Overview
Daily habits do not replace medical treatment, but they may help you feel better and support overall health. Regular activity, sleep, stress management, not smoking and a balanced, anti-inflammatory style of eating are commonly recommended.
People with rheumatic disease also have a higher risk of heart disease and osteoporosis, so heart and bone health are part of care.
See also our guide: Anti-inflammatory nutrition & weight management.
Watch and learn
Video: “Lifestyle Modifications for Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis” from Johns Hopkins Rheumatology on YouTube. It loads from youtube-nocookie.com only when you press play. Shown for general education; GSMC did not produce it. Watch on YouTube
Captions: press the CC button in the video player to turn on captions. Some captions are generated automatically by YouTube and may contain errors.
How it is used
- Aim for regular, moderate activity most days
- Eat a pattern rich in vegetables, fruit, whole grains, legumes, fish and olive oil
- Limit alcohol and sugary drinks (especially important in gout)
- Plan rest and pacing, and keep regular sleep hours
Who it may be for
- Anyone living with arthritis or an autoimmune disease
Monitoring and safety
Ask your rheumatologist before starting supplements, as some interact with medicines.
Possible side effects
- Supplements can interact with medicines
- Restrictive diets can lead to nutrient gaps
Do not start, stop or change a medicine without talking to your physician.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an arthritis diet?
There is no single diet. A Mediterranean-style pattern is commonly suggested.
Does smoking matter?
Yes. Smoking is linked to worse RA and may reduce how well some medicines work.
Can weight loss help?
For knee and hip osteoarthritis and gout, weight loss may help symptoms.
This page is general patient education and does not replace advice from your own clinician. Individual results vary.