Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Rheumatoid Arthritis?

kellymcguffie
kellymcguffie Posts: 2 Member
edited November 28 in Food and Nutrition
I’ve recently been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, which is an auto-immune condition that affects your joints due to inflammation. Some days I can’t walk or hold a cup of tea because the joints in my hands and feet are so swollen. I am currently on medication to try and control the disease but these all come with their own issues and nasty side effects and I would like to minimise them if at all possible.

There are lots of conflicting views on what foods should or should not be avoided to minimise inflammation i.e avoid white potatoes, night shade vegetables, gluten, dairy, soya, corn and mostly foods that I have eaten my whole life. Some people claim that they have come off their medication by radically changing their diets but it sounds so difficult to eliminate such a large group of foods.

Does anyone else suffer from RA that has found a diet that works for them? And if so, can you offer advice? Any references too would be useful.

Thanks
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Replies

  • ruqayyahsmum
    ruqayyahsmum Posts: 1,513 Member
    My doctor suggested vegetarian, the arthritis research site suggested the same but it's only been a week, still in alot of pain currently
  • hesn92
    hesn92 Posts: 5,966 Member
    edited August 2018
    Does your doctor have any opinions?
    My precious coworker claimed that she improved her psoriasis (caused by same immune disorder that causes RA) by changing up her diet according to a book called “the Bible cure for skin disorders” - not sure how much stock I would put In that but I thought it might be worth a read just to see what it has to say. My husband has really bad psoriasis so that’s why I was thinking of reading it. He takes humira which works but is really bad for him and has a lot of side effects. I don’t think he will ever be off medication however.
  • singingsheila50
    singingsheila50 Posts: 2 Member
    I have Anklosing Spondylitis which is Rhuemetoid of the spine I eat mostly veggies and fruit
  • CarvedTones
    CarvedTones Posts: 2,340 Member
    singingsheila50 wrote: »
    I have Anklosing Spondylitis which is Rhuemetoid of the spine I eat mostly veggies and fruit

    Have you been tested for HLA-B27? Most people with AS have the antigen. So do a lot of people with RA. Google"HLA-B27 no starch diet". There is some actual science to it having to do with a particular gut microbe that is minimized by a low or no starch diet. It's not a general purpose thing for all inflammation; it is specific to being HLA-B27 positive. I am and I get flares of inflammation from time to time. I tried the diet (there is a whole section on it at KickAS.com) and it was just too hard. But I have undifferentiated spondylitis that moderates quite a bit between flares. It might be worth trying for you.
  • dlmcb80
    dlmcb80 Posts: 15 Member
    I just typed a long response and lost it. So I’ll sum up what I typed. I have ankylosing spondylitis, as well, which affects my SI Joints, my hips and my hands.
    I have felt my best when I don’t eat sugar and I eat raw foods. I try to shop the perimeter of the grocery store. I have celiac, as well, and stopped eating meat in February, so I’m still new to recipes that don’t have meat in them, but like you, I never liked it and now it just the smell makes me sick to my stomach. Gluten is a horrible inflammatory, so I would look to removing that from your diet. It take several months to rid your body of it. I eat tempeh and tofu, along with nuts, nut butters (almond butter), plant based milk (chocolate cashew milk is delicious is you need a bit of chocolate in your life every now and again), quinoa, beans and I have limited dairy for protein. I eat a lot of veggies, some fruits and a lot of garlic.
    I have found it’s trial and error. I do suggest taking turmeric by mouth, speak with your dr fort as Im not a dr, or drinking turmeric tea. It’s a great anti inflammatory and they sell the tea bags in the store now. I was making the tea at home and it tasted awful.
    My AS affects my hands, as well-horribly. I can barely move them sometimes because they are so swollen and painful. I suggest the heating packs that you have corn or rice in them that you can heat in the microwave to help with the pain and inflammation. I’m on a bunch of meds; again trial and error.
    Sorry for the long post. Lmk if you have any questions. I hope you get some relief!
  • Archcurl
    Archcurl Posts: 239 Member
    Hi, I have ME, (basically my brain and inside my spine are chonically inflamed) and the last 2-4 months I have been eating added sugar free, no gluten and no dairy. And it's definitely improved my symptoms a lot. I'm in a lot less pain and have less brainfpg, plus my digestion is finally happy.
    From what I've heard you have to keep eating like this for about 2 years and then you will see definite improvements. There are some days when I do cheat but I regret it in the days after. My symptoms are way worse again, a lot more pain, fatigue, brainfog and I'm back in bed for at least 2 days. I only wanted to try the diet at first and then quit but my body reacts to it so well that I won't stop. I'll miss having cheese, bread and chocolate for the rest of my life but I won't miss having to lay in bed 24/7
  • GCLyds
    GCLyds Posts: 206 Member
    Autoimmune Paleo removes all the inflammatory triggers and then gradually reintroduces some after gut healing has taken place.
  • dlmcb80
    dlmcb80 Posts: 15 Member
    ruqayyahsmum wrote: »
    My doctor suggested vegetarian, the arthritis research site suggested the same but it's only been a week, still in alot of pain currently

