Inflammation is a major component in most rheumatic pain conditions or rheumatic diseases, therefore it is advisable to eat a good amount of food that reduces inflammation and reduce the consumption of food that contains inflammatory agents. Here are some simple dietary bits of advice that may help reduce rheumatic conditions:

THINGS YOU SHOULD EAT TO REDUCE RHEUMATISM

Fish, especially fat fish, fish oil, olive oil, and walnut oil should be a part of your diet. The fat in these types of food, omega-3-polyunsaturated fat or omega-9-polyunsaturated fat, reduces inflammation. However, if you add these types of oils to your diet, you should reduce the intake of other types of fat, so that you do not get too much fat.

You should also eat lots of vegetables since also these make a body chemistry that reduces inflammation.

THINGS YOU SHOULD NOT EAT TOO MUCH OF

Do not consume much soy oil and corn oil, since these types of fat increase inflammation. Most food you buy that is ready to eat from the factory and restaurants contain these types of fat. You should, therefore, reduce the consumption of food you do not cook yourself.

Bread, cereals, and products made of corn or cereals also increase the inflammation response, especially if they contain wheat. Wheat causes a special type of inflammation in the intestines called celiac disease in some individuals, but may also trigger inflammation of non-celiac type. But if you eat bread or corn products at every meal, you should reduce your intake of these and eat more sweet potatoes, beans, and peas.

THINGS YOU SHOULD IDEALLY NOT EAT AT ALL

You should absolutely not consume fat that has been chemically altered to give it another consistency. This type of fat has a very negative effect on the health and may be very potent inflammatory agents. Margarine, snacks, fast food and ready-made cakes or cookies often contain this kind of fat. Unfortunately, this type of fat is also often added to bread. A good idea could be to bake your bread yourself.

Please contact our office if you would like further evaluation on your condition.

Dr. Donna Pontoriero can be reached at 299 Franklin Ave, Nutley NJ 07110