to a doctor or dietitian first. Theyll be able to support you and make sure youre trying out the change to your diet safely. Some foods are present in things we dont realise, so they can also help make sure you really are cutting out everything you plan to.
Donât Miss: Are Cortisone Shots Good For Arthritis
How Diet And Exercise Helped Me Manage My Rheumatoid Arthritis
Content created for the Bezzy community and sponsored by our partners. Learn More
â¢â¢â¢â¢â¢
Daniel Bubnis, M.S., NASM-CPT, NASE Level II-CSS
Medically Reviewed
â¢â¢â¢â¢â¢
â¢â¢â¢â¢â¢
â¢â¢â¢â¢â¢
Daniel Bubnis, M.S., NASM-CPT, NASE Level II-CSS
Medically Reviewed
â¢â¢â¢â¢â¢
â¢â¢â¢â¢â¢
Lifestyle changes played an important role in bolstering my mood, keeping my energy high, and helping me stay positive after a life-altering diagnosis.
âOn a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your pain?â the doctor asked.
â9 and a half,â I answered without hesitation.
This was the day I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. And while the pain was immense, I felt nothing but relief.
For months, I had dealt with pain so bad that I couldnât walk down stairs or open a bottle unassisted, and now, I had answers.
âWhen you leave here today and inevitably Google your condition, please ignore anything you read about treating it through diet alone. Itâs incredibly important that you take your medication,â the doctor warned.
I nodded and dutifully took my prescription, a list of medications that I would later learn had a list of side effects the length of my forearm. But I was grateful for treatment.
Before the pain had taken over my body and I had watched my joints swell one by one â starting with my wrists, later moving to my fingers, knees, and feet â I had been excited to start a new exercise routine.
Take Note Of All Your Meals Snacks And Beverages
Many weight loss experts recommend keeping a food diary. It helps to write down everything you eat including how much and when and review it carefully you could be eating much more than you realize, which could explain why the bathroom scale isnt moving. As you write in your food diary, be honest with yourself. A food diary is also helpful in tracking foods that may lead to flare-ups of your symptoms. Also, if you decide to work with a nutritionist, a diet journal could be a good starting point.
You May Like: What Makes Arthritis Flare Up
Add Salmon To Your Weekly Grocery List
Or any fatty fish: Salmon, mackerel, trout, herring, sardines, anchovy and branzino all make the list. They contain the most active form of omega-3 fatty acids, explains Taylor. This places these types of fish at the top of the anti-inflammatory food chain.
A small study published in the journal Arthritis Care & Research suggests eating more fish may be associated with reduced joint inflammation in RA patients. Not into fish? Other omega-3 sources include chia seeds, flaxseed oil, and walnuts.
Weight Change During The Peri
Table 2 shows the proportion of women in each cohort that were in each category of weight change during the peri-RA/index period. Stable weight was most common in both cohorts . More women with RA lost weight than comparators . A similar proportion of women in both cohorts gained weight during the peri-RA/index period .
Also Check: What Are The Contraindications Of Exercise For Rheumatoid Arthritis
How To Lose Weight With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Losing weight can feel like an uphill battle when you live with RA. Youre sore, tired and struggling to simply get through your day. In turn, many people with RA fall into a reactive cycle rather than a proactive routine.
Its time to break that cycle. You may not be able to control all the factors, but when it comes to the basic grounds of weight gain taking more calories in than youre burning there are some ways to tip the balance in your favor.
Finding Support For Ra
On myRAteam, the social network and online support group for those living with rheumatoid arthritis, members talk about a range of personal experiences and struggles. Weight management is one of the most discussed topics.
Have you explored diet or exercise as a way to balance your weight with RA? Do you have any suggestions for other members on ways to stay healthy? Have another topic you’d like to discuss or explore? Go to myRAteam today and start the conversation. You’ll be surprised just how many others may share similar stories.
Also Check: Does Rain Affect Rheumatoid Arthritis
Continue Learning About Rheumatoid Arthritis
Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.
Move More Throughout The Day
It may feel counterintuitive with stiff, painful joints, but not moving can actually make arthritis symptoms worse: Its one of those negative cycles, explains Audrey Lynn Millar, PhD, PT, chair and professor of physical therapy at Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina. If you dont move the joint, it will actually become more painful.
Research shows if you do even a little bit of exercise, pain will decrease, she says. Thats because any sort of exercise helps lubricate the joints and maintain function. Think of it like a creaky door hinge: If you dont do anything, it gets worse and worse. But if you add a little oil and move back and forth, it gets better.