    Unfortunately, it takes a few months to heal your gut; everyone is different. I would try a gluten free diet, add a good quality probiotic and eat/turmeric. I know I mentioned the turmeric before, but honestly the homemade tea helped sooooo much when my hands were flaring at their worst. I was in steroids for over 2 years. I have been where you are. Keep going! I never thought I would be able gluten free until I HAD to. Make sure you get enough rest, drink a lot of water, avoid processed foods, soda, dairy if you as it is also a huge inflammatory and artificial sweeteners. I have cut out most the dairy from my diet. Friend me if you want. I’m so sorry your hurting. Danielle
  • dlmcb80
    dlmcb80 Posts: 15 Member
    CarvedTones wrote: »
    singingsheila50 wrote: »
    I have Anklosing Spondylitis which is Rhuemetoid of the spine I eat mostly veggies and fruit

    Have you been tested for HLA-B27? Most people with AS have the antigen. So do a lot of people with RA. Google"HLA-B27 no starch diet". There is some actual science to it having to do with a particular gut microbe that is minimized by a low or no starch diet. It's not a general purpose thing for all inflammation; it is specific to being HLA-B27 positive. I am and I get flares of inflammation from time to time. I tried the diet (there is a whole section on it at KickAS.com) and it was just too hard. But I have undifferentiated spondylitis that moderates quite a bit between flares. It might be worth trying for you.

    I have AS, too, and am negative for HLA-B27, but have celiac and some other auto immune issues. Research has show that more than 50% of people with AS don’t have a positive HLA-B27, and some who do never get AS or have any symptoms of AS. It’s such a complicated disease as everyone reacts differently.
    The auto immune fatigue, when I’m so tired and uncomfortable I could vomit, can be incredibly overwhelming and it feels like no matter how much I sleep I won’t feel rested. This has improved SO much better with eating healthier and exercising. I hope everyone on here is well and feel free to add me if you want. I know the pain of the “invisible illness.” Danielle
  • shelbydodgeguy
    shelbydodgeguy Posts: 194 Member
    I'm one of those weird cases that has RA even though I test negative on the standard test. The joints in some of my fingers are bad enough that you can see it. I also have several other health issues - I've had heart and kidney issues in the past, metabolic issues, migraines, have leg issues from a childhood birth defect, and widespread pain related to autoimmune and injuries from my youth.

    I started eating an extremely low carb diet a couple months ago as recommended by my Dr. and the inflammation in my body has gotten a bit better and I've only had half a dozen or so mild migraines. Pain levels are the same and fatigue is the same but it's a start. It's nice to be able to type again.
  • fishgutzy
    fishgutzy Posts: 2,807 Member
    My wife has spondyloathropathy. Her rheumatologist also recommended cutting back on meat.
    Unfortunately I have a condition for which legumes is a trigger.
    This is probably one small advantage to her on me spending two months in China for each month at home. (otherwise it sux)
  • dlmcb80
    dlmcb80 Posts: 15 Member
    shelbydodgeguy wrote: »
    I'm one of those weird cases that has RA even though I test negative on the standard test. The joints in some of my fingers are bad enough that you can see it. I also have several other health issues - I've had heart and kidney issues in the past, metabolic issues, migraines, have leg issues from a childhood birth defect, and widespread pain related to autoimmune and injuries from my youth.

    I started eating an extremely low carb diet a couple months ago as recommended by my Dr. and the inflammation in my body has gotten a bit better and I've only had half a dozen or so mild migraines. Pain levels are the same and fatigue is the same but it's a start. It's nice to be able to type again.

    I understand the “weird cases,” believe me. Most people with AS don’t have hand involvement and some of the other symptoms I have. I have horrible looking hands with nodules from Osteoarthritis. I’m glad you’re able to type again. My fatigue and pain varies. This weekend it’s horrible. I hope you feel better. I just stared counting my calories 3 weeks ago and didn’t realize how bad I was eating before. I don’t eat clean all the time, but no meat. I try to avoid dairy, but I do eat cheese.
  • dlmcb80
    dlmcb80 Posts: 15 Member
    fishgutzy wrote: »
    My wife has spondyloathropathy. Her rheumatologist also recommended cutting back on meat.
    Unfortunately I have a condition for which legumes is a trigger.
    This is probably one small advantage to her on me spending two months in China for each month at home. (otherwise it sux)
    What do you eat to get your protein and nutrients? I’m sure that’s very hard for you. ☹️
  • CarvedTones
    CarvedTones Posts: 2,340 Member
    edited September 2018
    dlmcb80 wrote: »
    CarvedTones wrote: »
    singingsheila50 wrote: »
    I have Anklosing Spondylitis which is Rhuemetoid of the spine I eat mostly veggies and fruit

    Have you been tested for HLA-B27? Most people with AS have the antigen. So do a lot of people with RA. Google"HLA-B27 no starch diet". There is some actual science to it having to do with a particular gut microbe that is minimized by a low or no starch diet. It's not a general purpose thing for all inflammation; it is specific to being HLA-B27 positive. I am and I get flares of inflammation from time to time. I tried the diet (there is a whole section on it at KickAS.com) and it was just too hard. But I have undifferentiated spondylitis that moderates quite a bit between flares. It might be worth trying for you.

