foods that make you flare or un-flare
Up to Diet and Exercise
(ok, I know un-flare isn't a word. so sue me).
I think its really interesting when different food causes creaky related changes. For myself, I've noticed aspartame is really bad, and makes me flare the next day (so long, diet coke). I haven't really made any effort to cut anything else out to see if it changes anything. has anyone else noticed any particular things that help or hurt?
Kate, I have noticed if I cut out a lot of processed foods it helps. I have noticed that Chinese food does cause flare's for me, just not sure which one yet. I don't know if I can handle giving up Chinese Fried Rice.
We have cut out red meat (not completely but almost), potatoes, and have tried to cut down on dairy. It seems to help, but it's hard to say as Eric also started enbrel about the same time and so I don't know which it is. We have noticed some flare-ups after In-n-Out or Mcdonalds so we keep a food diary now. As for "un-flares", he takes turmeric capsules daily and that really does seem to help. I was skeptical, but there is a lot of research showing it can help w/ inflammation, and it does seem to work.
Jennifer
Oh no, chocolate can't be on the list I will have to protest it is one of my primary food groups!!!
I read that if you follow a gluten free diet it should help with the flare's though I can't find the same article again. I bought this book called Eat away arthritis, this author states that Arthritis is a combination of food allergies, which of course after the first two chapters the book got thrown to the back of the pile. It was too preachy that you should stop all medications and basically go back to eatting nuts and berries. I was mislead thinking it was how to eat "un-flare" foods. (thanks for the word Kate!!).
Well I guess it is on to more research for the Anti-Inflamatory diet!! That doesn't want Hundreds of dollars in membership fees for the recipes.
I was just at the doctor reading Arthritis Today (by the way, I don't get that but it looks interesting- does anyone get it?) and it had a section talking about studies showing that cutting out meat and gluten could help. I don't eat much meat, but it probably wouldn't kill me to try the gluten thing just to check it out... I mean, why not!
Kate,
I get Arthritis Today, you get it from the Arthritis Foundation for a donation of $20.00, as well as access to the AF Webstie, I believe you also get the most recent Drug Guide with the memebership. I love the magazine, I also subscribe to Arthritis Self Management which is a good mag also but Arthritis TOday has much more information
Let me know if you need more information, I am an AF volunteer and have a membership to the site and some information in my trunk from the most recent event I hosted for them.
Previously TessaD wrote:
Kate,
I get Arthritis Today, you get it from the Arthritis Foundation for a donation of $20.00, as well as access to the AF Webstie, I believe you also get the most recent Drug Guide with the memebership. I love the magazine, I also subscribe to Arthritis Self Management which is a good mag also but Arthritis TOday has much more information
Let me know if you need more information, I am an AF volunteer and have a membership to the site and some information in my trunk from the most recent event I hosted for them.
I am new on this board and am going to try and post a comment to your post kate.
I would appreciate any information you have on diet and flareups. I was diagnosed with RA about 8 months ago and in February Breast Cancer. I had to go off all my meds due to surgery and really had a rought time. I am back on Enbril, Celebrex, 10 mg. Prednesone and 60 mgs. of Oxycontin (20 3X day). I really want to get off of everything except the Enbril. Is that possible? Even with all the meds, I am still sore and stiff and have muscle spasms. I am trying alter my diet in hopes that it will help. There is so much info out there and it is somewhat confusing. I thought perhaps someone who has been there and done a lot of research could save me some time and steer me in the right direction. Thanks JodiD
Tessa thats awesome you volunteer for the AF. I use to volunteer there in HS and College, and go back there every so often to visit. I love them! They are like another family to me.
I have also found that aspartame makes me flare up too. Any dark soda will do that to me. Also alcholoic drinks for some reason esp. affects my back and I will be doubled over in pain just form my back flaring up. I'm not much of a drinker anyway but just sometimes sucks when I want one drink but know after that I will be in alot of pain form the flare it causes.
Strawberries are always my comfort food. I read a little bit ago and also heard on a national morning news program that something in strawberries is suppose to reduce swelling or something like that.
Emily
I just found out that Pineapple iis suppose to be goodfor folks withRA to prevent flaring... guess i will have to try it...
Did someone once say brocolli would cause you to flare? If this is thecase could be why Chinese food does because they cook a lot with the brocoli and brocolli leaves....
THere is a book that tells you what to eat for RA i will have to dig it out but according to this book RA is a bunch of allergies.... and i do not agree with the author, it never states if she is an RA suffer or not.
Previously Jodi Howard wrote:
Previously TessaD wrote:
Kate,
I get Arthritis Today, you get it from the Arthritis Foundation for a donation of $20.00, as well as access to the AF Webstie, I believe you also get the most recent Drug Guide with the memebership. I love the magazine, I also subscribe to Arthritis Self Management which is a good mag also but Arthritis TOday has much more information
Let me know if you need more information, I am an AF volunteer and have a membership to the site and some information in my trunk from the most recent event I hosted for them.
