Confusing messages about diet

MsEm

Hello!
I'm just wondering if anyone on this forum has the same problems as me in deciphering what are the best foods to eat and those to avoid if suffering from rheumatoid arthritis?
I've read that citrus fruits are good to have and I've also read that lemons and oranges can exacerbate inflammation of the joints. I've also read that soya is good to eat, and on another site that it's bad! Similarly there doesn't seem to be consensus on certain (nightshade) vegetables like peppers, potatoes and aubergines. The only general consensus is that oily fish is good for you.
Does anyone know of any definitive list of what's good to eat and what's not? Or does such a list exist? :?
Many thanks for any suggestions!
X

stickywicket

This page, from Arthritis Research UK, might help.
http://tinyurl.com/pogcxpc

Jen

Hi Ms Em

You might find some good information at the NRAS site (National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society) They have a helpline to phone or email if you wish to.

I just did a search on their website and found two reference pages about diet which may help you. Their site looks very comprehensive for people with RA.

Page links about diet:-

http://www.nras.org.uk/diet-rheumatoid-arthritis

http://www.nras.org.uk/what-diet-to-recommend-to-patients-with-rheumatoid-arthritis-

NRAS home page: http://www.nras.org.uk/

Best wishes to you Jen x :deckchair:

MsEm

Thanks very much for this! X

Jen

Just noticed this on BT page, thought I would add:

Boost your bones: 14 foods that are good for arthritis

http://home.bt.com/lifestyle/wellbeing/boost-your-bones-14-foods-that-are-good-for-arthritis-11364061416296

bitsinabag

MsEm wrote:

Hello!
X

/Does anyone know of any definitive list of what's good to eat and what's not? Or does such a list exist? :?
Hi MsEm
I found the same problem and with the help of my hubby, listed all that I ate and drank each week on one A4 and beneath each day 1-9 how I felt.
After just a few days I had some suspects which I bored down into.
From that info I discovered that if I avoid wheat and gluten my RA symptoms disappear, and I mean disappear (9 years).
Identifying your triggers , given they exist, is just a matter of recording and reviewing.
A sheet printed from Excel, with 7 days accross the top and lines for foods etc beneath, the last line being `wellbeing` 1-9 was all it took. As we are all different I believe this is the best way to identify what is good or not for you. It is very easy to do and has worked for a number of us.
If you need any further info do please ask.
All the best
bitsinabag

daffy2

As you say the information on the merits or otherwise of various foods is copious and confusing - frankly I think it's a bit like the bible, you can find 'evidence' to support whatever view you happen to want. A great deal of what's out there is factually dubious, due to poor understanding of the science of nutrition/digestion/human physiology etc. Commercial interests skew some information, either to try and overcome possible public perception(eg dairy foods, meat) or because they are marketing firms for a particular product/food item.
The best thing is to do a food diary - see bitsinabag's post below - and see if there are any patterns. You'll need to do it for quite a while and also note any other factors that might be relevant, such as infections, medication issues etc.