RA and Other Inflammatory Forms of Arthritis

My work began in the area of diets in 2009, when my daughter was diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis, then when she was diagnosed with another auto immune disorder in 2012, Type 1 Diabetes, we knew something was going on. First we were told it was environmental, then it could be something in our diets. The doctors really don't know what is going on.  Factors contributing to the high rates of diabetes in American Indians and Alaska Natives include genetic, environmental, and behavioral issues, which may include a genetic predisposition toward insulin resistance, exposure of fetuses to hyperglycemia during pregnancy, sedentary lifestyles, obesity, and the effects of living in environments that are stress-producing, from both a social and physical standpoint.(1)

As like with most diets for inflammation, there are no specific nutrition guidelines for people with RA, researchers have found a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and phytochemicals supplies the body with powerful anti-inflammatory nutrients. These foods are commonly part of a Mediterranean-style diet of fish, olive oil, fruits, vegetables, nuts/seeds and beans. Cold-water fish high in omega-3s have shown to be particularly beneficial.  

In fact, a century ago, all chronic diseases, including diabetes, were practically nonexistent in Indian country. Although most diabetes that affects Native Americans are Type 2 Diabetes.  What I am talking about here is Type 1. As recently as 1955, diabetes was unrecognized as a leading cause of death as evidenced by its absence in a listing of the 10 most frequent causes of death for this population. According to the American Diabetes Association, American Indians and Alaska Natives now have the highest diabetes prevalence rates of all racial and ethnic groups in the United States.(1)

Traditional work activities for native Americans included farming, husking corn, fishing, canoeing, hunting deer/elk (large game), picking berries, and tanning hides. There were also frequent native dances and powwows, which involved strenuous physical activity. The move to a more sedentary lifestyle has resulted in a tremendous loss of opportunity for burning calories and taking pride in our culture. 



So with that said, let's get active in our societies and help combat these illnesses and get them under control. 

(1) http://spectrum.diabetesjournals.org/content/23/4/272