Beat Arthritis Naturallysupercharge Your Health With 65 Recipes And Lifestyle Tips From Arthritis Foodie
- Subject: Health & Fitness, Food Content Guides
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Role Of Diet In Rheumatoid Arthritis: Does Food Matter
During my diagnosis doctors said it didnt matter what I ate. I think weve come a long way in 12+ years: common sense and science are prevailing. I know its confusing with disinformation and too many choices. We will combine science with anecdotal experiences. We can start off by looking at the foods & factors that negatively affect RA.
RA Trigger Foods & Factors:
Malnutrition In Ra Patients
Patients with RA are often at a higher risk of malnutrition for multiple reasons. First of all, weight loss is a common symptom in RA patients. Its thought to be due to the autoimmune condition itself producing inflammatory responses which cause an increase in metabolic rate. This means that the body burns through more calories than normal, which can lead to weight loss. This is not considered healthy weight loss. This type of weight loss can potentially leave the patient undernourished or malnourished.
Secondly, many patients taking the common disease-modifying antirheumatic drug called methotrexate, have been known to have a deficiency in certain vitamins and minerals. Many RA medications produce side effects such as stomach ulcers and other digestive concerns which can make it difficult to eat. These conditions combined with weight loss further compound the problems of malnourishment in patients. Some of the most common nutrient deficiencies in RA include a lack of the following vitamins and minerals:
- Vitamin B6
- Magnesium
- Selenium
A proper diet for RA that is rich in these vitamins and minerals is important for keeping patients healthy.
Finally, many RA patients are at risk of developing osteoporosis, a weakening of the bones caused by a calcium or vitamin D deficiency. RA patients should be aware of this potential risk and ensure their diet accounts for this potential deficiency.
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Beat Arthritis By Applying Heat Or Cold
Alternating heat and ice, 15 minutes each, for three repetitions of both can provide relief for achy joints. It may take a little trial and error to learn what combination works best for your pain.
Use cold compresses to reduce joint swelling and inflammation. Ice wrapped in a thin towel, a bag of frozen peas, or commercially available cold gel packs are all good sources. To avoid frostbite, dont apply cold for more than 15 minutes at a time. Avoid applying ice or cold packs directly to your skin.
Heat compresses relax your muscles and stimulates blood flow. Ways to apply heat include using a moist heating pad or a warm, damp towel, warm shower, or hot tub. The most effective healing heat by far is far infrared heat, which penetrates much deeper than the superficial heating of standard heating pads.
When using standard heating pads or hot water bottles, remember to place a towel or cloth between the pad or bottle and your skin. To prevent burns, avoid using heat for excessive lengths of time and always follow the manufacturers guidelines.
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Gout And Calcium Crystal Diseases
Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that can cause painful swelling in joints. It typically affects the big toe, but it can also affect other joints in the body.
Joints affected by gout can become red and hot. The skin may also look shiny and can peel.
Its caused by having too much urate, otherwise known as uric acid, in the body. We all have a certain amount of urate in our body.
However, being overweight or eating and drinking too much of certain types of food and alcoholic drinks can cause some people to have more urate in their bodies. The genes you inherit can make you more likely to develop gout.
If it reaches a high level, urate can form into crystals that remain in and around the joint. They can be there for a while without causing any problems and even without the person realising they are there.
A knock to a part of the body or having a fever can lead to the crystals falling into the soft part of the joint. This will cause pain and swelling.
There are drugs that can reduce the amount of urate in the body and prevent gout attacks. Examples are allopurinol and . If youre having a gout attack, youll also need short-term pain relief. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as well as paracetamol can be good drugs to try first.
Men can get gout from their mid-20s, and in women its more common after the menopause. Taking water tablets can increase the risk of gout.
There are also conditions that cause calcium crystals to form in and around joints.
Upper Cervical Spine Is The Most Important:
The upper cervical spine is the most important region for immune coordination. Various wellness chiropractors specialize in stabilizing the upper cervical spine which allows the nervous system to control and coordinate the body with greater efficiency.
Many individuals with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis have ligament laxity at the upper cervical spine. It is essential to see a well-trained wellness based chiropractor that specializes in upper cervical care and corrective care and has much experience working with individuals with advanced conditions such as RA .
These chiropractors will use a regiment of specific adjustments and corrective exercises to minimize subluxation, restore proper neurological tone and maximize the bodies healing potential.
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The Upper Cervical Spine Is Most Important:
The upper cervical spine is the most important region for immune coordination. Various wellness chiropractors specialize in stabilizing the upper cervical spine which allows the nervous system to control and coordinate the body with greater efficiency.
Many individuals with auto-immune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis have ligament laxity at the upper cervical spine. It is essential to see a well-trained wellness based chiropractor that specializes in upper cervical care and corrective care and has much experience working with individuals with advanced conditions such as RA. These chiropractors will use a regiment of specific adjustments and corrective exercises to minimize subluxation, restore proper neurological tone and maximize the bodies healing potential.