    I have AS, too, and am negative for HLA-B27, but have celiac and some other auto immune issues. Research has show that more than 50% of people with AS don’t have a positive HLA-B27, and some who do never get AS or have any symptoms of AS. It’s such a complicated disease as everyone reacts differently.
    The auto immune fatigue, when I’m so tired and uncomfortable I could vomit, can be incredibly overwhelming and it feels like no matter how much I sleep I won’t feel rested. This has improved SO much better with eating healthier and exercising. I hope everyone on here is well and feel free to add me if you want. I know the pain of the “invisible illness.” Danielle

    Please provide links to that research. Here is some peer reviewed deep science on HLA-B27 and AS:
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1079257/
    In the UK, HLA-B27 is present in 90–95% of patients with ankylosing spondylitis, 60–90% of patients with reactive arthritis, 50–60% of patients with psoriatic arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease and spondylitis, and 80–90% of children with juvenile ankylosing spondylitis.

    and if you want to point out that is just the UK...

    This antigen is associated with ankylosing spondylitis in virtually all racial groups studied. In general, the population prevalence of ankylosing spondylitis parallels the frequency of HLA-B27. However, there is some variation in the strength of the association, which is weaker in native Indonesians, Lebanese, Thais and West Africans.

    So there are a few places where it is less than 90%.

    ETA - You are correct that most people with HLA-B27 do not have AS, though if you read further through the article it notes that if others in your family also carry the antigen it increases your risk of developing a linked health problem by more than 1600%.

    I feel for you having to suffer; please don't take this as a personal attack. I doubt you are spreading misinformation on purpose and I encourage you to speak to your rheumatologist if you don't want to accept a published article posted by some guy on the internt.
  • xmarye
    xmarye Posts: 385 Member
    Check out Dr Berg on Youtube!
  • CarvedTones
    CarvedTones Posts: 2,340 Member
    Ideabaker wrote: »
    Dr. Michael Greger focuses all of his work on evidence based research on nutrition for wellness. He has a whole series on fighting inflammation with diet, including spices, nuts, and much much more. Go onto Youtube and Search "Nutrition Facts" (his channel) "Inflammation"... you'll see his short (generally 2-4 minutes long) videos on an array of nutrition facts for improving inflammatory conditions. Hope he has suggestions that can help you (along with your doctor's care).

    *Edited for preciseness

    I checked out some of his info. He references a study on obese patients that noted a seeming correlation between diet and inflammation but did not establish a strong enough link to determine whether it is a cause. When I was obese, I suffered a lot more inflammation from arthritic spikes. Healthy eating is a good idea for a lot of reasons but I don't think he made a strong case for the suggested diet to help with inflammation caused by specific medical conditions.
  • MikePfirrman
    MikePfirrman Posts: 3,307 Member
    edited September 2018
    GCLyds wrote: »
    Autoimmune Paleo removes all the inflammatory triggers and then gradually reintroduces some after gut healing has taken place.

    If AIP has helped you, that's great, but the science and studies don't support it. There have been two studies on AIP over the last four/five years and while they found it helped IBD/IBS and Chrone's, it barely budged C Reactive Proteins, which are the "classic" biomarkers of inflammation. For over 2/3 of the participants, it didn't budge enough to be even statistically significant. When I've asked AIP bloggers to explain this and why it's not moving more, you get crickets.

    I wanted to believe that AIP was the magic bullet that people claim it is but the actual science doesn't support that. Personally, I feel it's because people are eating too many animal products on AIP, which have been shown to promote inflammation. Also, there's not enough fiber on AIP with all the carb restrictions. Scientists are just beginning to understand how important fiber is for inflammation.

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5647120/
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    I knew a guy who had debilitating Ankylosing Spondylitis which was so helped by yoga that he became a certified teacher. He didn't mention dietary changes to me.
  • CarvedTones
    CarvedTones Posts: 2,340 Member
    kshama2001 wrote: »
    I knew a guy who had debilitating Ankylosing Spondylitis which was so helped by yoga that he became a certified teacher. He didn't mention dietary changes to me.

    "Ankylosing" basically means fusing and if you keep moving the vertebrae around a lot, they can't fuse. My spondylitis is "undifferentiated" and staying limber helps. It's counter-intuitive sometimes but when I have a lot of back pain one of the worst things I can do is keep it perfectly still; the vertebrae that are grinding against each other will stay in contact. I also have spinal stenosis, which can result in pinching nerves and if I grit my teeth and move around a little the nerves will be freed a lot quicker than if I lie on my back waiting for it to happen.

    Note that this is not for muscle pain. You do want to stop moving and rest for that.
  • mfp4kc
    mfp4kc Posts: 29 Member
    Have you thought about turmeric for overall joint health support? Here is some research about the spice: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5003001/
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