Some studies suggest vegan and vegetarian diets may be of benefit for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by decreasing inflammation and by eliminating certain dietary triggers that may cause the gut immune system to exacerbate RA symptoms.

A vegetarian diet significant improved RA symptoms in one study, reducing swelling and the number of affected joints. Several blood markers for inflammation were also reduced suggesting that the anti-inflammatory effect of the diet may be partially responsible for the observed improvement. This diet included a vegetable juice fast, followed by a gluten-free vegan diet that also banned refined sugar, alcohol, coffee, tea, salt, spices, preservatives and citrus fruits. After several months, dairy and gluten products were added, but if symptoms of RA were worsened than the food was eliminated.

Similarly a 9 month study showed a vegan diet reduced RA symptoms in 41% of patients. Patients who responded to the vegan diet showed not only decreased inflammation but also a possible diminished immune response, as reflected by a lowering of antibodies, to potential food allergens lactoglobulin and gliadin.

Lactoglobulin is a component of cow’s milk while gliadin, is a glycoprotein component of gluten. You have probably heard of gluten-intolerance as a symptom of Celiac disease, characterized by abdominal bloating and diarrhea. Found in wheat, and other grains including oats, rye, barley and millet, gluten can trigger an immune-mediated destruction of the intestinal lining leading to Celiac disease. These findings in RA patients suggest that a gut immune response to certain foods, in this case dairy and gluten-containing grains, may exacerbate RA symptoms for some.

A Mediterranean style diet, rich in anti-inflammatory foods such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, olive oil and fish was also found to improve RA symptoms. While dietary interventions such as fasting are extreme and not recommended, dietary changes to reduce inflammation may improve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.

Pro-inflammatory foods to avoid:

• Fatty cuts of meat, including red meat and poultry that are high in pro-inflammatory arachidonic acid
• Egg yolks (high in arachidonic acid)
• High glycemic foods such as white potatoes and refined carbs (white flour products including cakes, muffins, cookies, pasta, white rice).

Anti-inflammatory foods to consider:

• Cold water fish, such as salmon, halibut, sardines, tuna and trout, which are high in anti-inflammatory Omega-3
• Fruits and Veggies