Supplement With Omega 3s:
Omega 3 fatty acids and in particular the long chain variety EPA and DHA are critical for stabilizing blood sugar, reducing inflammation and autoimmunity improving joint health. Consume grass-fed meat, grass-fed butter, wild-caught fish, seafood and spirulina to get it in your diet.
Plant based omega 3s such as flax oil only contain the small chain omega 3 called ALA and do not have any DHA. It is very hard for our body to convert ALA into DHA so it is best to get a high quality fish or krill oil that is rich in EPA and DHA. You want to find a brand that is molecularly distilled to take out any heavy metals and other unwanted contaminants.
Be sure to discuss with your physician before using as fish oils have a blood thinning affect and can be contraindicated if you are on blood thinning medications.
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Carnivore Diet: What Is It
Its a whole food animal based diet where you eat meat, eggs, and other foods derived from animals. The diet is also referred to as The Zero Carb Diet because its ultra low carb. Because of the low carb amounts you also get all the benefits of a Ketogenic Diet. The Carnivore approach is my favorite starting place to reverse autoimmune issues. Its simple to follow and satiates your hunger. Fat is vital to making you feel satisfied during a meal. Dont believe me try eating your fav carbs without fat and youll find theyre boring and unsatisfying. This is why the food industry laces most foods with oils, and additional fats. We crave fat so we eat these processed carbs to get more fat. In natural whole foods, high carb and high fat do not exist together. Sounds crazy but go look it up. Youll find that most foods are either high fat or high carb but not both. Only breast milk has both because its main purpose is to make you grow fast.
My First Book Is Out Now To Buy In Bookshops
, after two years in the making Beat Arthritis Naturally was written with the intention to help others to live better with their arthritis alongside their medication. Approved by rheumatologist Dr Micah, with expert advice from doctors, rheumatologists, nutritionists, immunologists, physiotherapists and more it brings together everything I have learned along this journey. It is the book I wish I had had at 20 years old.
YOU CAN BUY IT ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD VIA BOOK DEPOSITORY!
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Green Tea: A Nice Cuppa May Sooth Your Joints
Green tea has an abundance of catechins that interrupt the expression of inflammation. Its effect on rheumatoid arthritis has been long studied one such study, published in August 2017 in Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, reported that the consumption of green tea offers an overall anti-inflammatory effect. However, most studies have been on small samples. A newer study, published in the March 20, 2020, issue of Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism looked at a real-world, large scale study. Result: A higher intake of green tea was associated with lesser disease activity.
The Offense Strategy For Treatment Of Ra Or Aamavata
Anti-inflammatory agents
In the offense strategy, the target is inflammation. Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have mild-to-moderate success in relieving pain and inflammation. However, aspirin is no longer used due to its toxicity. NSAIDs block the activity of cyclooxygenase enzymes, which inhibit the production of prostaglandins, prostacyclins, and thromboxanes and thus, exhibiting anti-inflammatory analgesic and antipyretic effect. The toxic effects of NSAIDS include: Impaired renal function, antiplatelet effects, sodium retention, hypertension and increased incidence of heart disease. The main toxicity associated with NSAIDS is gastric irritation, which results in peptic ulcer, perforation, and bleeding.
Recently COX-2 inhibitors are being used with less gastric irritation. Even though the irritant effect is less these medicines require frequent use of antiulcer medications to reduce the acid production, which decreases the digestive fire, and facilitates the production of Aama. Glucocorticoids are very effective in reducing inflammation and improving joint function and are used in the early stages of treatment in small dose of 10 mg or less along with disease modifying agents as a bridge until the effect of DMARDS is noted. There is evidence that glucocorticoids retard the development and progression of bone erosions. Intra-articular injections of glucocorticoids in a few persistently inflamed joints provide short-term relief.
Biological agents
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Lifestyle Is The Key To Beating Your Rheumatoid Arthritis
I know this is a easier said than done. Most of us know what we have to do but have a hard time committing to things over the long run. The key to overcoming your RA is to adopt healthy habits that eventually become part of your lifestyle. Chances are that youll fall off the wagon a few times but who cares get back up and keep on going. Be okay with small failures knowing that their a part of the process. Before you know it these habits will be ingrained in your routine. A few healthy habits can completely change your life.
My life changed when I took personal responsibility for my health. I cant change my genes or better put my genetic susceptibility. But I can affect how my genes are expressed by controlling what goes into my body . I can do more of the things that promote wellness and less things that promote sickness. fortunately for me this approach worked awesomely and Ive enjoyed great health for over a decade.
