I have been looking forward to sharing this post with you. Today we are sharing five healthiest things you can start doing today! The best part is these nutritional tips are based on science, so we have hypothesis vs actual results I have found over the years.
I have been conducting my own case study and research on top nutritional tips for RA patients. I have been working on some of this information for years because I wanted to really test some things out.
One of my favorite parts of being a chemist is getting to dig into the science behind things! Since I also have rheumatoid arthritis, I love getting to test things out to see how they help with my health. These tips are great for ANYONE to start doing. Even if you don’t have an autoimmune disease, these are simple things for all to enjoy.
If you are a beginner into the health world, be sure to check out our starter series on: How Do I Start Eating Healthier?
The Healthiest Things You Can Start Doing Today
I read articles everyday talking about natural remedies for inflammation, diseases and general health. Most of these articles discuss the scientific facts of how certain nutrition can help health issues. I have been trying many of these ideas for nearly 20 years now. There have been stages in my life where I would try just about anything that mentioned it helped with pain or swelling.
As a scientist, I wanted to bring you the best researched and experimented information. If you have Rheumatoid Arthritis, an Auto-immune disease, or are just interested in things good for your body, then this is definitely for you!
Enjoy these quick health tips of the day:
1. Green Tea
You’ve probably heard for years now how good green tea is for you! Benefits of green tea are endless, but for the purpose of this we will stick to how it works with inflammation.
I personally love green tea and have been actively drinking it for about 12 years. There is some neat science going on in a tea leaf, be sure to read the scientific tips of tea here.
Hypothesis: Green Tea relieves inflammation.
Results: Green Tea has never noticeably reduced inflammation or pain for me, but it does promote energy. I feel good when I drink it. I will have an iced green tea (20 oz) in the afternoon and it keeps my energy higher to finish up the day. I have even gone through spurts where I will drink 4-6 glasses a day especially when I was trying ANYTHING that could possibly reduce pain and inflammation. This intense method did not make a difference, so now I try to drink it daily in the afternoon to feel energized. You can see me on instagram drinking my collagen drink which I love making with green tea.
Conclusion: Adding green tea to your diet is really a simple health tip to start today. If anything, it is great for energy!
2. Turmeric
I have literally tried every single spice and herb that has made headlines for “relieving arthritic pain.” I started doing this about 15 years ago out of desperation, but it wasn’t until about a few years ago that I tried Turmeric.
Hypothesis: Turmeric reduces inflammation and pain.
Results: It does not reduce pain, but after adding it to just about everything I cooked for almost a year, I do see lower inflammation levels. Notably, the swelling in my fingers is less than normal. It is not a miracle, but it does make a difference. You can try it in a drink like this one! Side note: Turmeric had a terrible taste in my opinion when I first began using it, it is an acquired taste! I enjoy it more now and don’t find it quit as pungent.
Conclusion: If you suffer from inflammation, you can add turmeric spices to things and see how it helps inflammation overall. Add it to smoothies or even try taking it in supplement form.
3. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is all the rage these days. I have even heard rumors that it aids in weight loss. It is good for the immune system overall, which is good for auto immune diseases, but I was curious if it did anything for weight loss. I have been using it topically for years, and also love baking with it as a great dairy-free option!
Many of the medicines used to treat RA or other immune diseases, cause puffiness and weight gain. I have gone through this off and on for 20 years, so a few years ago I tested out coconut oil to see if it helped with any of this.
Hypothesis: Coconut oil aides in weight loss.
Results: Since using this regularly, I have noticed less water retention, and my stomach is tighter too. It doesn’t miraculously make you loose weight, but it does help aide in it, especially water weight! Plus, healthy fats are good for auto immune diseases, so it is good for you no matter what.
There are rumors out there at eating coconut oil isn’t good for your heart. My response to this is remember to eat all fats in moderation and TALK WITH YOUR DOCTOR!
4. NO DAIRY!
I did research years ago on what can trigger an auto immune disease to show up for the first time or cause it to flare. Many scientific articles I read said dairy was a big factor in triggering a flare. There are specific proteins found in dairy that you can form an antibody too if you have a milk intolerance. The problem is these antibodies can also attack other areas of your body, which can trigger a flare.
Giving up dairy was tough because I love yogurt, cheese, and milk! But, I was having so many issues I decided to give it up completely.
Hypothesis: Cutting out dairy can help Rheumatic symptoms.
Results: I noticed a world of difference in my number of flares and in my digestive system too. Flares were less intense, and less in number each month. It also really helped with my stomach issues too. Get the full details on eliminating dairy here.
