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Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. This means your immune system (which usually fights infection) mistakenly attacks the cells that line your joints. This causes inflammation in the joints that can be highly debilitating. The result is often joint pain, swelling and stiffness. It may also cause more general symptoms, and inflammation in other parts of the body.
Fortunately, you can counter inflammation by modifying your diet.
There are many foods known to possess anti-inflammatory properties, making them beneficial for managing rheumatoid arthritis.
However, some foods can actually trigger inflammation, thereby worsening arthritis symptoms.
Some of these items fall into the category of “healthy foods”, warns health body Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM).
“Some healthy foods can be triggers too, however, such as citrus, tomatoes, and corn, to name a few,” warns PCRM.
The health body continues: “Not everyone will have food triggers, though, and when present, the exact foods that trigger symptoms are often unique to that person.
“That is, one person’s trigger foods could be eaten by someone else with no problems.”
Evidence also makes the case for cutting down on meat – particularly of the processed variety – to alleviate arthritis.
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A study published in Rheumatology found a gluten-free, vegan diet improved the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
What’s more, a systematic review concluded that fasting followed by a vegetarian or vegan diet might be useful in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
In addition to improving your diet, regular exercise can help to offset bouts of inflammation.
The NHS explains: “Exercising regularly can help relieve stress, help keep your joints mobile, and strengthen the muscles supporting your joints.”
According to the health body, exercise can also help you lose weight if you’re overweight, which can put extra strain on your joints.
“But it’s important to find a balance between rest and exercise. Rest will make inflamed joints feel more comfortable, but without movement your joints will stiffen and your muscles will become weaker.”
Range-of-motion exercises are particularly beneficial for joint complaints.
“These exercises relieve stiffness and increase your ability to move your joints through their full range of motion,” explains the Mayo Clinic.
According to the health body, these exercises might include movements such as raising your arms over your head or rolling your shoulders forward and backward.
In most cases, these exercises can be done daily.
Strengthening exercises can also counter painful arthritis.
The Mayo Clinic explains: “These exercises help you build strong muscles that help support and protect your joints.”
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