Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that develops when our body’s immune system mistakenly starts attacking the joints. As a result, the tissue lining the inside of joints thickens and causes pain, swelling, and inflammation around the joints. Other symptoms of RA include:

• Joint tenderness
• Joint swelling
• Joint pain and stiffness including morning stiffness, in the same joints on both sides of the body
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Sensitivity to light or impaired vision
• Gum irritation or infection
• Small lumps that develop under the skin over bony areas.
• Inflammation of blood vessels
• Shortness of breath
• Anemia

If the inflammation and swelling go unchecked for long, it can damage cartilage and even bones. Therefore, early diagnosis and aggressive treatment of RA is recommended. You can continue reading to know more about rheumatoid arthritis. Nearly 1.5 million people in the US have rheumatoid arthritis. Here are some causes and risk factors for RA:

• Age: RA can affect patients at any age, but those most susceptible are between 30- and 60-years of age.
• Family history: RA is more likely to develop if someone in your family already has it.
• Gender: RA is more prone to women than men.
• Environmental factors: Exposure to certain chemicals and pollutants.
• Hormones: Specific female hormones are believed to trigger RA symptoms.
• Obesity: Extra weight can enhance the risk of developing arthritis.
• Smoking: Smoking tobacco stresses the muscles and adversely worsens RA symptoms.
• Lack of exercise: Regular exercise improves the blood circulation in the body, hence helps relieve pain due to RA.

Superfoods to reduce rheumatoid arthritis flare ups

In addition to following prescription dosages and doctors orders closely, RA patients can do their part to reduce painful symptoms via diet:

1. Flaxseed

Flaxseeds are rich in the plant-based fats, or omega-3s, which help reduce inflammation and joint pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis considerably.

2. Pumpkin seeds

These seeds are high in calories, but also have great health benefits for RA patients due to their anti-inflammatory properties.

3. Carrots

Carrots contain a high concentration of beta-carotene to help fight inflammation.

4. Kale

Besides being a great source of vitamin C, kale is also a good concentrated dietary source of beta-carotene.

5. Prunes:

Packed with copper, zinc, and vitamin B6, prunes help fight inflammatory diseases like RA.

In addition to recommended foods, RA patients should avoid the following foods:

• Red meat
• Fried foods
• Refined carbs and sugars
• Processed foods
• Excess salt
• Diet soda
• Gluten
• Unhealthy trans fats

Medical research shows that patients taking RA medications, such as TNF inhibitors or olumiant for pain relief (in cases where other drugs proved ineffective), can benefit significantly from the above named superfoods. In many cases, foods paired with certain medications may aid the reduction of pain and inflammation in RA patients. Just be sure to consult with your doctor before making any dietary changes.