I am new on this board and am going to try and post a comment to your post kate.
I would appreciate any information you have on diet and flareups. I was diagnosed with RA about 8 months ago and in February Breast Cancer. I had to go off all my meds due to surgery and really had a rought time. I am back on Enbril, Celebrex, 10 mg. Prednesone and 60 mgs. of Oxycontin (20 3X day). I really want to get off of everything except the Enbril. Is that possible? Even with all the meds, I am still sore and stiff and have muscle spasms. I am trying alter my diet in hopes that it will help. There is so much info out there and it is somewhat confusing. I thought perhaps someone who has been there and done a lot of research could save me some time and steer me in the right direction. Thanks JodiD
Jodi, I wish I could say Yes that someday that is possible. After having this disease for 34 years, it is highly unlikely. You can possibly get down to two or three; such as Enbrel, MTX and possibly Celebrex. You need to remember to accomodate the different sypmtoms of this diseaseyou need to treat them with different medications. Enbrel is a Biological, MTX is disease modifying and Celebrex is a type of NSAID (anti inflammatory). It is possible to be on one script and the rest over the counter but remember there is NO CURE for this only ways to slow down the progression.
Sorry for being Debbie Downer about it... We all come here for just these reasons there is no cure and how to cope and manage these Disease. Welcome to the board and we will do our best to help support you and offer any help you require.
Good luck on fighting the Breast cancer my prayers and thoughts are with you....
Tess
Tess,
You talked about chinese food causing possible flare ups for you. My doctor was very clear that I stay away from MSG. I try to do that anyway, but that may be why it is a problem. I am always clear to ask for no MSG when I order chinese food, whether they do that or not I am not sure, but it makes me feel better to ask!
Jen S.
Previously TessaD wrote:
Kate, I have noticed if I cut out a lot of processed foods it helps. I have noticed that Chinese food does cause flare's for me, just not sure which one yet. I don't know if I can handle giving up Chinese Fried Rice.
Hi Kate
I also have a bad flare after a chinese food dinner, I believe its the MSG in the food,
most restrants will make it without if you ask nice.
I did try a diet called Eat Right For Your Boood Type,stayed on it for three months and
never felt so good ,but it was strict and with an Italian house hold I found it hard to stay on.
When I was on this diet I had no pain,it eliminated practicly all red meat ( which also seems
to trigger a flare in me ) along with many other foods believed to cause inflamation.
I think this is really worth a try for anyone whose meds aren't working for them.
Good Luck
Tessa,
It's probably the bromelain in the pineapple that helps. It is a natural anti-inflamatory. I've used it for non RA knee injuries and it is very impressive. You can take the recommended amount on the packaging, or, if you are really suffering, there are some web sites that recommend dosing geared to weight.
And Emmie, I don't have RA and I have the same problem with the wine. Just a sip or two at a wedding and the next day it feels like someone rammed a log into my upper back just below the base of the neck. Never heard of anyone else having the pain like this from the wine. It is soooo not worth it.
Texasgirl
Previously wrote:
I was just at the doctor reading Arthritis Today (by the way, I don't get that but it looks interesting- does anyone get it?) and it had a section talking about studies showing that cutting out meat and gluten could help. I don't eat much meat, but it probably wouldn't kill me to try the gluten thing just to check it out... I mean, why not!
My son was recently diagnosed with CD. When he went gluten free, his muscles became much stronger and he felt a lot better. I invested in a book that id's food that can be consumed. There are some name brands that a lot of people buy frequently. You can get some information free from a couple of sites or local CD support group members. Otherwise, yes...you can shell out an arm and a leg. I think the CD groups have been pushing for more strict labels. (You really can't be sure unless Gluten Free is written on the product.)
Eating gluten free can cost more. (GF bread etc.) You can eat a big variety of food. It will just cost a bit more and some items will not taste as good as you are used to. If you go GF, tell your Dr.. Suplements are usually recommended when skipping the basic grains.
Physician's in my state do not recommend a strict gluten free diet unless you have been diagnosed. It is usually dxd through blood and biopsy tests. However, there is a new test out that uses bm for testing and it was advised it could be more reliable than the blood test. It's been advised it's cheaper too.
I noticed when I eat low fat meat regulary, I feel better. I think it stays with me longer than when I just eat carbs and vegies. I need all the endurance food I can get. I'm so glad you guys are talking about this stuff. I need to get back on it regulary. I'm used to needing a quick burn fuel and need to change my pattern.
Tinwoman,
There is a book Eating Arthritis Away, this book and it's author believes that Rheumatoid Artiritis and several AutoImmune diseases are allergies to our environment and FOODs. I do not agree with this in a whole, but it does get into where eating Gluten Free and nuts and berries is so much better for the body blah blah blah.
