Rheumatoid Arthritis: What to Avoid and What to Pursue
Two days back, WORLD ARTHRITIS DAY was observed. So there was lots up there in the news that helped in understanding the disease better. Some facts and findings were bewildering and hard to digest. One of such studies, according to Economic Times showed air pollution as an aggravating agent of Rheumatoid Arthritis. It hasn’t been long since Delhi was hitting the headlines for ranking first in the pollution indexes. So putting the two together was too obvious.
In a country where 15% of the population is already under the grips of this disease such findings certainly ring the warning alarms loud and clear.With deteriorating lifestyles as well as the environs, the situation is in no way getting better. Further worry is Rheumatoid Arthritis has no cure. Not much can be done by an individual, except making diet and lifestyle alterations to help fight with the induced consequences.
Given below are a few free takeaway suggestions for patients suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis (for it is most common form by which most Indians are affected):-
1. Vitamin C rich foods are a crucial component of all the best diets for Rheumatoid Arthritis sufferers.
2. The chemicals found in anti-inflammatory medications are also to an extent present in ginger. So using ginger in tea, or any meal preparation can help the arthritis patients significantly.
3. Cold drinks and ice-creams, along with oily and junk food are best avoided to soothe the suffering of the joints.
4. For those, who are not victims of the disease should know that smoking can risk your body in developing RA condition.
5. Adding fish like tuna, trout, salmon, etc. in the daily meal plan can provide anti-inflammatory relief as they contain Omega-3 fatty acids. Other substitutes could also be included.
6. Olive oil has fat that can produce prostacyclin, a strong anti-inflammatory substance, consumption of which has shown significant reduction of symptoms of the RA disease.
7. Most patients with RA are diagnosed with the celiac disease too. It is thus recommended for such patients to stay away from gluten containing foods.
8. Exercising to keep the joints in motion can help in rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. It is critical to maintain joint function and control the swelling and stiffness.
Rheumatoid Arthritis, though most common among women in India, is not a gender specific disease, nor is it age bound. Men as well as children can suffer from this painful disease of the joints. One must consult a rheumatologist as early as the onset of the symptoms are noticed.With medications and a proper diet plan it is possible to limit the symptoms to a bare minimum. There is no dearth of highly specialized dietitians who can help to chart out a rheumatoid arthritis diet plan in India, keeping in mind the Indian body type and food availability. However, in severe cases. A surgery to remove inflamed tissues or replace the affected joints remains the only way to reduce the unbearable pain. So act smart, act early.
