Foods to Avoid with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
Updated on November 11, 2024
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Patients with rheumatoid arthritis should adhere to a light diet and avoid spicy foods, overly nourishing and greasy foods. Specifically, the following foods should be avoided: vegetables such as celery, coriander, shiitake mushrooms, leeks, and seaweed. In terms of meat, one should reduce consumption of warming foods like lamb, beef, and dog meat. Also, it is advisable to limit intake of high-protein seafood such as shrimp, crab, and sea cucumber. Regarding fish, preference should be given to freshwater fish, while the consumption of sea fish should be minimized. These are the foods that should be avoided by those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

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Written by Liu Li Ning
Rheumatology
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The difference between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis

Rheumatic arthritis is an inflammatory connective tissue disease caused by infection with Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. It is primarily characterized by migratory pain in the major joints of the limbs and may also present with fever, rash, erythema annulare, subcutaneous nodules, chorea, and carditis. Osteoarthritis mainly affects the major joints such as the hands, knees, shoulders, and lumbar spine, often without migratory symptoms. This condition is a degenerative change, primarily seen in middle-aged and elderly individuals. The treatment of this disease mainly includes calcium supplementation, keeping the joints warm, taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and medications that improve the condition, mainly glucosamine sulfate and diacerein.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Treatment of Acute Flare-ups of Rheumatoid Arthritis

During the acute phase of rheumatoid arthritis, typical treatment includes absolute bed rest and avoiding intense physical activities, followed by a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables containing vitamins. Medication-wise, sodium diclofenac or meloxicam are used, which are non-steroidal drugs that relieve joint pain. If these drugs are not effective, steroids such as methylprednisolone are administered, initially at doses of 20 mg or 40 mg, until the pain eases, then gradually reducing the steroid dosage. During steroid treatment, it's also important to prevent side effects, namely, by supplementing with calcium and incorporating drugs that protect the stomach lining. (The above medications should be used under medical supervision.)

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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What should be avoided with rheumatoid arthritis?

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis should avoid the following three categories of food: The first category includes foods that can easily trigger photosensitivity, such as celery, coriander, shiitake mushrooms, seaweed, and leeks; these should be avoided. The second category includes overly warming and tonifying foods, such as dog meat, lamb, and longan; it is best to consume these sparingly. The third category includes high-protein seafood, such as shrimp and crab; these should be consumed in limited quantities because they may exacerbate rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and potentially trigger allergic reactions.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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How to cure rheumatoid arthritis?

The treatment methods for rheumatoid arthritis mainly consist of three major categories. The first category is the use of anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs, commonly including non-steroidal analgesics such as sustained-release diclofenac sodium tablets, and small doses of corticosteroids can also be used. For rheumatoid arthritis, the most important treatment is the choice of immunosuppressants. Commonly used immunosuppressants include methotrexate and leflunomide. After using these medications, it is necessary to regularly monitor blood routine tests and liver and kidney functions to check for possible side effects of the drugs. If the effects of the above oral medications are not satisfactory, the application of biologics can also be considered. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor, do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
48sec home-news-image

Foods to Avoid with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis should adhere to a light diet and avoid spicy foods, overly nourishing and greasy foods. Specifically, the following foods should be avoided: vegetables such as celery, coriander, shiitake mushrooms, leeks, and seaweed. In terms of meat, one should reduce consumption of warming foods like lamb, beef, and dog meat. Also, it is advisable to limit intake of high-protein seafood such as shrimp, crab, and sea cucumber. Regarding fish, preference should be given to freshwater fish, while the consumption of sea fish should be minimized. These are the foods that should be avoided by those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.