Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease diagnosed in approximately 1.3 million people in the country. It is a type of arthritis where the immune system attacks the tissue and lining of the joints. Its symptoms include inflammation and pain in the fingers, hands, wrists, and ankles. The condition may also affect the eyes, skin, mouth, heart, and lungs. Here are some treatment options, meal plans, and lifestyle changes for managing RA:

Treatment methods for rheumatoid arthritis
The treatment plans for rheumatoid arthritis aim to stop or reduce inflammation to the lowest possible level, prevent joint and organ damage, relieve symptoms, reduce long-term complications, and improve overall well-being. To meet these goals, doctors follow several prescription options:

• Actemra®
  Actemra® is an immunosuppressive treatment option used to treat RA and a severe type of arthritis in children known as Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. It is used for moderate to severe RA as it slows down the progress of the disease and can improve and enhance physical function in patients.
• Plaquenil
  Plaquenil is classified as a DMARD. It is taken orally for RA and other health conditions. While the way it helps cure RA is not fully understood, Plaquenil effectively prevents damage to the joints and reduces the risk of long-term disability.
• Rinvoq®
  It is a JAK inhibitor that helps block certain inflammation-causing signals in your body. It is typically recommended once a day. Rinvoq® is administered to treat moderate or severe RA in adults and can also help manage associated symptoms of the condition, such as fatigue. It also aids in decreasing one’s joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.
• Trexall
  is usually used to treat severe RA that is not responding to other treatment options. It helps preserve joint function and reduce further damage to joints. It is usually recommended once a week for oral intake. But, the doctor decides the exact dosage, frequency, and way to take it.

Foods to have and avoid for managing rheumatoid arthritis
Research indicates that Mediterranean foods such as fish, olive oil, greens, and other vegetables help lower inflammation. Accordingly, it is advisable to include plenty of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy and lean proteins, a small amount of saturated and trans fats, and a small amount of sugar in any RA meal plan.

The other foods to be included are:

• Fish
  You should include fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, etc., that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help control inflammation and joint pain. Oily fish like salmon is also rich in vitamin D, which is good for bone health.
• Fruits and vegetables
  Broccoli, kale, spinach, Brussels sprouts, and bok choy are rich in antioxidants that help stabilize the molecules known as free radicals, which can otherwise trigger inflammation and damage cells. Among fruits, berries, avocados and citrus fruits are good for arthritis as they are anti-inflammatory.
• Olive oil
  Olive oil must also be included in your meal plan to manage RA as it contains a compound called oleocanthal, which helps reduce inflammation and pain.
• Nuts
  Nuts, such as walnuts, are also good for people with RA as they are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids and reduce joint inflammation.

Some foods that must be avoided are:

• Corn oil
  Corn oil consists of omega-6 fatty acids. Its excessive consumption may lead to joint inflammation and worsen other symptoms of RA.
• Red meat and dairy
  These are the primary sources of saturated fats that may lead to inflammation in fat tissues and cause joint pain.
• Fried foods and processed foods
  These are the main sources of trans fats, which increase the bad cholesterol level in the body. A constant intake of fried and processed foods can lead to excess body fat and aggravate the RA symptoms.

Lifestyle tips for people with rheumatoid arthritis
While there is no substitute for prescription options for RA, following certain lifestyle changes will also help keep the condition in check.

• Stay active and eat healthy food
  Though there are multiple meal plans for RA, there is no strong evidence to suggest that any specific one is extremely beneficial. Instead, eating well-balanced and nutritious meals is advisable to fight inflammation. Also, with joint pains, you might not like to move around much, but staying active helps ease the symptoms and prevent long-term problems. Some exercises that may help are stretching and swimming. One can consult a physical or occupational therapist for a better idea.
• Manage stress levels
  There are multiple ways to deal with stress, such as trying deep breathing techniques and taking the time to rest during the day. Try to join a class, support group, or arthritis program in your area. You could also check out yoga and meditation techniques to manage symptoms like joint pain and chronic aches.
• Streamline daily activities
  Be smart about daily chores and have a plan and a schedule. Since people with RA tend to get fatigued quite easily, it can be beneficial to plan things in advance so as to not get overwhelmed later.

RA usually begins between the ages of 30 and 60. But Young-Onset Rheumatoid Arthritis (YORA) usually occurs between the age of 16 and 40, and Later-Onset Rheumatoid Arthritis (LORA) develops after the age of 60. In either case, patients must follow a proper treatment regime, regulated meal plans, and embrace lifestyle changes to deal with the symptoms of the condition effectively.