Glossary On Living with RA

Living with rheumatoid arthritis may not be very easy but certain changes in diet and lifestyle can surely go a long way in simplifying the lives of patients. Based on our experience of treating a large number of cases of rheumatoid arthritis with good results in most cases, we have seen that the following self-help tips are immensely useful to patients suffering from RA:

• Exercise regularly in moderation - this strengthens muscles, reduces the load on joints, prevents stiffness and increases the range of movements
• Swimming is a good exercise for conditioning the joints and strengthening muscles
• A warm shower or bath after prolonged period of sitting or sleeping helps reduce stiffness
• At work place, take frequent short breaks to avoid stiffness; you may simply get up take a walk around the office and come back to work
• Shed the excess weight, if any
• Give adequate rest to affected joints during a flare-up
• Take up stress management techniques like meditation, yoga, etc. to curb the stress
• Get enough calcium and vitamin D to prevent osteoporosis (include eggs, cereals, milk, whole-grain products, fortified breads in food)
• Omega-3 fatty acids found in walnuts, flax seeds, soybean kernels (also found in salmon, tuna fish and sardines) have been found to control inflammation well
• Antioxidants (found in fruits, veggies, nuts and tea) also help in controlling inflammation besides many more health benefits
• Red meat, high carbohydrate foods and fatty items are best avoided
• You may not be able to perform all your daily activities as well as before so don't be disappointed. Get someone to help you with those which need too much effort from you.
• Above all, listen to your body. Rest when you feel tired but don't rest for prolonged periods to avoid stiffness that stems up later.

Homeopathy treatment along with these diet and lifestyle changes can certainly go a long way in treating Rheumatoid Arthritis and controlling the symptoms as far as possible.