Fifty-three percent less Rheumatoid Arthritis pain and inflammation can be experienced by adopting a Vegan Diet. That’s what recent research in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine claims.
44 persons with rheumatoid arthritis participated in the trial. For four weeks, the participants followed a vegan Diet. Then, for three weeks, foods known to induce inflammation were banned.
Over nine weeks, eliminated items were gradually reintroduced to one group. A phase of supplements started in the opposing group.
According to a registered dietitian, inflammation is encouraged by diets high in red and processed meat, processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and saturated fat.
Dietitian points out that a diet low in fat and fiber is essential for lowering inflammation and managing rheumatoid arthritis discomfort and swelling (RA).
Foods that stimulate inflammation in the body should be the first to be eliminated, noting that inflammation is the primary cause of pain and swelling in RA sufferers.
Dietitian suggests avoiding the following foods:
- Processed red/red meat
- Prepared meals
- Foods high in chemicals, such as foods that are extremely tasty (fried foods, convenience foods)
- Alcohol (beer, wine, liquor) (beer, wine, liquor)
- Sweet meals and beverages
- Carbohydrates containing gluten for those with non-celiac gluten intolerance
- Salty meals like crackers, potato chips, and cereals should also be avoided.
What did the study discover regarding a vegan diet?
The vegan diet has an anti-arthritis effect. Participants in the study reported improvement while following a vegan diet but no improvement while following a placebo diet.
For instance, in the vegan diet group, the average number of swollen joints decreased from 7 to 3.3, whereas it increased (from 4.7 to 5) in the placebo group. Participants also dropped an average of 14 pounds while following the vegan diet, compared to approximately 2 pounds gained by those following the placebo.
The conclusion
There is mounting evidence that nutrition may be necessary to manage rheumatoid arthritis. But it's one thing to feel better while following a particular diet and quite another to assert that diet is sufficient on its own.
Dietary adjustments are the primary line of treatment for high cholesterol or high blood pressure. Rheumatoid arthritis, however, is distinct. Early in the course of the disease, disabling joint deterioration can develop. Therefore, it's crucial to begin taking effective treatments as soon as possible to stop this.
There will undoubtedly be more studies on how nutrition affects autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and other types of arthritis. A vegan diet is highly efficient and can sometimes replace prescription drugs. But we're still not there.
References:
- WebMD
- Healthline
- SAGE
