Rheumatoid Arthritis Nutritionists and Dietitians in Fayetteville, AR
A nutrition consultation is a great start to develop a healthy relationship with food. A personalized eating plan will be developed as a foundation to achieve your health goals. Together we will identify behaviors & beliefs that previously hindered your efforts. Your eating will be defined as "Purposeful", addressing awareness of eating pace and hunger/satiety cues. Component Cooking, a simplistic meal prep from grocery store to pantry offers practical application. Learn to eat by guidelines not rigid rules. Break the all-or-nothing eating cycle. Abandon "cheat days".
A nutrition consultation is a great start to develop a healthy relationship with food. A personalized eating plan will be developed as a foundation to achieve your health goals. Together we will identify behaviors & beliefs that previously hindered your efforts. Your eating will be defined as "Purposeful", addressing awareness of eating pace and hunger/satiety cues. Component Cooking, a simplistic meal prep from grocery store to pantry offers practical application. Learn to eat by guidelines not rigid rules. Break the all-or-nothing eating cycle. Abandon "cheat days".
Meet Casey Atwood, Co-Owner of A Wellness Collective at Park Hill Counseling. Casey is a Registered Dietitian with a Master’s degree in Nutrition, dedicated to empowering clients through personalized nutrition care. She has a passion for crafting individualized plans that respect each person’s unique needs, preferences, and lifestyle. Specializing in intuitive eating and mindful nutrition, Casey encourages clients to build a harmonious relationship with food, one that honors both physical nourishment and mental well-being.
Meet Casey Atwood, Co-Owner of A Wellness Collective at Park Hill Counseling. Casey is a Registered Dietitian with a Master’s degree in Nutrition, dedicated to empowering clients through personalized nutrition care. She has a passion for crafting individualized plans that respect each person’s unique needs, preferences, and lifestyle. Specializing in intuitive eating and mindful nutrition, Casey encourages clients to build a harmonious relationship with food, one that honors both physical nourishment and mental well-being.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Nutritionists and Dietitians
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a condition characterized by pain, swelling, stiffness, and movement difficulties in the joints. With over 100 different types, arthritis varies widely in severity and symptoms. The most common type is osteoarthritis, often affecting older adults due to the aging process and "wear and tear" of joints. Another category is autoimmune arthritis, which includes conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although the causes of most autoimmune arthritis conditions are unknown, they are marked by the immune system's abnormal activation, leading to severe joint inflammation. The type of treatment an individual should receive depends on the type of arthritis they have, as well as the severity of their symptoms.
What is the link between arthritis and nutrition?
Since arthritis is characterized by inflammation, diet plays a significant role in either exacerbating or alleviating its symptoms. Foods known to promote inflammation, such as sodas, processed meats, white flour, sugary snacks, and deep-fried items, can worsen arthritis symptoms. Conversely, anti-inflammatory foods—such as leafy greens, nuts, fatty fish like salmon, and fruits—can help alleviate symptoms of arthritis. In general, a healthy diet rich in plant-based and whole foods supports joint health and can help reduce or prevent arthritis symptoms, while also contributing to healthy weight maintenance.
Can arthritis be cured with nutrition?
While there is little evidence to suggest that arthritis can be completely cured through nutrition, diet can significantly alleviate its symptoms. One major contributing factor to osteoarthritis in adults is obesity, as excess weight places considerable strain on the joints. Therefore, a healthy diet that supports weight loss can be transformative in reducing arthritis symptoms for many individuals. Additionally, certain foods with anti-inflammatory properties can significantly decrease arthritis symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acids, commonly found in fish like salmon, and various fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants, have been shown to reduce inflammation. Furthermore, gout—a specific form of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid in the joints—can be particularly improved through dietary and lifestyle changes, such as reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption.
When is it useful to see a registered dietitian for arthritis?
Consulting a registered dietitian (RD) can be beneficial for managing arthritis, especially if other therapies have not alleviated symptoms or if weight loss is a goal to reduce arthritis-related discomfort. RDs specializing in arthritis can help clients identify foods that alleviate symptoms and those that may trigger arthritic flares. They can also recommend foods that support the anti-inflammatory process and assess the need for dietary supplements. For older adults with osteoarthritis, an RD can be particularly helpful in developing a nutrition plan that promotes overall longevity.