Rheumatoid Arthritis, a condition in which the body’s immune system begins to attack the joints, is a health concern that affects many people. Since, there’s no clear cause of the condition, it’s believed that RA can be attributed to lifestyle choices like poor diet, stress, and lack of physical activity. The modern medical approach or allopathy aims to manage rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by focusing on reducing inflammation, controlling symptoms, and maintaining quality of life. This treatment can be long-term and includes Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs), such as methotrexate, NSAIDs, and Corticosteroid injections for its management. While allopathic treatments offer quick relief from pain and inflammation, their potential side effects may include gastrointestinal issues, liver damage, weight gain, bone thinning, and hormonal imbalances which often prompt individuals to seek deeper, holistic alternatives like Ayurveda.
The Ayurvedic approach strongly emphasises restoring digestive strength, flushing out toxins, balancing doshas, and rejuvenating the joints through herbs, age-old therapies (such as Panchakarma), and essential dietary adjustments. Let us learn more about Rheumatoid Arthritis diet, its management, and care.
Table of Content
- What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis?
- Ayurvedic Diet for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Foods to Eat and Avoid
- Why Choose Tarunveda for Rheumatoid Arthritis Management
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition wherein the body’s own immune system mistakenly starts attacking its own joint tissues. This condition leads to intense inflammation, pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints, impacting quality of life. RA mainly develops in the knees, hands, and wrists due to the abnormal immune response. Though the exact cause remains unclear, it is mainly linked with genetic disorders, like people with specific genes (like HLA-DR4) are more likely to develop RA. Also, other potential causes can be hormonal imbalances, lifestyle choices like poor diet, stress, and lack of physical activity, all of which can aggravate the condition.
The Ayurvedic Perspective:
According to Ayurveda, Rheumatoid Arthritis is linked to a condition called Aamavata, which is caused by the excessive buildup of toxins (ama). This further impacts digestion and results in metabolic imbalance within the body. It’s believed that when accumulated ama combines with aggravated Vata dosha, which is essential for governing movement and blood circulation in the body, it slowly gets deposited in the joints, ultimately leading to extreme inflammation, stiffness, and pain.
According to Ayurvedic philosophy, rheumatoid arthritis primarily stems from a weakened Agni (digestive fire), which leads to the accumulation of undigested toxins that circulate through the body and become lodged in sensitive areas, such as the joints.
Understanding the Role of Diet Rheumatoid Arthritis: Foods to Eat and Avoid
Diet plays an essential role in managing rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although the Rheumatoid Arthritis diet alone may not be enough, it plays a significant role in the effective management of the condition. Certain nutritional choices can help reduce inflammation, support joint health, and promote overall body well-being. Whereas, certain food items can hamper existing conditions by worsening the progression of the disease.
Best Foods for Rheumatoid Arthritis
The best food choices, as per Ayurveda, for effective management of RA include:
- A diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon, sardines, mackerel, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts.
- Antioxidants can be found in fruits and vegetables such as berries (blueberries, strawberries), oranges, spinach, kale, broccoli, sweet potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers.
- Whole grains like quinoa, oats, brown rice, barley, and whole wheat.
- Nuts include walnuts, almonds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts.
- Legumes and plant-based proteins like chickpeas, black beans, Soybeans, and more.
- Seeds like sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds.
- Herbs and spices such as turmeric, Ginger, Garlic, and Cinnamon.
- Herbal teas like Green Tea.
- Green leafy vegetables and fruits
Foods to Avoid with Rheumatoid Arthritis
There are certain food items that should be on your NO-NO list if you are trying to manage RA through diet. These food items include:
- Processed and fried foods, such as packaged chips, noodles, and fast food.
- Meats high in saturated fats, including red meats and processed options like sausages, ham, beef, and bacon.
- Refined carbs are found in foods such as baked treats, pasta or noodles made from refined wheat flour, white bread, and polished white rice.
- Trans fats and hydrogenated oils, such as those found in packaged baked goods, non-dairy creamers, and Margarine.
- High-sugar foods and beverages, such as candies, pastries, sodas, sweetened cereals, and flavoured yoghurts, among others.
- High-fat dairy products including butter, cream, cheese, and whole milk.
- Foods containing excessive salt and creamers, like frozen meals and pickles.
- Alcohol intake, especially beer.
- Gluten, in some individuals, like Wheat, Rye, and Barley.
- Cold food items like refrigerated leftovers, iced teas, and chilled desserts.
- Virudhahara, meaning incomplete food combinations like milk with salty/sour foods, milk with fish, or fruits with dairy products.
- Heavy foods containing creamy gravies, paneer-based curries, and fried snacks.
- Urad Dal (Black gram), which is heavy and difficult to digest.
- Spinach and Eddo (arbi) are difficult to digest and may aggravate joint pain and inflammation.
Why Choose Tarunveda for Rheumatoid Arthritis Management
Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis goes beyond medications. At Tarunveda, we combine the wisdom of Ayurveda with personalised dietary guidance to help you manage the condition with ease. The Ayurvedic treatment for RA focusses on balancing doshas, reducing inflammation, and enhancing joint health through personalized Rheumatoid Arthritis diet and Panchkarma therapies that detoxify the body and boost healing. The goal is to manage symptoms naturally, prevent flare-ups, and improve overall well-being without long-term side effects.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rheumatoid Arthritis Diet
Q1. Which Panchkarma therapy is best for treating RA?
Ans. The most effective Panchakarma therapies for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) include Virechana Therapy, Basti Therapy, and Swedana Therapy.
Q2. Why is fish with milk not advised?
Ans. According to Ayurveda, fish and milk are considered incompatible foods. Combining them can disturb digestion and create toxins (ama), potentially leading to skin disorders and imbalances in the doshas.
Q3. What is the best breakfast for Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Ans. Oatmeal with fruit, eggs, smoothies, and coffee or green tea are some of the best options for breakfast.
Q4. Which is the best fruit for Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Ans. Berries, including strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries, are high in antioxidants and are best for managing RA.
