How Can I Have a Rheumatoid Arthritis-Friendly Diet?
Developed in partnership with nutritionist Catherine Lin, MS, RD, and the NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases
There's no single diet that's best for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). For the most part, people with RA should follow the same guidelines for healthy eating as those without RA.
A healthy diet is important for many conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis. A healthy diet consists mostly of natural foods that span the 5 food groups. It also includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as well as moderate amounts of healthy fats, such as olive oil, nuts, and avocado. In terms of proteins, your diet should also contain lean sources of protein, such as fish, poultry, tofu, and beans. Try to eat only limited amounts of red meat, processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats.
A good way to make sure your diet is healthy is to divide your plate into 3 areas: one each for carbohydrates, protein, and vegetables. You can save fruits for snack times. This will help make sure you get the variety of nutrients your body needs.