I have a co-worker whom swears by the Eczema diet he has a severe case of eczema and also has RA and he had gone off all his meds after sticking to this diet for over a year. Though as the statistics state men usually do not have RA as severe as women. Thiis gent also only has/had a mild case of the RA itself. Another of our coworkers also male has tried it and it doesnt' work for him at all, same for another female friend we have it hasn't helped her at all.
I believe it is based on the individual.
Good luck..
Tess
Hey All,
My parents noticed when I was young that after every Halloween I would have a severe flare. Since then I try to avoid sugary foods/candy.
I've heard ginger is a great anti-inflammatory!
hi all,
this is of great interest to me. i met with a nutritionist and my acupuncturist. They both felt that avoiding nightshades(tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, potatoes) is critical. I also have given up milk and milk products. I am not 100% all of the time, as I don't scour labels, but I avoid all of these foods. I also have minimized my caffeine and try to limit sugar(again, not super on this, but I try). I have felt generally much better on this diet, though it is hard. I lost 20 lbs that my body had held onto after having my baby almost 4 years ago. I also try to limit alcohol, just 1 or 2 drinks a week.
would love to hear more on this.
rebecca
Hi everyone,
My mom's doctor had been urging her and I to try a gluten free diet to treat my arthritis, and her thyroid condition. So we agreed to do it together which made it a lot easier because we were able to share tips with each other. She has only recently begun to develop arthritis later in life, where as I have had it since I was 7.
We both noticed after about two weeks that our swelling and morning stiffness was drastically reduced!!! It has only been helping more and more, and its a lot easier to do than you might think. Living in a larger city does give me a greater access to gluten free foods so I'm lucky for that. I'd be glad to give more tips that I've learned thus far!
I had been what I call a "bad vegetarian" for the last five years in order to relieve my arthritis...a girl needs a real burger every now and then! But I find the gluten free diet to be a much greater help!! So I am adding a little more meat to my diet...and it was the cupcake I ate that is hurting me now!
The "Gluten Free Pantry" products sold by King Arthur Flour company are wonderful, and I can't tell the difference in their brownie mixes! Amazing!
Wow, you're the second person in the last week who has mentioned cutting out gluten to me. I feel like I should try it, but I don't want to 
. I don't even eat bread much, but I love different kinds of grains and have recently gotten into bulgar and wheat-berries, and actually have had wheat-berries like 3 times this week already. Hmmm. Maybe I'll eat everything, and then try it? I almost can't stand to add another thing to the list of things I can't have, but if it helps...
I had to give up MSG and artificial sweeteners for migraines a long time ago... And I absolutely notice when I have been "contaminated" with either of those ingredients, my whole body just seems to shut down...
For me, I have had to cut down on the processed foods, and try to stay as natural, with as few ingredients, as possible. My husband and I stopped the prepared, convenience foods. Not sure if it helps with feeling less creaky, but certainly has helped with the "fibro-fog" that comes with FMS.
I have also noticed that when I drink more water, I feel a whole lot better.
Tried the gluten-free thing for about a week, but gave up for many reasons. None of them are good reasons... But, wah wah wah...
Previously wrote:
(ok, I know un-flare isn't a word. so sue me).
I think its really interesting when different food causes creaky related changes. For myself, I've noticed aspartame is really bad, and makes me flare the next day (so long, diet coke). I haven't really made any effort to cut anything else out to see if it changes anything. has anyone else noticed any particular things that help or hurt?
(first things first, luv your picture!) Ok now alot of the ideas I'm reading are in the right direction,but,there is one common denominator.It is the oils in the things you are eating. I know it probably sounds crazy. But anyone I tell who actually listens to me can't believe the difference, unless they backslide that is! I have RA and I get a medicine called Remicade. They sent me a binder that had all kinds of helpful hints & things inside. One bit of info was a book called Strong Men & Women Beat Arthritis. In this book it tells about oils that actually make your joints flare-up,and oils that act as anti-inflamitory agents. The oils that are to be avoided are, corn,cottonseed,palm,and palm kerel oils. Basically vegetable oil. I only use olive oil or canola oil when cooking, and when i buy anything prepackaged I make sure there are none of the bad oils.Soybean is ok,flaxseed is ok, sunflower, if you like reading check out the book it has a whole list of good and bad oils.I can tell you from experience this is true because I have had minimal symptoms everysince I changed this one thing . I used to litterally have to use a walker to get to the bathroom in the middle of the night, now people say they barely even notice my old symptoms! I am so glad to finally be able to share this info with someone it can do some good for ,I sincerely hope it helps you as well as it did me!!!! Thanks Seth for making this possible!!!! your awsume!