Notes: I started adding back in some diary about a year ago (greek yogurt mainly). As long as I keep it to just yogurt a few times a month, It doesn’t effect me too much. I continue to use almond milk for everything and try to use coconut yogurt when I can.
5. Limit processed foods.
Obviously, this is a big thing for everyone’s health in general, but this is even more true when you suffer from a disease. I got serious about cutting out processed foods many years ago.
Hypothesis: Limiting processed foods helps RA.
Results: It helped in many ways. I just felt better overall which in turned helped Rheumatic Pain. I still treat myself to some of my favorite things, but I limit it as much as I can. If I go on vacation, I still enjoy all of my favorite thing in moderation.
Living a healthy lifestyle has definitely been a learning experience, but the results make it worth it. For those of struggling with certain diseases, it makes it even more important. Remember, always talk with your doctor about diet changes!
These are nutrition tips that work!
I get asked so many times about nutrition tips that will actually help. Even those these are only five things, they are things that have made noticeable changes over the years. The best part, these are all backed by science, but they also give results. When it comes to healthy diet changes, starting slow is always best! Try one of these out to see what you think.
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These are great tips and the reviews are even better! I’m gonna have to start drinking green tea instead of coffee!
http://www.artadorned.com
Thank you! I love green tea in the afternoon for a refreshing pick me up…but I still have to have my coffee every morning 🙂
Everyone of these should be in people’s diets! Green tea, I drink it everyday and tumeric I started too adding it to more foods and even made tumeric tea for those times my joints begin to ache. It has many healthy properties to it. There is another blogger who struggles with RA . I’m going to pass this article onto her. Great research, experimenting and again, this way of eating could benefit many. You are such an encourager!
Thanks Michelle! These are definitely tips for anyone to follow, they just make your overall lifestyle better! Thanks so much for your support, have a great day!
I find this article interesting. I too would like to be pain free. I don’t drink coffee and seldom use dairy products until recently. I now crave puddings and bacon. I used black tea most of my life. I have auto immune disease Celiac a d been on the diet for over 20 years. I have a lot off digestive issues due to all the surgery.
Have pain free day.
Thank you! I have been researching many nutritional facts for almost 20 years since I have had RA. I find these health life style changes can really help you feel better overall. I went through a rough time in my early twenties with crippling pain, so I started getting serious about diet & nutrition after that. I hope you have a great day!
Nooo! Not dairy!!
I love dairy, and I think I have RA. I guess I’ll have to consider getting rid of it, or having less anyway.
Thanks for your research.
Here from Leisure Link.
I love dairy too! I still have yogurt from time to time, I just limit it to a few times a month now. I substitute coconut yogurt for many recipes and I like it as well. I think just limiting it will help 🙂 Have a wonderful day!
Awesome tips!
If only people knew how much they can improve their well-being with simple things.
Thanks for sharing it.
#TheLeisureLink
That is so true Debbie! Thank you! Have a wonderful day!
Great tips for overall healthy living. I drink black tea in the morning during the work week (in lieu of coffee). I would have a hard time parting with dairy. My RA dr touts leafy greens (“a salad everyday”). It’s a constant balance of everything for me and listening to my body as to what works and what it needs.
I miss dairy too…I still have to have greek yogurt occasionally, especially for frozen yogurt 🙂 Salads are wonderful too. I have a salad a few times a day. I just love veggies in all forms 🙂 I agree, finding balance and listening to your body is really the most important thing!
A very interesting post. We avoid most dairy, except cream. Thinking there would not be much protein in cream 🙂 Any way I am wondering if Goats milk yogurt is less inflammatory? I make my own and we love it. http://60-thenew40.com/goats-milk-yogurt-2/ I know when my daughter was young she could not have dairy but she could have goats milk.
Thanks for food for thought that you bring to Fridays Blog Booster Party #16
Kathleen
Goats milk is a great alternative to dairy! It doesn’t contain those biological proteins, so it is easier on the inflammatory system. I can’t wait to read your post on making your own. Hopping over there now! Thanks for sharing that with me Kathleen, have a wonderful Sunday!
I love learning something new in an area that I’ve tried a lot of things. I did not know that a lot of dairy can cause a flare up of symptoms! I can testify to that now that I look back on my last one. I was eating a lot of yogurt! Thanks for this great post.
Thank you! It really makes a huge difference limiting dairy. Now I try to keep it to just a few times a month for yogurt! Have a wonderful day!
