Undoubtedly, one of the most frequently asked questions by rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients is is there a diet I should follow. Frankly, we do not have a miraculous diet recommendation in this regard. However, there are dietary or vitamin recommendations that fight inflammation in the body, which may be beneficial for rheumatoid arthritis.
The best dietary recommendation for RA patients is primarily a balanced diet. It also puts plant foods on the basis of it. In fact, fresh fruits, vegetables and cereals should make up 2/3 of the food that the RA patient takes. After this point, let’s summarize what should be and what should not be in the diets of RA patients in general.
Recommended to be consumed
1. Definitely omega 3 has an inflammation-lowering feature. Therefore, fish containing omega 3 should be included in the diet of RA patients. Cold water fish such as mackerel, trout, salmon and tuna are rich in omega 3. At the same time, vitamins containing omega 3 can be taken according to the doctor’s recommendation. However, it should be kept in mind that it can interact with drugs or increase blood pressure.
2. Vegetables, fruits and grains also help reduce inflammation due to the fiber they contain.
3. The most important detail of Mediterranean cuisine, olive oil is also helpful in reducing inflammation. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary to use olive oil.
4. Studies in RA patients have shown that selenium levels are low. Selenium is a mineral that is abundant in grain foods and shellfish such as oysters and crabs. Selenium may be important in the control of inflammation due to its antioxidant properties.
5. Vitamin D, together with calcium, is of great importance in the development or risk of osteoporosis. However, vitamin D also reduces the risk of RA development with its regulatory effects on the immune system.
Not Recommended for Consumption
1. Some foods or cooking methods facilitate the formation of inflammation. Foods that are grilled or cooked at high temperatures, such as hamburgers, chicken and meat, are prime examples of this.
2. Foods containing Omega-6 fatty acids found in corn, sunflower, soybean oil fried products facilitate the formation of inflammation. Consuming omega-6-containing foods more than omega-3-containing foods can cause both increased inflammation and obesity.
In conclusion, the best dietary recommendation for rheumatoid arthritis patients should be a healthy and balanced diet. It seems like the most beneficial thing to set our table with vegetables, olive oil and fresh fruit on the basis of Mediterranean cuisine.
