Study: These foods can help combat rheumatoid arthritis

A study says regular consumption of a diet rich in fibre foods such as vegetables, fruits and spices can help people manage rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body’s tissues.

It is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the joints and can cause damage in a wide variety of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart and blood vessels.

Its symptoms include tender, warm, swollen joints, joint stiffness that is usually worse in the mornings and after inactivity, fatigue, fever and weight loss.

The researchers from KIIT University, India, listed grapes, ginger, and plant-based oils, polyunsaturated fatty acids, found in oily fish, and walnuts as food items that may help lessen the symptoms of the disease.

According to the study, people who consume more of red meat have a slightly higher risk of the condition.

The researchers encouraged those suffering from the disease to cut out any foods that can cause inflammation, adding that adopting a vegetarian diet may help relieve symptoms.

“We believe that an ideal meal can include raw or moderately cooked vegetables (lots of greens, legumes), with addition of spices like turmeric and ginger, seasonal fruits, probiotic yoghurt; all of which are good sources of natural antioxidants and deliver anti-inflammatory effects,” the researchers said.

“The patient should avoid any processed food, high salt, oils, butter, sugar, and animal products.”

The researchers said incorporating the aforementioned foods into the diet “may not cure the patients” but “may help to reduce their disease activity, delay disease progression and reduce joint damage”.

The study was published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition.