Recommended foods for rheumatism

Especially in rheumatic diseases with an inflammatory development mechanism, a certain selection of foods can bring about a reduction in symptoms. Arachidonic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid, is particularly important as a precursor of inflammation-promoting messenger substances. By consuming foods containing eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which contain the polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid eicosapetaenoic acid, arachidonic acid can be displaced in the body, thereby reducing symptoms.

Eicosapentaenoic acid is mainly found in fish oil, but can also be formed by the body from an ingredient of rapeseed, walnut or soybean oil. Common to all of them is the presence of alpha linolenic acid, which also belongs to the group of omega-3 fatty acids. The conversion of arachidonic acid into inflammation-promoting messenger substances can be prevented by various antioxidants.

These include, for example, vitamin E. The body needs both vitamin C and selenium for its production. Both can be taken in with food. Foods containing selenium include mushrooms, rice, salmon, red cabbage and rice.

In addition, it is useful to counteract osteoporosis in the context of a rheumatic disease, since bone loss is favored by various factors. This process can be delayed especially by sufficient calcium in the diet. It is important not to rely exclusively on food of animal origin, as this in turn contains a lot of arachidonic acid. Milk as the only source of calcium should therefore be pushed into the background. Sunflower seeds, almonds, sesame or kale are particularly suitable.

These foods should be avoided

Foods that contain a lot of arachidonic acid should be avoided, especially in the case of inflammatory, rheumatic diseases. After all, arachidonic acid is used in the body to produce or release the inflammation-promoting messenger substances. Arachidonic acid is found exclusively in foods of animal origin.

The consumption of milk, eggs, meat, sausage and cheese should therefore be reduced.If, on the other hand, the rheumatic disease is based on the metabolic disease “gout“, great caution is required when consuming food containing purine (purines are necessary above all for cell growth). In addition belong for example various meat and sausage products, in addition, leguminous plants such as peas of the lenses. From the purines contained in these foods, uric acid is formed in the body, which in turn can precipitate in the form of uric acid crystals in the joints, where it can lead to complaints. The consumption of alcohol should also be reduced, as it causes reduced excretion of uric acid via the kidneys.