Rheumatoid arthritis has no cure; however, with proper medication, a healthy diet, and physical activity, the pain and impact on day-to-day life can be managed. Start your day with the right foods at the breakfast table. Avoid foods like scones, waffles, and cereals and opt for healthier snacks for rheumatoid arthritis pain relief. Breakfast is the most important meal for everyone and more so for someone with a chronic condition.
Certain drug therapies (i.e.,Olumiant and NSAIDs) foods help to lower inflammation and alleviate joint pain and stiffness. Some of the foods which can be added to or combined with the breakfast menu are:
1. Berry smoothies
Blend blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries as a smoothie. Add low-fat milk or yogurt. Berries are a high source of antioxidants and filled with anti-inflammatory phytonutrients and ellagic acid. The polyphenols in strawberries are anti-inflammatory as well. Add berries to cereal and oats.
2. Coldwater fish with eggs or avocado
Cold water fish are packed with healthy fats and are shown to benefit those with rheumatoid arthritis. These benefits come from fatty-fish, including salmon, tuna, sardines, and anchovies as well as omega-3 fish oil supplements. Some food suggestions are:
- Omelets with salmon or tuna
- Tuna sandwiches
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Avocado omelet
- Toast with avocado spread
3. Almond butter or peanut butter with vegetable sticks
Almonds are high in protein and contain healthy monounsaturated fats. Add some almond butter on a plate and use as a dip with vegetables and crackers. Celery dipped in almond butter is a good antioxidant and peanut butter sandwiches and smoothies can also make for great snacks for rheumatoid arthritis pain relief.
4. Greek yogurt
Low-fat Greek yogurt reduces inflammation. Have yogurt which does not contain added sugar. Greek yogurt has more protein than other yogurts. The gut ferments this type of fiber and produces anti-inflammatory fatty acids, which are good for people with RA.
5. Fresh fruit juices
Orange juice is a good source of vitamin C, which helps to protect collagen and cartilage. This protects joints and helps to reduce joint pain.
6. Flaxseed
Flaxseeds are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation of joints. Add flax seeds to all your breakfast foods. Sprinkle powdered flaxseed to cereal, fruit bowls, and porridge to make them great snacks for rheumatoid arthritis pain relief.
7. Cherry bowl
a bowl of cherries is a good breakfast option. Cherries are very good for your joints. Research shows that those who ate cherries had a significant reduction in inflammation. Anthocyanins a compound in cherries which provides the color to the fruit is what helps in controlling inflammation. Add cherries to your cereal, yogurt or smoothies.
8. Apples
Apples contain quercetin, a flavonoid which reduces inflammation. You may add a diced apple to your oatmeal. Also, add cinnamon, another ant-inflammatory food to spice up the apples and cereal. Apple and peanut butter are great taste-wise and for the body too.
9. Garlic and onion omelet
Garlic and onions are high on the list of anti-inflammatory products and they are very good to fight infection in the body. Regular consumption of garlic has proven to reduce the onset of arthritis. Add finely sliced onions and garlic to the egg. You can fry the herbs a little to reduce the pungent smell and taste.
10. Consult with your doctor
In addition to diet and lifestyle changes, your doctor may prescribe a combination of drug therapies, such as over-the-counter NSAIDs (i.e., Advil, Motrin IB) or Olumiant (or baricitinib) to treat RA joint inflammation and pain relief. Even if you’re not currently taking prescribed drugs, it’s important to consult with your doctor regularly so he or she can track and treat the progression of your condition.