Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term disease which causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. There may be time when symptoms become worse, known as flare-ups or flares. Some dietary habits can make inflammation worse so it is best to monitor your intake.
Food fats can affect inflammation, and one in particular can come as a surprise.
Omega-3 fats are nutrients that you get from foods and supplements that offer a host of health benefits, such as reducing your risk of heart problems.
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Omega-3 rich fish oil may show some benefit in inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis
notes Harvard Health.
However, “an excess of omega-3 fatty acids potentially can lower the amount of omega-6 fatty acids from sources such as corn, safflower and cottonseed oils,” warns the health body.
This imbalance actually may promote inflammation.
This should not discourage you from eating foods rich in omega-3 fats – these foods provide protection against heart disease.
The best sources are from fish such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring and tuna.
People with arthritis should be wary of their saturated fat intake – another heart disease contributor.
Saturated Fat, which is found in meat, butter and cheese, raises your cholesterol levels.
People with arthritis are more at risk for heart disease, so they need to be watching [their cholesterol levels]
said Christine McKinney, RD, a clinical dietitian at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, in an interview with the Arthritis Foundation (AF).
There might be one exception in the saturated fat category – coconut oil.
This plant-based form of saturated fat has gained popularity in recent years, and animal studies have suggested it has anti-inflammatory properties.
Unlike other saturated fats, coconut oil is made mostly of medium-chain fatty acids, and your body processes those differently
explains the Arthritis Foundation (AF).
The AF continues:
While you don’t want to overdo it on coconut oil, small quantities might be okay.
In addition to tweaking your diet, you should stay active to alleviate arthritis symptoms.
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Exercise can seem counterintuitive if you are suffering from painful inflammation.
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