Fantastic tips Alexis! So much research available supporting all of these. I’m so glad to see turmeric getting more an more popular it so helpful, especially for arthritis sufferers. #HealthyLiving
Thank you Jessie! I agree, tumeric seems like it has been getting more and more attention lately..even though it has been used for centuries to help inflammation. You’re right it is really helpful! Have a wonderful day!
I don’t have any of these issues, but it’s great to know what works as I know others who suffer from this issue! Thank you!
Thanks Tianna, I hope you can share with someone who may benefit! I love helping people out when I can. Have a wonderful night!
Interesting information. Thanks for sharing on the Healthy Living Link Party.
Thanks Elaine!
This is a fabulous post, my friend, and so informative. I greatly appreciate the information you have shared with us. So glad you shared this with Roses of Inspiration. Hugs!
Thanks so much Stephanie! I hope you have a wonderful day!!
I love this, thanks for sharing it! I love tumeric and coconut oil and definitely need to try to incorporate more green tea into my diet. Cutting out dairy is going to be difficult but it seems like there are a lot of great alternatives. Pinning!
Thanks for sharing at the #HealthyLivingLinkParty
Thanks Jody! Cutting out dairy is definitely hard, but I love using almond milk as a replacement…I love it even more than regular now 🙂 Have a wonderful day!
Great and sensible ways to be more healthy. Thanks for linking up to the Blogger Brags link party. I’ve pinned your post to the Blogger Brags Pinterest board.
Thanks Sarah, have a wonderful week!
What a great list! Thanks for sharing on the Healthy Living Link Party!
Thanks Karen!
I started drinking green tea a few years ago and love it – Thanks for linking up to Pin Worthy Wednesday, I have pinned your post to the Pin Worthy Wednesday Pinterest Board.
Thank you! Have a wonderful day!
Alexis, this is such a great post chock full of information. My mom acquired lupus which resulted in RA and other auto-immune symptoms. When she was in her 40’s and 50’s the information about these foods would have helped her I think. She is 75 and nearing the end of her life, sadly. Thank you for sharing this on #TheLeisureLink!
I am so sorry your mom had to suffer with that! It is amazing how many years ago, there was not much known on nutritional benefits of certain foods. I am so grateful we have so much more research available to us now. Thank you Terri!
I drink 4 cups of green tea a day and it really helps me maintain my weight.
That’s great Ben! Green tea is a great source for many things.
I just received your newsletter and had to jump over to read this. I do use turmeric even before my diagnosis. You are right, acquired taste for sure. Now I use it in my teas. Dairy – I don’t drink cow’s milk, but I do eat Greek yogurt and cheese in moderation. Question: tell me the difference between flare ups verses just everyday soreness? I mean, I have soreness daily, so I want to understand the difference. A book to recommend for you to read per your request: Pretend to Dance by Diane Chamberlain, I just did a review on it on the blog.
Soreness everyday is normal. I have pain and stiffness daily, especially in the mornings. A flare is when your problem joints get really swollen & medication isn’t making dent in anything. A flare is also where you just feel terrible. One of my biggest symptoms of a flare is extreme fatigue. I will barely have energy to even get up or cook dinner. Almost like you have the flu or something.
I have known people with RA who only have a flare in the beginning before they begin medications, but never have one again. I have them a few times a year, depending on stress levels. If I am having a rough year or under a bunch of stress, I will have more flare ups. You will definitely know when you have one though. I pray you don’t have one, some people never do. Especially if your RA is just in your hands or smaller joints. Feel free to ask anymore questions, I am always here 🙂 Awesome, I will check out that book and your review! Have a great day!
Lupus runs in my family. My Mom past away at age 59 from complications of Shjogrens desease.
Her grandmother and mother all past very early in life and we suspect it was from autoimmune diseases. My daughter is very ill with Lupus, RA, fibro malagia. She had a stroke at 47 yrs old. Her son has been ill since a teen and we found out when he was eighteen( he had a seisure) that he had Lupus. He was hospitalized this week. He had a severe Lupus rash on face, chest and shoulders, went outside in sun and it blistered into 2nd degree burns. He ran a high temp, became dehydrated and had acute renal failure. He is a mess. Now at 28 he will be quitting smoking, eating gluten free and on almond milk. Praying he keeps to it. I am having a flare up, gee wonder why!!! Taking care of yourself and living well is very important. I hope this post make folks understand how bad this disease can get.
Auto-immune diseases are definitely rough stuff. Thanks for sharing your story with us! Praying for your daughter’s son, that he can do well living a healthier lifestyle. And for you too 🙂 Have a great day!