Dietary Strategies for RA, Osteoporosis

Dear Dr. Meletis,

I’ve read your suggestions on what supplements are good for supporting the health of people with osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but what foods and supplements should be avoided with RA and osteoporosis?

Ms. C.

Dear Ms. C.,

Foods that should be avoided for RA first and foremost are wheat and all gluten foods. Then, avoidance of other triggers that are known as lectins is essential, including seeds, nuts, beans, tomato, potato, eggplant, peppers, eggs and dairy. Carolyn Pierini has written an excellent article on this topic that is available at www.vrp.com. In the article, you also will read about the supplement Lectin Lock™.

In terms of supplements to be avoided with RA, this would be immune-stimulating supplements that may trigger the immune system, which can aggravate symptoms. A simple example would be Echinacea. On the note of immune stimulation, I encourage all my autoimmune patients to get an IgG delayed Food Allergy Test, to make sure that a “supposedly good food” is not bad for their unique chemistry and is not actually aggravating their immune system.

In terms of osteoporosis, avoiding foods high in oxalates and also high phosphorus beverages and caffeine is essential. Thus, no coffee and no soda pop of any sort. In terms of supplements to avoid for osteoporosis, unopposed calcium needs to be very carefully used. I routinely use Calcium with Magnesium and Boron, while ensuring Vitamin D3 levels are truly optimal.

Sincerely,

Chris D. Meletis, ND