Rheumatoid Artritis

What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints. Inflammation of the tissue around the joints and inflammatory arthritis are characteristic features of rheumatoid arthritis. The disease can cause inflammation and injury in other organs in the body. Autoimmune diseases are illnesses that occur when the body's tissues are mistakenly attacked by their own immune system. The immune system contains a complex organization of cells and antibodies designed normally to "seek and destroy" invaders of the body, particularly infections. Patients with autoimmune diseases have antibodies in their blood that target their own body tissues, where they can be associated with inflammation. Because it can affect multiple other organs of the body, rheumatoid arthritis is referred to as a systemic illness and is sometimes called rheumatoid disease.

Dietary help

Mediterranean or Vegetarian Diet

In findings reported in the 2010 issue of the "Journal of the American Dietetic Association," researchers reviewed the literature studies regarding the effects of different types of diets on rheumatoid arthritis patients. They concluded that following a Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables and healthy fats, might be effective for reducing rheumatoid arthritis pain. In addition, researchers found that fasting followed by 13 months of a vegetarian eating plan might also provide pain relief.

The importance of Omega 3

Fish oils contain omega-3 fatty acids, may help rheumatoid arthritis patients, according to research published in the 1995 issue of the journal of "Arthritis Rheumatism." Researchers from Albany Medical College examined the effects of fish oil supplementation on rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. They found that participants taking fish oil experienced decreases in arthritic pain, duration of morning stiffness and number of tender joints. Fish oil reduces interleukin-1 beta, an indicator of inflammation, according to researchers. Take fish oil supplementation or incorporate omega-3 fatty acid foods such as salmon and walnuts into your daily diet.

Vitamins for rheumatoid arthritis

There are many other vitamins and herbs that may help with rheumatoid arthritis and joint health. A small selection can be found below.

The less serious, but sometimes as painful, osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear of the bodies joints. As this is a very different issue to an auto immune there is a separate page for joint nutrition supplements.