there has been studies more recently on diet and RA... and they still cannot make a correlation between the two. They do agree that some foods may aggravate some people and to just try to figure that out for oneself. I have tried eliminating all kinds of things over the years for RA and digestive issues, but found no connections. I havent eaten beef for 15 years and even stopped dairy for a year...but back on dairy. Well balanced diet is so crucial... esp with the meds we are on. I have been sick to the point of being so dehydrated that I had low sodium levels and was in the ER... its so hard to keep the balance once it goes wacky! That is why I feel that those cutting out so much may not get the proper nutrition needed... because our RA, SS, and fibro meds all deplete some kind of nutrient.
I saw this in the recent "send out" for the AF... so its probably on their site too. Interesting. I too was convinced food was a culprit when first diagnosed, but never thought it was a cure. I think some foods aggravate us anyway and may just make us feel crappy all over. I actually wish there was a diet that helped us... but good nutrition can never be beat. I used to love Jane Brodys Nutrition book... but need an updated one.
Good Morning Pepper: Thanks for the reminder about a well balanced diet and good nutrition. I've been a fan of Janes for years. The meds we're on affect every organ of our body and it's necessary for those organs to be in top notch condition because of the assault. Only a well balanced diet will prepare and keep them going. Everyone has cravings and if you're on Prednisone those cravings can be magnified by 100. My craving is salt and I'm really careful about how much I consume. Like you, I ended up in the hospital. Because of salt consumption and a Dr. who accidently prescribed a higher dose of one of my medications I spent 3 days confined. I didn't notice the error until I was in trouble medically. I refuse to deny myself any food but the not so good ones are in very small portions. I haven't found any food or food group that has had an effect on my RA. I just wish it were that easy.Yes, I just last week asked my RD about diet and nutrition in relation to managing RA and he said the same thing---no correlation has been found. I agree that eating healthfully is a good thing for anyone and keeping your weight down is also ideal. But, unfortunatly there are no magic beans for us.I will say what has helped me and I am no good with diets. I just try and add more and more fresh fruits and vegetables and keep trying to lowering my fat (big obstacle for me).
But I do find fresh spinach helps me. I don't feel good on beef unless it's lean.
So, I agree, the healthier the diet the better. What I would really like to try is some of those fruit concontions that you make with a blender. That would preclude me actually purchasing one first.