Rheumatoid Arthritis and Diet: Facts About Ginger for RA

What we eat affects how we feel. For those living with chronic illnesses, such as the autoimmune disorder rheumatoid arthritis, can eating ginger reduce the side effects and flare symptoms associated with RA? Does rheumatoid arthritis and diet affect one another?

After being diagnosed with two autoimmune disorders, I've experimented with eating foods considered anti-inflammatory and have reduced my intake of foods that lack much nutritional value -- such as refined sugars and processed white flour.

After a friend mentioned the health benefits of ginger, I decided to investigate taking ginger for RA. She claims it has anti-inflammatory properties and recommends it as a nutritional supplement for people with rheumatoid arthritis. Should I add ginger to my diet?

Facts about Ginger for RA Patients

The Chinese have used ginger as a cure for nausea, digestion problems and diarrhea for the past 2,000 years, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. People with rheumatoid arthritis often experience these symptoms as side effects from medications or during a flare of the disease, making ginger for RA a viable diet supplement.

Doctors who give a nod to natural medicines may recommend ginger to alleviate nausea associated with pregnancy, chemotherapy, inflammatory conditions and motion sickness.

The American Academy of Family Physicians gives the effectiveness of ginger for RA patients a mixed review, but does cite cases where pain and swelling were reduced after patients took ginger. The use of ginger regarding rheumatoid arthritis and diet requires further study, according to the AAFP. Medline Plus also agrees, evidence regarding ginger and RA is insufficient.

What Does Ginger Do

Ginger works as an anti-inflammatory food, according to the dining gurus at Gayot online. The website speaks of a study in Denmark that left both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis patients with less pain and swelling after taking ginger. The study claims ginger also alleviates side effects from migraines and asthma.

Taking Ginger for RA

Ginger is a rhizome. It is often served dried or fresh -- as a spicy seasoning. Ginger can be steamed to extract a powerful oil that is used in baking or manufacturing beverages such as ginger tea or ginger ale. For those who want to take ginger on-the-go, health food stores offer ginger oil capsules and pills.

Note: Before starting or changing your health regime, talk with your doctor. Some foods used for medicinal purposes can react with prescription medications and herbal supplements.

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Sources and Suggested Further Reading:

University of Maryland Medical Center: Ginger

Gayot: Glorious Ginger, Root out Ailments with the Glorious Spice

American Academy of Family Physicians: Ginger: An Overview

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