Don’t Miss: What Is Psoriatic Arthritis Pain Like
Will Losing Weight Help Rheumatoid Arthritis
Arthritis Medication For Dogs Over The Counter Here is a list of over-the-counter medications that can be safely used for your pet. Please read everything before administering an OTC medication to your pet. It works a lot like it does in people, for seizures, pain and arthritis. certainly shouldnt be sold over the counter. Alcock said she sees about one case ofWheelchair Arthritis Highly passionate about his work, he began by telling me the story of a 39-year old female patient who was wheelchair-bound for a very long time. Rheumatoid. Yes, it is better than a manual wheelchair because gripping the wheels in a manual chair can be hard for someone with arthritis in their hands. Nov 18,
Discover the 5 Common Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Can Gastric Bypass help Obese Rheumatoid Arthritis. Rheumatoid Arthritis And. Gastric bypass surgery can help these patients to lose weight and thus reduce.
Losing Weight With Rheumatoid Arthritis | Healthmonitor Losing weight is a struggle for most people. But when you have rheumatoid arthritis , it can pose even more challenges, as Tara Manriquez of Vancouver, WA, found.
Could Losing Weight Ease Your Arthritis Pain? WebMD Extra weight adds unnecessary stress on your joints and may hasten the development of arthritis. WebMD tells you about the impact of weight loss on joint pain.
Arthritis Exercise helps reduce pain in people with arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
The Diet Mindset: Progress Not Perfection
More important than any specific food, supplement, or alternative therapy, Cassetty says, is letting go of a specific number on a scale and finding your own happy, healthy, sustainable place. Its not going to look like mine, or someones on TV. It takes some restriction and compromise, and its work. You might decide you dont want to work that hard to keep it up, and thats fine.
And as both Cassetty and Dr. Roberts reminded me, your diet is not going to cure your RA. So take your meds and nourish your body to the best of your ability.
I try to get my clients to focus on being self-loving and self-respectful, Cassetty says. I try to help people find a space they can live in and stay there. Its hard to lose weight in general. You can make plenty of progress by shifting eating habits and with positive movement experiences. You dont have to torture yourself at the gym and burn a million calories. Its about showing your body love.
After researching all of these diets, its pretty clear theres not one path and that a diet should be individualized according to your bodys needs and issues. So Ive decided I should cut back on carbs, add veggies, and probably try going gluten-free. This wont be easy, but Ill keep you posted on the progress of my protruding belly.
Recommended Reading: Why Are Rheumatoid Arthritis Drugs So Expensive
How Much Do I Need To Lose
Even small changes in your weight can make a difference. If you shed just 1 pound, youâll take 4 pounds of pressure off of your knees. Drop 10 pounds and youâll take 40 pounds of pressure off.
The more pounds you lose, the better. If youâre overweight, experts suggest you aim for 10% of how much you weigh now.
Research backs that up. In one study, people who lost at least 10% of their weight had more relief in pain and inflammation than people who lost less than that.
Try to set a 10% goal for yourself. For instance, if you weigh 200 pounds now, try to lose 20 pounds. Aim for a loss of 1-2 pounds a week.
You can try diet, exercise, or a combination of both. If youâre very overweight or have other health problems, talk to your doctor about other options like low-calorie diets, gastric surgery, or weight loss medications.
Show Sources
What Causes Unintended Weight Gain In Rheumatoid Arthritis
While the disease itself doesnt cause you to pack on pounds, RA disrupts your body and routine in a number of ways that could result in weight gain. Its difficult to predict how each patient will adapt and react to their RA, but there are some clear factors that will increase your chances of struggling with unwanted rheumatoid arthritis weight gain:
Medication
Not all medications will interfere with your metabolism, but the corticosteroid prednisone has a particularly bad reputation when it comes to weight gain. It also happens to be one of the most commonly prescribed drugs for the chronic inflammation of RA.
Unfortunately, the majority of patients who take prednisone will experience some degree of weight gain and sometimes in places you dont expect. Fat can accumulate in the face, abdomen and even the back of the neck. Fortunately, most people will quickly shed the excess weight once the steroid dosage is lowered.
Exercise Problems
Its no secret that exercise is one of the very best things you can do for your muscles, joints, and waistline, but it can get complicated when RA flares up. You may realize that an exercise class or long walk is best for your body in the long run, but simply getting off the couch and out of the front door can be too much to ask some days.
Diet Issues
Once you factor in unwelcome medication side effects and a less active lifestyle, youll find that your regular diet may no longer be suitable.
Also Check: Is Sweet Potato Good For Rheumatoid Arthritis
Make Friends With Your Food Processor
To lose weight and stay healthy, you want to eat tons of veggies every day, as many as you can, says Foroutan, who is an integrated dietitian at The Morrison Center in New York City. They offer vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients theyre also low in calories and high in fiber to help you feel fuller, longer.
But sometimes the mere thought of shredding a carrot or cutting up greens makes your hands hurt. Enter your new BFF: With the push of a button, you can slice, chop and dice, with minimal effort on your joints. Some veggies that may help fight inflammation: tomatoes, spinach, broccoli, and Foroutans favorite: watercress, which is super high in antioxidants.