I believe passionately that you can overcome your Rheumatoid Arthritis. You might be in a rough place right now but this is only temporary. Ive watched many others reclaim their lives from autoimmune conditions, so can you! Your body knows how to heal, its built in. Your body is a marvelous self healing and self regulating machine. Remove the toxins, give it nutrients, and let the body do its thing.
You got this!
Also, if you try Carnivore or Keto and it makes a difference please let me know about your experience. Feel free to reach out anytime.
Gluten Sensitivity And Rheumatoid Arthritis:
Gluten is the common protein molecule found in wheat, barley, rye, kamut and spelt. Gluten is a sticky storage protein that binds to the small intestinal wall where it often causes digestive and immune system disorders. Gluten sensitivity is an epidemic that is a major factor in the development of auto-immunity.
Research has shown a high prevalence of gluten sensitivity in individuals with autoimmune connective tissue disorder such as RA, lupus, scleroderma and Sjogrens disease . Studies have shown that a gluten-free diet has improved antibody counts and symptoms in many individuals with rheumatoid arthritis .
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Salmon Tuna Sardines And Mackerel
These fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which studies have found can decrease inflammation. According to the Arthritis Foundation, eating a 3 to 4 ounce serving of these fish two or more times a week is recommended for protecting the heart and reducing inflammation.
While fresh fish can get pricey quickly, one tip to make it more affordable is by looking in the freezer section or buying canned sardines, salmon or tuna. Be sure to choose lower sodium options when purchasing canned items if you need to keep your sodium in check.
Best Foods For Arthritis
Find out the 12 best foods to fight inflammation and boost your immune system to ease arthritis.
1. 12 Best Foods for Arthritis
2. Fuel Up on Fish
Great for:
3. Step Up to Soy
Great for:
4. Opt for Oils
Great for:
5. Check Out Cherries
Great for:
6. Dont Ditch the Dairy
Great for:
7. Bet on Broccoli
Great for:
8. Go Green With Tea
Great for:
9. Suck on Some Citrus
Great for:
10. Go With the Grain
Great for:
11. Break Out the Beans
Great for:
12. Grab Some Garlic
Great for:
13. Nosh on Nuts
Great for:
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Citrus Fruits’ Vitamin C Is An Important Ingredient In Tissue Repair
Citrus foods, such as oranges, grapefruit, lemon, and limes, are rich in vitamin C. This dietary component is necessary for the synthesis of collagen, which helps build and repair blood vessels, tendons, ligaments, and bone, and is therefore helpful for people with osteoarthritis, Sandon says.
Citrus fruits are also good sources of inflammation-fighting antioxidants, which are helpful for those with rheumatoid arthritis.
So start your day with a glass of orange juice, have half a grapefruit for a snack, and squeeze lime or lemon juice on foods when you’re cooking to take advantage of the healing power of citrus. Aim for a total vitamin C intake of 75 milligrams per day for adult women, and 90 mg per day for adult men, the current U.S. recommended dietary allowance. If you are pregnant, aim for 85 mg and if you are lactating, 120 mg.
Pathogenesis Of Rheumatoid Arthritis:
The development of RA is based around both genetic and environmental factors that effect the major histocompatability genes and the bodies innate immunity. Environmental factors that increase the activation of the innate immune system can disrupt immune balance and cause chronic inflammatory activity in the body .
The process of developing RA can take many years. One key factor is the induction of the peptidyl arginine deiminase enzymes, which convert arginine to citrulline. Increased citrullination is not specific to RA and occurs regularly with any environmental stress, including in lung alveolar macrophages in cigarette smokers .
What is unique to RA is the propensity for immune reactivity to the neoepitopes created by protein citrullination with the production of anti-citrullinated protein antibodies . In pre-RA, ACPAs and autoantibodies like rheumatoid factors can appear more than 10 years before clinical arthritis.
Additionally, inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-1 are active in individuals with pre-RA and this extends into RA where these cytokines only grow in number and accelerate the inflammatory storm in the joint and organs .
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Heal Your Leaky Gut And Heal Your Arthritis
Intestinal Dysbiosis is a precursor to Leaky Gut Syndrome and is linked to RA +. Research is beginning to support the idea that the onset of autoimmunity is linked to the GI tract & composition of the microbiome. In essence our gut bacteria controls our immune system + whether directly or indirectly. In a previous article I stated Autoimmune Disease and Leaky Gut are the same process. Regardless of what autoimmune condition you have, theyre interrelated. Ive found if my gut was off, then so were my joints, eczema broke out, got eye floaters, cold hands & feet , and others. Manifestation of symptoms can be different depending on the severity of my leaky gut & dysbiosis. So if your looking to reverse your RA then healing leaky gut should be your primary focus. As you heal the gut youll see your RA and other autoimmune issues subside. This doesnt have to be complicated: heal your gut and overcome your Rheumatoid Arthritis.