Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease that progresses with time, which means treatment is important to slow down the progression of its symptoms. An effective way to treat the condition is to incorporate healthy dietary habits, so here are the foods to eat and avoid for rheumatoid arthritis patients:

Foods to eat
Just like rheumatoid arthritis patients need to avoid some foods, they should include a few others that prevent or relieve inflammation and boost the immune system to fight the condition. These foods include:

• Soybeans
  Soybeans boost heart health, they are low in fats, rich in proteins and fiber, and give the body the essential omega-3 fatty acids. All of this makes it the perfect food to eat for rheumatoid arthritis patients to allow the body to fight the condition.
• Cherries
  Many studies have shown how cherries could reduce the frequency of gout attacks. Cherries contain anthocyanins, which can fight inflammation in the body. One can also get anthocyanins from other berries like blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries.

Foods to avoid
Although further clinical evidence is needed to support this, many people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis have noticed an improvement in their symptoms by avoiding the consumption of certain foods. These foods are usually the ones that lead to inflammation, and they include the following:

• Fried foods and foods that contain omega-6 fatty acids
  On the list of foods to eat and avoid for rheumatoid arthritis patients, fried foods and the ones that contain omega-6 fatty acids are in the latter group of foods. Fried foods, irrespective of what oil is used for frying them, contain trans fats in way higher quantities than boiled or grilled foods. These trans fats can cause inflammation in the body, which might trigger the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in patients. Butter, margarine, and coconut oil are among the foods that are loaded with trans fats and are best avoided by rheumatoid arthritis patients.
• Refined carbs and sugar
  Foods and beverages like soft drinks, donuts, readymade cookies, and pastries are packed with refined sugar. Rheumatoid arthritis patients can avoid refined sugar by reading food labels and avoiding foods that contain glucose and fructose. Sugar is also added to products one would think are sugar-free, including white bread and other baked goods. So, it’s necessary to be mindful of what one eats to keep the symptoms under control.
• Dairy
  Dairy products are always recommended to ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D is provided to the body. That said, dairy products can also lead to inflammation in the body, but more research is needed to back this up. While an increase in inflammation due to dairy consumption has been shown in a study, other studies have shown improvement in overall health due to the consumption of dairy products.