One of the big fears of getting any kind of unfavorable medical diagnosis is that you wonder what your new "normal" will be. What will be the new normal way of getting around the house, of playing your favorite sports or of what you have to eat? This fear also happens to people who get the dreaded rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis. They wonder if they have to go on a special rheumatoid arthritis diet for the rest of their lives. Well, you do – but it's a very good diet with a lot of variety.

Not Just For One Medical Malady

You might already be on the rheumatoid arthritis diet that your doctor or rheumatologist recommends. It's also good for those with high blood pressure, gastro-intestinal issues or for diabetics, not just for those looking for arthritis relief. A lot of the specifics of a rheumatoid arthritis diet will sound familiar.

Basically, you need to eat sensible portions of low fat and high fiber meals. You need to eat les processed foods (like prepared refrigerated meals or even more than one canned food item a day). You need more fruits, vegetables and water. Water (as well as fiber) helps you to feel full as well as being good for you.

Not A Cure All

Although going on a rheumatoid arthritis diet might sound like a lot of work, it's not. But it's not going to cure your arthritis all by itself. You need to make a rheumatoid arthritis diet part of an overall plan on how to manage your arthritis. This also winds up having positive benefits for other health areas of your body and helps you feel more energetic overall.

You need to follow your doctor's advice and go to as many checkups as you can. You also need to stop smoking, cut down on alcoholic beverages and to make getting enough sleep a priority. You need to learn ways to manage your stress that does not involve smoking, drinking, drugs or huge amounts of food. You also need to exercise regularly, about a half hour a day five or more days a week.

Some Menu Items

Tea is alright on a rheumatoid arthritis diet, whether it's black tea, green tea or herbal tea, as tea is thought to have antioxidants to help boost your body's immune system. You also can try using grapes for a snack instead of chips or candy. Fish is also recommended (although not battered and fried fish).