- With Mayo Clinic rheumatologist
April Chang-Miller, M.D.
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April Chang-Miller, M.D.
April Chang-Miller, M.D.
Dr. April Chang-Miller is board certified in internal medicine and rheumatology and is a consultant in the Division of Rheumatology and Internal Medicine at Mayo Clinic in Arizona.
Dr. Chang-Miller's primary field is rheumatology with special interests in inflammatory joint diseases called seronegative spondyloarthropathies such as ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis. She also cares for patients with rheumatoid arthritis and polymyalgia rheumatica.
The New York City native is a graduate of the Yale University School of Medicine and had been with Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., between 1991 and 2002 when she relocated to Mayo Clinic, Arizona. She is a fellow in the American College of Rheumatology and has been on the board of directors of the Arthritis Foundation North Central Chapter.
Complications (2)
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Can it affect the lungs?
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Can it affect the eyes?
Treatments and drugs (4)
- Botox injections: Can they relieve arthritis pain?
- Hip resurfacing: An alternative to conventional hip replacement?
- Arthritis pain medications: Do they raise blood pressure?
- see all in Treatments and drugs
Lifestyle and home remedies (3)
- Rheumatoid arthritis diet: Do certain foods worsen symptoms?
- MSM for arthritis pain: Is it safe?
- Water exercise for arthritis: Does pool temperature matter?
Alternative medicine (1)
- Mangosteen juice: Can it relieve arthritis pain?
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Question
Rheumatoid arthritis diet: Do certain foods worsen symptoms?
Can certain foods worsen rheumatoid arthritis symptoms?
Answer
from April Chang-Miller, M.D.
Because the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis vary from one day to the next, it may seem reasonable to think that the foods you eat might affect your symptoms. Although there's no definitive evidence that any particular foods have an effect on joint pain or inflammation, some research suggests that oranges and certain fish oils may reduce joint inflammation in some people with rheumatoid arthritis. However, more research is needed to assess this possible benefit.
If you believe a certain food increases your arthritis symptoms, there's no harm in omitting it from your diet to see if it helps. But don't exclude whole food groups or large numbers of foods without consulting a registered dietitian or your doctor.
It's important to eat a balanced diet and maintain a healthy weight if you have rheumatoid arthritis. Excess weight puts increased stress on your weight-bearing joints, increasing joint pain, stiffness and inflammation.
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