Foods to Avoid With RA

Foods to Avoid With RA

Rheumatoid arthritis, commonly referred to as RA in the medical community, is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects your joints and surrounding tissues, according to Arthritis Today. The influence of nutrition on arthritis inflammation has led many health providers to conclude that food hypersensitivities and allergies can trigger arthritis symptoms. Since food sensitivities do not affect every arthritis patient, you should test suspected foods to determine whether they render a reaction. Consult a health care nutritionist or dietitian before eliminating food sources from your diet.

Gluten

According to the Department of Rheumatology at Huddinge University Hospital, gluten-free vegan diets improve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. In a study conducted by the university, researchers found that antibodies against the gluten protein gliadin decreased arthritis symptoms in participants eating a gluten-free vegan diet. However, the results were not the same for those participants who ate a regular diet. For best results, consult with your doctor before eliminating gluten from your diet.

Dairy Products and Meat

In a study conducted by the University of Oslo, researchers found intestinal fluids derived from rheumatoid arthritis participants contained elevated levels of antibodies to proteins from eggs, cow's milk, pork, cereal and codfish compared to those without arthritis. Since your body responds to infection threats by producing additional antibodies, this means that these foods can potentially inflame or aggravate your rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Speak with your physician about eliminating or replacing certain foods in your diet regimen.

Alfalfa Seeds and Sprouts

Alfalfa is an herb commonly used by people to make medicine. According to MedlinePlus, alfalfa can cause your immune system to become active, which can subsequently contribute to the flare-ups of autoimmune disease, including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and lupus. Although this reaction is experienced by a few people, try to avoid all forms of alfalfa until more is known about the herb.

source : livestrong.com