Previously Jennifer Schaefer wrote:
Tess,
You talked about chinese food causing possible flare ups for you. My doctor was very clear that I stay away from MSG. I try to do that anyway, but that may be why it is a problem. I am always clear to ask for no MSG when I order chinese food, whether they do that or not I am not sure, but it makes me feel better to ask!
Jen S.
Jen and Tess, your probably right about the msg, but the real culprit is the vegetable oil they are frying it in. Vegetable oil actually makes your joints swell ,where if they were using canola oil you would be symptom free. If I go somewhere besides my favorite chinese place,(where they use canola oil ) by the I get up from the table I'm in excrutiating pain!!! Hope this helps !
Roseyg
Previously Britt wrote:
Hi everyone,
My mom's doctor had been urging her and I to try a gluten free diet to treat my arthritis, and her thyroid condition. So we agreed to do it together which made it a lot easier because we were able to share tips with each other. She has only recently begun to develop arthritis later in life, where as I have had it since I was 7.
We both noticed after about two weeks that our swelling and morning stiffness was drastically reduced!!! It has only been helping more and more, and its a lot easier to do than you might think. Living in a larger city does give me a greater access to gluten free foods so I'm lucky for that. I'd be glad to give more tips that I've learned thus far!
I had been what I call a "bad vegetarian" for the last five years in order to relieve my arthritis...a girl needs a real burger every now and then! But I find the gluten free diet to be a much greater help!! So I am adding a little more meat to my diet...and it was the cupcake I ate that is hurting me now!
The "Gluten Free Pantry" products sold by King Arthur Flour company are wonderful, and I can't tell the difference in their brownie mixes! Amazing!
Hi Britt,I am new to the site & I;m going thru everything,this gluten-free diet is new to me. I am very interested in this,but I would like to add that maybe you could check the ingredient label for the cupcake mix and try to get one that does not contain cttonseed or palm oil. They tend to cause me excruciating pain! Also when you make them use canola oil instead of vegetable oil because vegetable oil actually makes your joints swell. The same goes for the icing, they are usually all made with vegetable shortening. There is a neat book that could explain more indeptly if you were interested called ; Strong men and women beat Arthritis. Thanks for the info and I hope this helps you! Roseyg
Previously john smith wrote:
Tessa,
It's probably the bromelain in the pineapple that helps. It is a natural anti-inflamatory. I've used it for non RA knee injuries and it is very impressive. You can take the recommended amount on the packaging, or, if you are really suffering, there are some web sites that recommend dosing geared to weight.
And Emmie, I don't have RA and I have the same problem with the wine. Just a sip or two at a wedding and the next day it feels like someone rammed a log into my upper back just below the base of the neck. Never heard of anyone else having the pain like this from the wine. It is soooo not worth it.
Texasgirl
I do have RA and I read somewhere that your body turns alcohol into uric acid which crystalizes in your joints making simple walking or activity feel like walking on glass. That's why a person with Gout is usually told by their doctor to never drink it.(As well as people with joint problems. Roseyg
Thanks Roseyg! I have gotten good at reading labels, so I'll add that to the list of red flags....I already use canola oil so that's a good start! Good thing for me, I don't even like frosting (unless it's cream cheese!)....so that makes it a little easier! I'll check out that book....sounds intriguing.
I'm surprised how much you guys are talking about the oils....I'll have to look into this.
Thanks!
I think that the thing with the alcohol and uric acid is actually specific to gout, not to all joint problems (that is basically what gout is, crystals of uric acid on your joints and tendons). so, thats why a person with gout specifically shouldn't drink- it can make that particular problem worse. even though there might be other reasons people with RA and OR shouldn't drink, like medication side effects, its not for that exact same reason.
Hi all,
I was just about to start a new post on food and flares when I noticed this post so here are my thoughts and comments.
When I was first diagnosed with RA in 2005 I went overboard and spent lots of money on every seed you can imagine - flax, pumpkin, sunflower etc, as well as cider vinegar, oily fish and tonnes of other things. I cut out potatoes, tomatoes, citrus fruit, red meat and some other things. I found the whole thing to be such a chore, I didn't know what to eat and what to avoid.
After around 4 months I ditched all my ideas except for the seeds which I ditched after around 2 years. For the last two and a half years I have eaten exactly what I want, when I want and as much as I want. I am much more relaxed about food and never give it a second thought except for look forward to it as I have always loved my food, especially hot curries. I eat red meat, fruit and potatos every day.
I don't know what the true answer is but certainly a relaxed attitude helps. I'm fortunate enough to not work as I used to have quite a high pressure job at times but stopped when I was ready to give birth to my son 8 years ago. I developed RA around two and a half years later.
I had the most horrendous three years following my diagnosis and then I was put on Enbrel, which I inject once a week. Enbrel once weekly and one Plaquenil tablet daily is my routine.
Wishing you all well.
Dozey.
Document Actions
-
|
|
- Send this
- Print this
