Food for Rheumatoid Athristis

Sept 13 eve 1

Just read on food to avoid for RA

1. Dairy

RA symptoms may flare as a response to specific proteins found in dairy products. Some people with rheumatoid arthritis who report intolerance to milk have antibodies to milk proteins, Dr. Michet said. The body forms these antibodies to protect itself from what it mistakenly perceives as a harmful substance, but the antibodies attack other parts of the body in addition to the milk. Cut dairy products from your diet to see if that reduces RA symptoms. "Try soy, rice or almond milk as anti-inflammatory alternatives," said Ulka Agarwal, MD, chief medical officer and director of clinical research for the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.

2. Meat

Changing to a vegetarian diet often improves RA symptoms. Consumption of meat is associated with higher overall fat and calorie intake, which are markers for an unhealthy lifestyle. The fats in meat are more easily metabolized into pro-inflammatory chemicals in the body, Dr. Michet said. Production of these inflammatory chemicals are good in certain circumstances – like when you're fighting an infection – but they can also cause painful inflammation and swelling in spaces like your joints. Instead of eating meat, supplement your diet with plant sources of protein such as beans, lentils and soy, Dr. Agarwal said.


3. Gluten

Research shows that many people with RA also have celiac disease, which is triggered by gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat and other grains that gives dough a chewy texture. When someone has celiac disease, eating gluten causes an immune reaction within the small intestine which can lead to bloating and diarrhea. In some people, the inflammatory reaction may extend to the joints, which only aggravates RA symptoms. Forty-one percent of rheumatoid arthritis patients responded positively to a gluten-free vegan diet according to a 2001 study published in the Oxford Journal of Rheumatology. But before trying a gluten-free diet, get tested for celiac disease to avoid any unnecessary hassle, Michet said.


4. Refined Sugar and Sweets

While certain carbohydrates may be an essential part of our diets, refined sugars and sweets are not, as much as we may enjoy them. Refined sugars, such as high fructose corn syrup, are empty calories devoid of any nutrients. "It's a poison by itself," said Dr. Robert Lustig, MD, a pediatric endocrinologist and professor at the University of California, San Francisco. Cutting down on refined sugar is even more important for people with rheumatoid arthritis because the chronic inflammation in RA impairs the body's ability to break down sweets. Risk for cardiovascular disease is also high for patients with RA, and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol is crucial. Mary Poppins was wrong. "Just a spoonful of sugar helps the blood pressure go up," Dr. Lustig said.


5. Coffee

America is powered by caffeine: more than 150 million people drink coffee in the U.S., with each individual consuming more than three cups daily, according to the National Coffee Association. The health effects of coffee are controversial, especially in regard to rheumatoid arthritis. Large population studies show conflicting results and are inconclusive. However, coffee drinking was linked to the development of anti-CCP positive RA, a specific subtype of RA, according to a 2007 study published in Arthritis and Rheumatism. While research is still ongoing, you may want to consider tossing that coffee mug as your own experiment.

Diet modification is not for everyone. Talk to your doctor or a nutritionist about meal planning before making any notable changes. If you do not see any improvement in your symptoms after cutting out a food for four weeks, you may want to reinsert the food back into your diet.

Soul
I am lactose intolerant so I am not into dairy except for occasional Hot choc. But I m into desserts so butter is in.

Quit meat last year March followed by caffeine in last Nov. But recently picked up local coffee.

Gluten; me into cakes and breads.

Early this year after ending with Y, I turn back to food for love. Then it was the break up with local Isha, I was sad at the loss of validation. Followed by anxiety over Kailash.
Because I don't take meat, I turn to desserts. Later with Angamardhana, it was license to eat and I go bonkers with food, totally no control. My family can see that I eat loads.

Looks like diet do play a part.

Am I ready?

Weight was the only thing that kept me in check from overindulging. With Angamardhana taking out the weight, I lost control.

Time to manage myself. Just because I didn't gain weight, doesn't meant its free licence to eat. I have to take care of RA too.

Father, yesterday I said there is blessing in disguise for illness; it has helped my perseverance in yoga. Later helped me in letting go of meat and caffeine. Alas, it finally touch my desserts. I can no longer eat with pride that my weight can't increase. There is detrimental effects to my body. My joints all acting up.
Now its up to me.