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Superfoods For Super Pain Relief From Rheumatoid Arthritis

Janine Rose refers to her days suffering from rheumatoid arthritis as her Dark, Depressed Days. She remembers not being able to walk to the mailbox or grab a steering wheel because the pain was too excruciating. Her hands became so swollen that she couldn’t do a thing except lie flat and wait for the pain to subside. The fatigue and exhaustion were like nothing she had ever experienced and it took over her life completely; or shall we say, killed any life that might have been.

She already knew the cause was rheumatoid arthritis, but that didn’t make it easier. The sheer amount of medications she had to take had its set of side-effects. Medications that many people don’t have access to because their outrageous cost is financially crippling without insurance. Though treatments for rheumatoid arthritis did bring some relief, it caused her weight to reach an all-time high of 211 lbs. The depression became so severe that all she wanted to do was eat and sleep (read Janine's story HERE). She admits that her horrific eating habits were also contributing to rheumatoid arthritis and also rendering the medications ineffective. The demand for more necessary medications continued, so the vicious cycle continued.

Janine Before and AfterNow it's 8 years later, and the 49-year-old mom has lost 88 lbs. and holding. Janine has managed to keep the weight off despite the fact that rheumatoid arthritis tends to come back to haunt every once in a while. Pain recurrence can set you back mentally and physically and cause your weight to skyrocket if you aren’t careful. Especially if you need to take medications that are known to increase blood sugar levels that cause extreme cravings and water retention. This shows up as excess pounds on the scale that can lead to even deeper depression.

Janine has found a way to do what may seem impossible when rheumatoid arthritis strikes that has kept her on the road to success. She has managed to keep her weight off and is learning to take better care of her health by staying on top of her care. People who are on top of their care tend to do better overall when it comes to keeping the weight off and managing symptoms. 

Janine’s doctor couldn’t be happier that she has managed to keep her weight off and that she has found a way to modify her metabolic boosting workouts, allowing her to continue to exercise. She says the training provides quite a mood boost — something we all know we need when we aren’t feeling well.

Here are some suggestions I gave Janine when her rheumatoid arthritis symptoms came back to haunt her recently. Management, metabolic boosting tips may help you as well if you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis or any pain-related illness.

Sometimes food becomes our only comfort when we are in pain. It’s important to stick to your plan now more than ever when symptoms flare up. Food is the problem, not the solution. Stay tight on your thermogenic eating plan available in The Metabolism Solution.  

Fall is full of superfoods that can do more than delight your taste buds. If you’re not careful, however, you might eat foods that cause weight gain that can trigger inflammation, leaving you feeling worse than you did before you ate the so-called superfoods. Here are some seasonal favorites that contain nutrients that may help lessen the pain associated with any type of arthritis. They also help boost metabolism, making weight loss easier. Try to incorporate these foods and nutrients into your diet to ease pain and keep your weight under control. Maintaining a healthy weight helps prevent additional stress on your joints and your mind. That is a critical step when it comes to managing any pain.

For starters, limit pumpkin and winter squashes. While they are healthy superfoods, they also spike blood sugar levels that can trigger a rheumatoid arthritis attack or increase pain. Don’t be fooled by the health halo claims. If you're trying to lose weight the rules are different when managing any pain, especially arthritis.

A is for Awesome Apples. You already know how much I love apples when it comes to boosting metabolism and melting fat. What you might not know is how good they are for pain relief. Apples are always associated with fall, which brings emotional pleasure. That bright, firm apple is also a healthy rheumatoid arthritis snack. Apples are high in fiber, meaning they fill you up and cut hunger, kill cravings and balance blood sugar — that is key. This makes it easier to maintain your weight or even drop a few pounds. One thing most experts agree on is apples are a great fruit, period.

Because of all the different varieties of apples, they are very versatile in terms of how you can cook with them. You can add them to savory dishes as well as enjoy them as dessert. Try my Apple Whey Crispalicous found in The Metabolism Solution for an irresistibly delicious dessert that helps with your aches and pains.

C is for Curry or Curcumin. Some spices, such as turmeric, are being investigated for potential health benefits. Turmeric is a mild spice that gives Indian curries their characteristic yellow color. In fact, it’s what makes mustard yellow. Curry can be added to fall soups and stews (see the Good for Your Chicken Stew recipe in The Metabolism Solution) to cook healthy foods for rheumatoid arthritis that deliver an anti-inflammatory boost.

Turmeric (Curry) has a mild anti-inflammatory effect. If you’re trying to reduce inflammation, the more ways you can help yourself the better you’ll feel. It's not yet clear how much of the spice is needed to get a measurable effect on rheumatoid arthritis. You need to like it to get enough. That being said, I suggest turmeric from LynFit Recovery Agent instead to ensure your body gets what it needs for pain relief. Using spices is always a healthy way to add flavor and variety to foods when managing pain or your weight. 

Anytime you can use spice for flavor rather than salt, it's a good for metabolic boosting.

G is for Go Nuts. But not all nuts are created equal. While most nuts are an excellent source of heart-healthy unsaturated fats, some nuts, such as walnuts, also contain Omega 3 fatty acids that can fight inflammation. That puts them in the rheumatoid arthritis superfoods category. I like them as a weight loss expert because no one ever overeats on walnuts, but I’ve seen many a woman polish off a bag of pistachios despite the cost. I find it amazing how we never seem to notice the expense of our cheats.

Nuts are also cholesterol-free, making them a healthy snack. Just don't overdo it. Nuts are calorie-dense, so watch your portion size. It's best to stick to a small handful — about an ounce.

The Apple Whey Crispalicious recipe in The Metabolism Solution includes walnuts, so you’ll be getting two superfoods in one snack.

K is for Kale. Kale has traditionally been a cool-weather green, although its nutritional powers make it a year-round favorite and celebrity recently, and for good reason. Like other leafy green vegetables, kale is rich in anti-inflammatory antioxidants and vitamins K and C. It's also high in fiber, making it a great rheumatoid arthritis super-food.

Kale can be cooked, eaten raw in a salad, or baked into crispy kale chips for a healthy on-the-go snack. Try my Kale Chips found in The Metabolism Solution. They are not only good for you; they taste great too. Don’t tell your kids it's kale, or that they are good for you, and they will devour them. That worked for me in my house.

S is for Salmon. If you're on my metabolic boosting programs, you know how I feel about salmon. Coldwater fish such as salmon, sardines, tuna, mackerel, and even anchovies, contain inflammation-fighting Omega 3 fatty acids. Try to have (2) or more 3–4 oz. portions each week. Check out the recipes in The Metabolism Solution. Try them over and over, adding your favorite spices until you find a way to enjoy them.

For fast relief, stick to your plan and drink your Complete Protein Shakes. They also help in healing, which is directly correlated with pain relief. Don’t allow pain to take you off your weight loss game. You shouldn’t suffer either. Try these superfoods, and as always, please keep me posted on your successes. I love to hear about them!