Salt and Rheumatoid Arthritis

We tend not to think about the large amounts of salt that we may consume in some of our favorite foods. According to Arthritis Today, the average American consumes more than 4,000 milligrams of sodium each day. This is too much for anyone, but it may be especially detrimental to those with rheumatoid arthritis. But a few dietary tips and best practices can help you moderate your salt intake.

Fried and processed foods

While these foods are certainly delicious, they may do more harm than you know. They are often high in sodium and may have trans fats and other substances that may lead to health problems. Some of these items have also been shown to possibly increase inflammation in people living with RA, Healthline reports. One of the best ways to cut these foods out of your diet is to provide yourself with more time to prepare and eat your food. We’re more likely to settle for convenience foods when we have to eat quickly or on the go.

Opt for fresher foods

When you’re cooking at home, make every effort to eat only the freshest, organically grown ingredients. It can be difficult to find some kinds of fresh produce depending on your geographic location and the time of the year, but it’s certainly worth it. Canned foods and prepared meals tend to contain a lot more sodium than fresh ingredients, to keep them from spoiling during shipping and their time on the shelf. Try and cook with fresh ingredients whenever possible, and turn a careful eye toward the sodium content of canned purchases.

Experiment with other seasonings

Salt tastes good, so it’s understandable that it’s one of the most commonly used seasonings. But you can use many other seasonings to make your meals flavorful without using much salt. Try experimenting with other spices such as basil, parsley, rosemary and garlic to get a flavor boost without the high sodium content.