We are told to eat a high-fiber diet as a means to prevent and relieve constipation and promote a healthy heart. But can a high-fiber diet relieve joint pain too?
Many Americans suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, an auto-immune disease that attacks the joints. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include joint pain, swelling, inflammation, immobility, and stiffness.
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Researchers suggest that eating high fiber foods, including fruits, vegetables, and nuts, can relieve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.
The Arthritis Foundation explained, “Eating a high-fiber diet can yield many rewards. Fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, and whole grains provide a boost of vitamins, minerals, protein, and healthy nutrients. They might also help lower markers of inflammation—a key factor in many forms of arthritis.”
Fiber-rich foods have been known to reduce c-reactive proteins in the blood, which are markers of rheumatoid arthritis.
The Arthritis Foundation suggests that fiber foods help feed healthy bacteria in the gut, and these bacteria releases substances aimed to reduce inflammation. Inflammation is the main trigger for symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. A 2009 study found eating fiber-rich foods alone could reduce c-reactive proteins by 25 to 54 percent.
High Fiber Foods
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To start obtaining relief from your rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, here are the best foods with the highest fiber content.
- Split peas
- Lentils
- Black beans
- Lima beans
- Artichokes
- Peas
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Raspberries
- Blackberries
- Avocados
- Pears
- Bran flakes
- Whole wheat pasta
- Pearled Barley
- Oatmeal
Incorporating more of these foods into your daily diet can help you experience reduced symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. But make sure you are staying well hydrated, as consuming too much fiber without enough water can lead to constipation.
Related: Fiber rich diet can lower risk of osteoporosis, other chronic inflammatory joint diseases
