Dietary Restrictions for Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Jun 10, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Aihua
Introduction
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis should avoid high-sugar foods such as candy and pastries, as well as high-fat, high-oil foods including fatty meats, animal offal, and fried foods. They should also avoid raw, cold, and cooling foods—such as ice cream and crab—and high-salt foods like pickled vegetables and salted fish. Glucocorticoids are commonly used for treatment; long-term use of these medications may lead to elevated blood glucose levels. Consuming large amounts of high-sugar foods at this time can further exacerbate hyperglycemia.
Immune system dysfunction, frequent smoking, and prolonged exposure to damp environments may all trigger rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In addition to active medical treatment after diagnosis, patients must also pay attention to maintaining a balanced diet; otherwise, the condition may worsen. So, what dietary restrictions should individuals with RA observe?
Dietary Restrictions for Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Rheumatoid arthritis patients should avoid high-sugar foods such as candies and pastries; high-fat, high-cholesterol foods including fatty meats, organ meats (e.g., liver, kidneys), and deep-fried items; cold or raw foods like ice cream and crab; and high-sodium foods such as pickled vegetables and salted fish. Corticosteroids are commonly used in RA treatment, and long-term use can elevate blood glucose levels. Consuming large amounts of high-sugar foods during corticosteroid therapy increases the risk of abnormal glucose metabolism and diabetes development. High-fat, high-oil foods should be avoided because they promote the production of ketones, acids, and pro-inflammatory mediators—potentially exacerbating or triggering disease relapse. Cold or raw foods—including ice cream, crab, and persimmons—should also be avoided, as they may aggravate symptoms. High-salt foods (e.g., pickled vegetables, salted fish, salted eggs) should likewise be minimized, since excessive sodium intake raises intracellular sodium levels and worsens disease activity. Additionally, patients should limit or avoid seafood and scaleless fish such as catfish, loach, kelp, sea cucumber, sea fish, and shrimp, as these contain high levels of purines. Once absorbed, purines metabolize into uric acid, which can crystallize within joints and intensify joint pain.
Preventive Measures for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Engage in regular physical exercise to enhance overall physical fitness. Protect yourself from cold, rain, and dampness; keep joints warm, and avoid wearing wet clothing, shoes, or socks. During summer, avoid overexposure to cold air—do not sit directly under air conditioning units or consume excessive amounts of icy beverages. In autumn and winter, the top priority is preventing invasion by wind-cold pathogens; maintain body warmth at all times. Maintain a balanced daily routine—avoid prolonged emotional extremes, whether excessive excitement or profound sadness. Learn to manage negative emotions effectively, pursue lifelong learning, work actively, cultivate an open-minded and optimistic outlook, and embrace joyful living to sustain good health.
Preventing infections and controlling existing infectious foci within the body are also critically important. We hope this information proves helpful to you.
