Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto immune disease that affects the joints and sometimes other organs in a patient. The disease can be very progressive, painful and life altering. Since the joints are affected by this disease, keeping the patients body in shape is important to maintain the patients well being. As part of an arthritis diet plan, exercise is an important key to the patient's health. Exercise can help keep range of motion in the joints that can become restricted due to the disease.
It is important in this step of a rheumatoid arthritis diet to begin with simple exercises that won't harm the joints. Relaxed and easy motions are the best for someone with rheumatoid arthritis. Swimming is an excellent choice in a rheumatoid arthritis diet plan, it is easy on the joints and for many a good whole body work out. Finding a low impact exercise for the patient with rheumatoid arthritis can make the difference in preventing injuries.
The rheumatoid arthritis diet can include a variety of different tactics. Some suggest a rheumatoid arthritis diet be rich in vegetables and low in gluten can help reduce the symptoms and pain of rheumatoid arthritis. A rheumatoid arthritis diet that is primarily made up of protein provided by a diet rich in fish may help patients. Fish oil can be taken in a supplement form to add this important dietary necessity to the rheumatoid arthritis diet.
Foods that should be avoided in a rheumatoid arthritis diet include foods from the nightshade family like, tomatoes, potatoes, green peppers and eggplant. There is no scientific proof of this, but many people believe their symptoms improve when these foods are avoided. Decaffeinated coffee may cause symptoms to worsen and should be avoided in a rheumatoid arthritis diet.
Researchers a re consistently trying to find ways to improve the health of people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Patients are also trying to find simple ways to help themselves; and, a rheumatoid arthritis diet may be the best place to start.
