Rheumatoid Arthritis Dietary tips-3
The following are some practical & common-sense diet tips for those suffering from the effects of rheumatoid arthritis
1. Avoid decaffeinated coffee
Studies have shown that, women who drink at least four cups of decaffeinated coffee a day are more than twice as likely to develop Rheumatoid Arthritis. Drinking regular coffee had no relationship to the disease.
According to a recent presentation at the annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology, doctors from the University of Alabama at Birmingham revealed that women who drink at least four cups of decaffeinated coffee a day are more than twice as likely to develop Rheumatoid Arthritis.
The researchers reported that drinking more than one cup a day of decaffeinated coffee seemed to quadruple the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.
There is accumulating evidence that environmental factors play an important role in the development of rheumatoid arthritis. Making decaffeinated coffee involves the use of some potent chemical solvents. Over time, these chemical residues build in the body, taxing the immune system. Eventually, that continual assault may be what leads to a variety of autoimmune diseases, including Rheumatoid Arthritis.
2. Avoid Refined Sugar
Sugar contains only calories and has no other food value.
Excessive consumption of refined white sugar is a well-known aggravating factor with a host of medical conditions that include: heart disease, insulin and blood sugar disorders, mood disorders immune system disorders, inflammatory conditions, yeast infections, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and others.
Sugar causes free radicals that oxidize fats which form plaque deposits in our arteries, leading to disease, aging and arthritis.
This toxic substance damages molecules and creates advanced glycation end-products, or AGEs. AGEs damage collagen in skin, cartilage, and ligaments and promote a loss of elasticity. In simple terms, sugar causes wrinkles and sagging skin in addition to what it does to the internal organs and all of the other negative side effects.
Avoid white or brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, chocolate bars and other confectionery products made with refined sweeteners.
3. Avoid soft drinks
Every time you drink a (regular) soda, you are consuming 11-13 teaspoons of sugar.
If you absolutely have to have a sweetener use Stevia or Xylitol sugar substitutes. ALL others artificial sweeteners should be avoided.
4. Avoid known acid-causing foods
These include:
- Meat
- Eggs
- Sugar
- Citrus fruits
- Alcohol
- Coffee
A reduction in your body’s acid level can lead to regeneration of healthy cells and tissue. A diet that’s more alkaline can help you reverse the damage caused by acidity and arthritis.
Fruits and vegetables enable you to maintain an alkaline diet. The right combination of fresh vegetable juices, for example, can help your body break down and destroy excessive acid waste.
5. Eat alkaline foods
Alkaline foods are vital in contributing to Balance the pH levels in the body. The pH level of the body’s internal fluids affects every cell, and if out-of-balance this will be detrimental to the normal functioning of cells, tissues and organs. The western diet is typically based around meat and dairy products, sugars, alcohol, saturated fats and caffeine, all of which creates an acidic cellular environment. Such an unbalanced pH level can result in health issues like cancer, heart disease and arthritis.
Alkaline foods should comprise at the very least 75-80% of your diet.
Some well-known Alkaline foods are:
- Salads, fresh vegetables, healthy nuts and oils.
- Asparagus, Beetroot Broccoli Brussels Sprouts Cabbage Carrot.
- Cauliflower Celery, Cucumber, Garlic, Grasses (eg wheat, barley).
- Green Beans, Lettuce, Onions, Peas, Radish.
Green vegetables such as:
- Chlorophyll rich foods ( dark green vegetables).
- Barley and wheat grass products have anti inflammatory properties
- Alfalfa (tablets or tea).
The importance of a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables in the dietary treatment of RA cannot be overstated. These foods are the best sources of dietary antioxidants, including vitamin C, beta-carotene, vitamin E, selenium. Several studies have shown that the risk of RA is highest among people with the lowest levels of dietary antioxidants.
To alkalize your system it is recommended that you take a good quality Chlorella – Spirulina, and alfalfa supplement product.
Chlorella, and Spirulina, (micro-algae), wheat grass and barley grass powders and tablets provide powerful anti-inflammatory effects. They are also highly alkalizing, an important factor to remedy the systemic acidity often underlying arthritis. They are vital in a holistic program to turn around the underlying condition.
A highly recommended Chlorella product is Kyo-Chlorella produced by Kyolic Inc.
- Contains specially cultivated green algae known as one of the best sources of natural chlorophyll and edible fiber.
- Is made with a unique broken cell wall process to enhance bioavailability for better assimilation of nutrients.
- Is a power-packed whole food that provides over 19 amino acids including all 8 essential amino acids, making it a pure, potent source of protein. In addition, it contains beta-carotene and other valuable vitamins and minerals.
Alfalfa has been used for centuries by people world-wide for overall support and rejuvenation and has been known to help arthritis tremendously. Because of its deep root system, alfalfa is a rich source of the minerals calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, iron, potassium, and trace minerals that have a neutralizing effect on your blood. Specifically, it is one of the best sources for protein and is very high in chlorophyll, carotene, the vitamins A, D, E, B-6, K, and several digestive enzymes.
Since arthritis is often caused by acidosis (an acid condition of the blood), alfalfa can help reverse or prevent that condition. It also has a general detoxifying effect on the body.
A tea made from the herb alfalfa, especially from its seeds, has shown beneficial results in the treatment of arthritis. One teaspoon of alfalfa seeds may be added to one cup of water. Three to four cups of this tea should be taken daily by arthritics for at least two weeks.
A highly recommended Green product is Kyo-Green Powdered Drink Mix
Kyo-Green powdered drink mix is the best combination of nutrients from the land and sea. Immune supporting organic barley and wheat grasses grown in the pristine highlands of Japan are blended with protein-rich, readily absorbable Chlorella and kelp to support cardiovascular health. Kyo-Green gives you a gentle, long-lasting boost. Taken daily, it promotes healthy intestinal conditions and regularity by supporting beneficial bacteria. Mix Kyo-Green in water or your favorite juice to make a refreshing and tasty drink. Go for the green with Kyo-Green, America’s favorite green drink mix.
