JUNIPER PUBLISHERS-Orthopedics and Rheumatology Open Access Journal
Rheumatoid Arthritis – Prevention and Treatment with a Plant-Based Diet
Authored by Stewart Rose*
Rheumatoid arthritis has no cure, so
long term treatment is indicated. An individual’s dietary choices greatly
influence the progression of chronic autoimmune rheumatic diseases. This review
shows that the plant-based diet has good scientific evidence of safety and
efficacy for both prevention and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Studies
have shown significant improvements in specific symptoms, such as number of
tender joints, Ritchie’s articular index, number of swollen joints, pain score,
duration of morning stiffness, grip strength, and improved laboratory values
such as sed rate (ESR), C-reactive protein, and rheumatic factor. Patients
placed on a plant-based diet also have a beneficial shift in intestinal
microbiota, which correlates with clinical improvement. With respect to
prevention, those following a plant-based diet experience a reduction in risk
of rheumatoid arthritis by about 50%.
RA patients should be advised that a
plant-based diet that includes appropriate amounts of carbohydrate, especially
dietary fiber, is important for maintaining the symbiosis of intestinal flora,
which could be beneficial for preventing autoimmunity. As disease severity
worsens, individuals with RA may experience functional decline that can impact
dietary intake. New healthy plant-based convenience foods are a good choice for
such patients. Treatment with a plant-based diet is affordable for the patient,
has no adverse reactions and no contraindications, and it can be combined with
any of the standard treatments. For mild cases it may suffice as a monotherapy.
For moderate and severe cases, it may serve as an adjunct, allowing dosage
reductions thus lessening the costs and side effects.
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