Table 1.

Exercise and dietary recommendations for patients with rheumatoid arthritis^{10 11}

Exercise	Beneficial effects	Schedule for optimum results
Exercise recommendations
Walking	Helps with aerobic conditioning and mood	30–60 min, 3–5 times/week
Stretching	Helps with flexibility and range of motion	10–15 min, 2 times/week
Flowing movements	Helps with flexibility, range of motion, balance and stress	10–15 min, 2 times/week
Working out in water	Helps with flexibility, range of motion, aerobic conditioning and strength	30–60 min, 3–5 times/week
Cycling	Improves range of motion, aerobic conditioning, endurance and leg strength	30–60 min, 3–5 times/week
Strength training	Helps with strength and aerobic condition	8–12 repetitions for 2–3 sets, 2–3 times/week
Hand exercises	Improves range of motion and flexibility
Dietary recommendations—Mediterranean diet
High intake	Fruit; vegetables; legumes; nuts; unrefined whole grains (whole wheat, rice, oats, corn, barley, rye); unsaturated fats (olive oil, canola/rapeseed oil)
Moderate intake	Lean meats; fish; wine
Low-to-moderate intake	Dairy products
Low intake	Red meat; processed foods; saturated fat