Rest is also needed, to restore the body from the episodes of intense pain and fatigue that are characteristic of RA. A sedentary lifestyle actually does the opposite of what you want, leading to increased pain, fatigue, and weakness. Certain foods and additives are believed to increase inflammation in the body, such as sugar, saturated fats, trans fats, omega-6 fatty acids, refined carbohydrates, monosodium glutamate MSG , gluten , aspartame, and alcohol. A diet for RA should include anti-inflammatory foods , and pro- inflammatory foods should be reduced or avoided.
Check out Dr. Despite the importance of regular physical activity, there is a limit. If you overdo it, you risk a flare of symptoms. A study published in April in The Journal of Rheumatology found that smoking was associated with higher levels of disease activity in RA, including more swollen joints. In addition, smoking can reduce bone mass, making you more susceptible to osteoporosis , according to the Arthritis Foundation.
Quitting is a surefire way to improve your RA, lung health, bone health, and overall health. You know, because you live it. Interestingly, many people with RA are able to point to a stressful or traumatic event that occurred just before the onset of a flare. Simply put, it takes a positive attitude, rather than a negative or pessimistic one, to achieve positive results.
It is logical that you need a positive approach to stay on track with your treatment regimen, exercise routine, diet, and more.
You must believe in the goal. In a study published in December in The Clinical Journal of Pain , researchers found that optimism and mental resilience were associated with less pain severity in people with or at risk for knee osteoarthritis.
Dehydration is linked to fatigue, a slower metabolism, worse cognitive functioning, and the formation of kidney stones. You may be surprised to learn that lack of hydration is also tied to increased joint pain.
Joint protection is an important part of any treatment program for RA. It's fine to respect your arthritis pain, but you don't have to let it stop you. Not only do some people with arthritis think they can't exercise, but they also believe they need to be more sedentary than is necessary. Of course, it's important to take it easy after an especially active day, or when your body is telling you to, but it shouldn't become a way of life.
What's your diet got to do with arthritis? Eating well and maintaining your ideal weight is especially important if you've got arthritis. Excess pounds can put lots of stress on weight-bearing joints, which is likely to make arthritis pain worse. Just as there are people with arthritis who aren't active at all, there are those who push beyond their limits. The trick is to pace your activities. Overdoing it is just as harmful as underdoing it. Pushing your limits can increase pain and put you at higher risk of joint damage.
Respect pain and choose activities with your physical limitations in mind. A cane, walker, or wheelchair may be necessary for some people with arthritis to stay independent and get around on their own. A cane or wheelchair doesn't define who you are, and no one will judge you or think less of you for using one. Many forms of arthritis are chronic diseases, meaning they can't be cured. As tough as it is to accept this, it's important to try. By being realistic about arthritis from the beginning—from seeing a healthcare provider as soon as you have symptoms so you can begin treatment quickly to understanding the condition isn't going away—you'll be able to make decisions that will keep you as healthy and active as possible.
Arthritis patients sometimes avoid painkillers because they're afraid they'll become addicted to them, or they choose not to use biologic drugs because they fear potential serious side effects. Remember that your healthcare provider would never prescribe something that might hurt you or that you could become dependent on as long as you take it as directed.
Make sure you understand when and how much of your medication you should take, and how you should take it with or without food, for example and your arthritis meds should do nothing more than make it easier for you to live comfortably. It's tempting not to tell your healthcare provider everything, especially if you're afraid you'll have to go through unpleasant testing or have to change the treatment regimen you're comfortable with.
But in order for your healthcare provider to have the best chance of helping you, he needs to know everything. Talk openly about what makes your condition better or worse, what concerns you have, and what you don't understand.
Arthritis can intrude on life. It can prevent you from doing some of the most mundane and normal things, such as taking care of your responsibilities at home or work. You may start to feel guilty when you can't do what you believe is expected of you. Be honest if you're struggling; the people who love you and care for you will understand and will be happy to help you work around your limitations. There's no question about it: Arthritis can change your life in some tough-to-swallow ways.
When you're in a lot of pain or having a particularly bad day, it's only human to find yourself wondering why you've been given this challenge—what you did to deserve such an unfair lot in life. Find ways to steer clear of this kind of thinking.
It won't change anything, and it may even make things worse. A counselor or therapist can help guide you to a more positive mindset if you're struggling to find a way there yourself. Dealing with chronic inflammation? An anti-inflammatory diet can help. Chief among them is the connection between celiac disease and rheumatoid arthritis.
A recent study published in the Oxford Journal of Rheumatology states that 41 percent of those suff ering from rheumatoid arthritis improve on gluten-free diets. Simple carbs and refined sugar have earned themselves a bad name over the last few years, and for good reason.
These are nutrient-free toxins that the body has very little use for. They exacerbate inflammation, and the food products that contain they tend to come with other of enders like trans fats. Fried foods are overcooked and have had all or most of their nutrients destroyed. They also contain many known carcinogens. Many foods that come fried also contain a number of heavily processed ingredients. Nuts are a great source of protein for vegetarians.
They also contain magnesium, zinc, vitamin-E as well as the immune booster alpha-linolenic. They are also an easy way to get the protein you need to keep your digestive tract healthy, and they are very filling.
Loaded with immune-boosting properties, garlic and onions are the superhero duo of the produce section. Studies have shown that those who eat foods in the allium family, such as garlic and onions, exhibit fewer signs of osteoarthritis and joint pain.
Another great source of protein and fiber, beans are an excellent way to replace many fi l er foods that worsen joint pain and the conditions associated with it.
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