A diet for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) consists of healthy snacks that can make a person feel full while also helping ease inflammation and pain. This sort of snacking should also be able to help the person get the needed nutrients for their daily routine. However, patients should also be aware of what foods to avoid. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis would benefit from foods that contain anti-inflammatory properties.

Excess weight can also make RA symptoms much worse, but placing excess weight on the joints, so choose snacks that are satisfying and nutrient rich, yet low in calories. The best diet for RA should contain high fiber, low fat, and lean proteins, as well as:

1. Fresh fruits and veggies

Vegetables and fruits are packed with a potent anti-inflammatory compound. People who usually consume a diet that is plant-based also have low inflammation markers. A person should start with various berries, cauliflower, broccoli, celery sticks, and mandarin oranges. One should also have snacks for rheumatoid arthritis that have peels that are edible such as pears, peaches, grapes, and apples. This is because the skin is rich in anti-inflammatory compounds and nutrients. One needs to prepare simple snacks for rheumatoid arthritis that can be easily carried. One can purchase pineapples and watermelons, get them cut into chunks, and then consume them. One should also have vegetables that can be purchased in small snack-pack sizes such as mini squash, baby carrots, and cherry tomatoes. Fruits that are canned in water or frozen fruits are also good snacking alternatives.

2. Low fat dairy

The two snacks for rheumatoid arthritis that can take the edge off the person’s hunger are low-fat yogurt and low-fat string cheese. They are packed with calcium that is essential for the bones. People who have rheumatoid arthritis need to check out items that are full of vitamin D; it is important for not only the bones but also the person’s overall health.

3. Nuts

Another good and filling snack for rheumatoid arthritis is a bowl of nuts. They may not be enriched with fiber but are definitely wise options to be included in the rheumatoid arthritis diet. They are also convenient snacking options that just need to be packed in the right proportion which can be carried easily. People with rheumatoid arthritis can also easily handle seeds and shelled nuts. One should opt-in for nut butter on crackers or whole-grain bread.

4. Vitamin D rich foods

People who suffer from this disease are prone to developing vitamin D deficiency and the symptoms of the disease are severe when there are low levels of vitamin D in the body. Therefore, what would be wise is to add more vitamin D in the diet for managing rheumatoid arthritis. Sardines are an excellent means of getting vitamin D into such a person’s diet. For a healthy rheumatoid arthritis diet, the best thing to do is to snack on chunks of canned sardines that are eaten on crackers and are prepared in tomato sauce.