Diet for rheumatism
definition
The term “rheumatism” hides over 100 different clinical pictures, all of which are associated with musculoskeletal problems. Most of the time, pain and restricted mobility are in the foreground.
Rheumatic diseases can affect people of all ages, both children and adolescents or the elderly. The German Rheumatism League divides the various diseases into four categories, depending on the mechanism of origin. In doing so, they can be based on inflammation (e.g. Rheumatoid arthritis), degeneration (regression) of structures in the musculoskeletal system (e.g. arthrosis) as well as a primary metabolic disease with rheumatic symptoms (e.g. gout) arise. The fourth category includes diseases that predominantly affect soft tissues in the body (e.g. Fibromyalgia) infested.
For more information, see: rheumatism
What should you consider when eating?
Whether a certain diet can influence the course of a rheumatic disease is currently discussed controversially by both patients and scientists. There is a lot of advice in many places, but it should be checked in advance for its truthfulness and evidential value.
Generally in the body, for example in inflammatory rheumatic diseases, increased inflammatory activity prove. It is assumed that foods that counteract this process lead to an improvement in the symptoms.
In the case of rheumatic complaints as part of a metabolic disease, however, the cause of the complaints is usually one Imbalance between various metabolic end products. Rather, doing without or reducing these substances would lead to an improvement.
It is therefore important to note the way in which the personal illness originated and what the reason for the symptoms are before dietary changes are made.
In any case the diet should be balanced and contain all important nutrients and trace elements. Furthermore, the regulation of the total body weight also plays a decisive role. One should refrain from one-sided rheumatism diets, as these can lead to deficiency symptoms over longer periods of time and thus to increased or even new symptoms.
Recommended foods for rheumatism
Particularly in the case of rheumatic diseases with an inflammatory mechanism of origin, a certain selection of foods can help relieve symptoms.
In particular, the Arachidonic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid (see also: Eicosanoids), as a preliminary stage of inflammatory messenger substances great importance to it. Through the Consumption of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA for short) Foods that contain the polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid eicosapetaenoic acid can displace the arachidonic acid in the body and thereby reduce symptoms. Eicosapentaenoic acid is mainly found in Fish oil, but can also consist of an ingredient of Canola, walnut or soybean oil formed by the body. They all have in common that they contain 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 achieved through various Antioxidants be prevented. This includes, for example Vitamin E.. To produce it, the body needs both vitamin C as well as selenium. Both can be ingested through food. Foods containing selenium are for example Mushrooms, rice, salmon, red cabbage or rice.
It is also useful in the context of a rheumatic disease of osteoporosis to counteract, since the bone loss is favored by various factors. Especially with enough calcium This process can be delayed in nutrition. It is important not only to use food of animal origin, as these in turn contain a lot of arachidonic acid. Milk as the only source of calcium should therefore take a back seat. Particularly suitable Sunflower seeds, almonds, sesame or kale. For more information, see: Prevent osteoporosis
At the same time, however, the intake of phosphate should also be controlled, as this counteracts the calcium in the food. Foods that contain phosphate in particular are primarily of animal origin.
But also the supply of Vitamin D and adequate exercise is vital in osteoporosis prophylaxis.
These foods should be avoided
Food that much Arachidonic acid it is particularly important to avoid rheumatic diseases caused by inflammation. After all, arachidonic acid is used in the body to produce or release inflammatory messenger substances. Arachidonic acid is found exclusively in food of animal origin. The consumption of milk, eggs, meat, sausage and cheese should therefore be reduced.
If the rheumatic disease is based on the metabolic disease “gout”, great caution should be exercised when consuming it foods containing purine required (purines are mainly necessary for cell structure). These include, for example, various Meat and sausage products, but also legumes like peas of lentils. Uric acid is formed in the body from the purines it contains, which in turn can precipitate in the form of uric acid crystals in the joints and cause symptoms there. Also the consumption of alcohol should be reduced as this causes decreased uric acid excretion by the kidneys. For more information, see: Diet for gout
Nutritional example
When creating a possible example of nutrition for rheumatic diseases, two principles must be observed. On the one hand, the meals should have sufficient nutrients, on the other hand, care should be taken to ensure a balanced mixture of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.
A point of orientation can be aimed at Eat meat about twice a week at most and for it firmly Incorporate fish into the weekly menu twice. When eating of milk and dairy products should always be the low-fat varieties to be preferred and also when using oil should rather be on vegetable oils can be used.
The consumption of Alcohol should be greatly reduced if possible or be set entirely.
An example day could be with a Bowl of low-fat milk with granola or whole wheat bread with spread or start jam. There is also a Portion of fruit recommendable.
A good option for lunch could be one vegetable casserole or Salmon with vegetables and rice be. During the day, another Portion of fruit to be built in.
Easily digestible foods should be preferred for dinner. A Hokkaido pumpkin soup or egg-free pasta with steamed vegetables come for example.
Summarizing general tips
In the long term, the optimal weight setting must also be taken into account, as being overweight has a bad effect on the joints as an additional factor. Also sufficient exercise as well as the Supply of vitamins and trace elements should be aimed at. In individual cases, however, you should always stick to what you feel best with and no deficiency symptoms occur. Strict abstinence or prohibitions should be avoided, as this often carries the risk of a simple-minded diet.
Further therapeutic measures for rheumatism
In addition to a healthy diet, every rheumatic disease should also accompany it medicinal be treated. In most cases, substances are used that are intended to improve symptoms in the short term (e.g. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and on the other hand should have a long-term positive influence on the progression of the disease (e.g. Glucocorticoids).
Physical therapy approaches such as Cold and heat applications such as physical therapy can lead to an improvement in symptoms. The joints should be moved sufficiently and the surrounding muscles should be strengthened.
Acute can also Injections in the joints briefly reduce the discomfort.
Further information on the treatment of inflammatory joint disease can be found at: Therapy rheumatoid arthritis