Can My Diet Affect Medication
Its important that you take any medication youve been given as youve been told to by your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Some drugs need to be taken in a specific way, such as before or after food, or with water you should be told about this, but the information leaflet included with your medication will also explain this, so make sure to read this carefully.
Taking certain drugs with food or after youve eaten can help to reduce the risk of certain side effects such as indigestion, stomach ulcers, feeling sick or vomiting. It can also help your body to absorb the drug properly and can make sure its not washed away by food or drink, for example if you use mouthwashes or gels.
Donât Miss: Can You Donate Blood If You Have Rheumatoid Arthritis
Don’t Miss: Where To Inject Methotrexate For Rheumatoid Arthritis
How Your Weight Affects Your Joints
Did you know that every five pounds of extra body weight increases the pressure on your joints by 25 pounds? Many of our patients at Pennsylvania Orthopedic Associates come in for help with knee pain, and that isnt the only joint affected when youre overweight. Excess weight also strains your hips, ankles, and other weight-bearing joints.
Donât Miss: What Causes Early Onset Arthritis
For More Information About Safe And Effective Methods Of Weight Loss
Weight-control Information Network is a national information service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases , National Institutes of Health
Institute of Medicine. Weighing the Options: Criteria for Evaluating Weight-Management Programs. Washington,D.C., National Academy Press 1995.
Also Check: Can Arthritis Be Cured By Exercise
How To Lose Weight
After reading all the above, your next step may be to lose weight and reap the health benefits. However, if you have arthritis, getting into the gym and doing an intense workout may not be wise. There are lots of ways you can lose weight that dont have to involve high-intensity workouts, such as watching what you eat and lowering your calorie intake.
Some people opt for cosmetic procedures like BodyTite liposuction which can remove excess fat. There are several benefits of a BodyTite Lipo which may sway you into choosing this option. Whatever route you decide on to lose weight, make sure to speak to your doctor first.
Arthritis symptoms like those above can massively impact your quality of life. To ease pain and discomfort, something as simple as dropping a few pounds could be the answer.
*All individuals are unique. Your results can and will vary.
About You / Highlights â Meghan lives in Ontario, Canada, and loves sports and the outdoors. She competes in Triathlon and enjoys hiking, camping, and canoeing. View all posts by Meghan L Scott, BScH, BScAHN, MBBS, RD
Also Check: Is Cannabis Good For Arthritis
How To Lose Weight With An Arthritic Hip
Hip arthritis is a degenerative condition in which your hip joint and the cartilage that works as a shock absorber start to wear down, causing pain, swelling and discomfort. If you are overweight and experience hip arthritis, the added weight can place greater strain on your hip and aggravate arthritis pain. Combining a healthy diet with exercises that do not overly strain your hip can help you lose weight and feel stronger. Check with your physician before beginning an exercise program to ensure your hip is in good enough condition to begin exercising.
Step 1
Eat a diet that focuses on whole grains, vegetables, fruits and lean protein. These foods are filling yet low in calories and can help you achieve weight loss. Your goal should be to consume fewer calories than you burn throughout the day. Combined with an exercise program, this will result in weight loss.
Step 2
Cut out junk foods that have little nutritional redeeming value, such as alcohol, desserts and fried foods. These items tend to be high in calories and can leave you feeling sluggish instead of energetic.
Step 3
Step 4
Take a water aerobics class to burn calories without placing too much strain on your joints, recommends the Texas Hip and Knee Center. You may find water aerobics in heated pools especially beneficial because the warmth can help to relieve your arthritis pain and encourage hip flexibility.
Step 5
Read Also: How Can You Tell If You Have Gout Or Arthritis
Don’t Miss: Can Blood Work Detect Rheumatoid Arthritis
How Does Body Weight Affect Ra Treatment Outcomes
Everyone is different, but one useful method for estimating your healthy body weight is body mass index . BMI is used as a screening test based on your height and weight:
- BMI less than 18.5 Underweight
- BMI 18.5 to 24.9 Normal or healthy weight
- BMI 25.0 to 29.9 Overweight
- BMI 30.0 or higher Obese
Obesity has a significant impact on how well people with RA respond to treatment. Research has shown that people with early RA who were overweight or obese were less likely to achieve remission within three years compared to people with a healthy BMI receiving the same treatment. Another study found similar results, showing worse treatment outcomes over two years in people with early RA who were obese compared with overweight and healthy-weight individuals.
However, people with RA may need to lose weight even if their BMI appears healthy. Chronic inflammation from RA can result in the loss of lean body mass and increased body fat. According to researchers, people with RA should be considered overweight with a BMI of 23 and obese with a BMI of 28, especially when it comes to assessing the risk of heart disease.