Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) management goes beyond medications and physical therapy; it also requires careful food choices. RA is an autoimmune illness characterised by chronic inflammation of the joints, resulting in pain, stiffness, and swelling. While no diet may cure RA, several foods might aggravate symptoms by raising inflammation and joint pain. Companion care at home can help seniors understand which foods can aggravate RA and encourage seniors to make better decisions in an effort to manage it more effectively.
Foods and Beverages Containing Sugar
Refined sugar, which is commonly found in soft drinks, sweets, and desserts, causes the release of cytokines, which are proteins that play an important role in inflammation. Excess sugar consumption in RA patients may aggravate joint inflammation, causing pain and stiffness. Sugary foods can also contribute to weight gain, which puts further strain on already weakened joints. Avoiding sugar-sweetened beverages and desserts can help to minimise inflammation and maintain a healthy weight, easing joint pain.
Processed and Red Meats
Red meats (beef and pork) and processed meats (bacon, sausages, and deli meats) are high in saturated fats and advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). AGEs are molecules produced when food is cooked at high temperatures and have been related to increased oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. A diet high in red and processed meats can also lead to heart disease, which is already a risk factor for persons with RA. Companion care at home can encourage seniors to replace red meat with lean proteins such as fish, beans, and lentils, all of which may lower inflammation and improve heart health.
Fried and Fast Food
Fried foods, particularly those served at fast-food restaurants, contain trans fats, which can raise inflammation and cholesterol levels. Trans fats are commonly found in fried foods, pastries, and processed snacks. These fats can raise blood levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammatory marker. People with RA should avoid eating fried and fast foods and instead choose healthier cooking methods like grilling, baking, or steaming.
Refined Carbohydrates
Foods prepared with white flour, such as white bread, spaghetti, and baked goods, are classified as refined carbs. These foods have a high glycaemic index (GI), creating blood sugar surges that may make inflammation worse. High-GI foods can also cause weight gain, which, as mentioned above, also makes RA symptoms worse. Whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa, and whole grain bread, can help control blood sugar and reduce inflammation.
Dairy Products
Some RA patients claim that dairy products, particularly full-fat varieties, aggravate their symptoms. Dairy includes proteins that, in certain people, can irritate joint tissues. While dairy is a good source of calcium and vitamin D, which help with bone health, seniors with RA should investigate non-dairy options if they believe dairy is making their symptoms worse. Companion care at home can help them experiment if options like almond, soy, or oat milk may be a good replacement since they provide equivalent nutrients without causing an inflammatory reaction.
Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet may help seniors with RA reduce their symptoms. Sugary foods, unhealthy fats, refined carbohydrates, and some proteins can all make inflammation worse and cause joint pain. With the help of companion care at home, seniors with RA can learn what foods they should and shouldn’t eat.
If you or an ageing loved one are considering companion care at home in Spruce Grove, please contact the caring staff at Serving Hands Senior Care today. Call (780) 963-1516
Premiere Home Health and Senior Home Care services in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Devon, St. Albert, Edmonton, Onoway, Leduc, Parkland County and surrounding communities since 2016.
Sources:
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/rheumatoid-arthritis-diet-tips
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/foods-to-avoid-with-arthritis#summary
https://versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/managing-symptoms/diet/
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