In a small study, an anti-inflammatory diet helped reduce pain and swelling in a subset of people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Diet changes are complementary to standard treatment. Diet-related research can be challenging, but many patients with RA are motivated to try healthy changes.
With no clear-cut, evidence-based dietary guidelines for RA, rheumatologists should advocate for a balanced diet to help patients reduce their risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis
“‘I didn’t say there was nothing better,’ the King replied. ‘I said there was nothing like it.’” —Lewis Carroll, Through the Looking Glass “Why did I get this? Was it because of my diet? What should I eat now? What diet should I follow? Are there any natural treatments I can take instead of medications?”…
My patients ask me almost daily what kind of diet they should be on, or if there are certain supplements they should try. And a growing amount of evidence shows lifestyle and dietary factors may contribute to disease risk and outcomes in rheumatic disease. Thus, rheumatologists and rheumatology professionals are being called upon by patients…