In the rheumatism diet, it is important to reduce meat consumption in general because they can lead to the accumulation of uric acid in the blood and this could increase joint pain. Therefore, we provide some useful guidelines below:
What to eat in case of rheumatism
In case of rheumatism, it is advisable to eat foods that provide a healthy diet, that is, complete, balanced and varied, but preference should be given to consuming foods rich in:
- Omega 3 like walnuts, flaxseeds and chia seeds because they have anti-inflammatory properties, and
- Antioxidant vitamins and minerals that strengthen your immune system like vitamin A and selenium such as carrots, cod liver oil and Brazil nuts.
Furthermore, it is very important to increase water consumption to around 3 liters per day and do regular physical exercise under the guidance of a physical educator or physiotherapist to prevent the progression of the disease and reduce the risk of injuries.
What not to eat in case of rheumatism
In case of rheumatism, you should not eat foods that increase uric acid in the blood. Therefore, you should avoid:
- Sauces, meat broths, chicken soup, meat extracts;
- Meat, offal, chicken and other meat from young animals such as goat, piglet and veal;
- Shellfish, anchovies, sardines and other fatty fish;
- Asparagus, beans, lentils, cauliflower, mushrooms, and
- Alcoholic beverages.
These foods should be avoided but should not be excluded from the diet as they are also important sources of vitamins such as iron, which when consumed insufficiently can cause anemia. Therefore, it is recommended to consume meat about 2 or 3 times a week and invest in the consumption of iron-rich foods of plant origin such as molasses, raisins and beetroot leaves.
Rheumatism corresponds to a set of diseases that cause pain and inflammation in the joints, muscles and bones, such as arthritis and gout, for example. Anyone suffering from this disease should prioritize the consumption of vegetables and fruits as they provide important nutrients for maintaining good health.
