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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Are there dietary recommendations for rheumatoid arthritis?

    Related Topics
    Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheumatology
    I have just been diagnosed with this condition. Are there any foods I should avoid or eat more of to help with managing the condition?
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  • 3

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    Dr Irwin Lim

    Rheumatologist

    Irwin has been a rheumatologist in Sydney since 2003. He is a co-founder and medical director of BJC Health, which consists of a team of … View Profile

    There is the concept of anti-inflammatory foods.

    This is beyond my expertise but there are dietitians and nutritionists who work with a lot of patients with autoimmune disease who can provide quality advice.


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    Chloe McLeod

    Dietitian

    Chloe graduated from Flinders’ University in 2008 and has since worked as a Dietitian in clinical, community and private practice, and as a university lecturer. … View Profile

    Dr Lim is absolutely correct, anti-inflammatory foods have been shown to provide benefit to people with inflammatory arthritis, such as Rheumatoid.

    These foods include eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, lentils, beans, fish, ‘healthy’ fats (such as olive oil, nuts, seeds, avocado), and wholegrains are beneficial. Herbs and spices such as ginger, garlic, cumin, tumeric and cinnamon may also provide anti-inflammatory effects as well.

    Minimising intake of animal products and highly processed foods can also assist with reducing inflammation.

    Some clients do find that these ‘nightshade’ foods effect them, however this is only a small subgroup of the population. If you eat them and find they effect you, then avoid them, but unnecessarily avoiding foods can really limit your nutrient intake.

    Making sure you include a fish oil supplement is also a good idea.

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    Amanda Clark

    Dietitian, Nutritionist

    Amanda Clark (Adv APD) is a senior dietitian at Great Ideas in Nutrition on the Gold Coast. She is the creator of Portion Perfection, a … View Profile

    To add to Chloe's great advice, it can be valuable to reduce excessive intake of alcohol and excessive calories in general as well as processed foods. Chloe mentions due to their saturated fat and sugar content. These create inflammation.

    Green and black tea may be of benefit in reducing inflammation.


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