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Effect of Mediterranean, vegetarian and vegan diets on the course and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
Table of Contents
1. Rheumatoid arthritis definition, symptoms and causes
Rheumatoid arthritis (RAS) is a chronic inflammatory disease. It mainly affects the hands and feet, but can also affect other places. The most characteristic symptoms include pain, stiffness and swelling of the joints. Lack of proper treatment leads to their destruction and severe disability. Due to the ongoing inflammation process, organ damage (e.g. lung, heart, kidney, eye) can occur, and even the liver.2. Dietary therapy for rheumatoid arthritis
In order to reduce rheumatoid arthritis disorders, it seeks to calm the immune responses and regulate the work of the whole system. In relieving symptoms, medicines from the group of glucocorticosteroids (commonly called steroids) belonging to the immunosuppressants. Most of them exhibit adverse effects and can be toxic to the body. Very large effects on the course and development of the disease have a lifestyle and a way of eating. That is why diet therapy is an important part of treatment.3. Recommended products
Products recommended for rheumatoid arthritis include, in particular, those with anti-inflammatory effects.4. Fruit and vegetables
They are rich in antioxidant vitamins (A, E, C), minerals, dietary fiber, and bioactive compounds, among others. Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants that protect the body from the harmful effects of free radicals. They prevent oxidative stress and thus reduce inflammation. Studies show that a diet rich in vegetables and fruits is associated with lower levels of inflammatory markers in the bloodstream, such as CRP (C-reactive synthetic fatty liver in the presence of inflammation) and IL-6 (interprotein 6 with proinflammatory characteristics) (Land Gall 2010).5. Fatty sea fish
They are the best source of polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids, which include eicosapentaenoic acids (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) with strong anti-inflammatory effects. Studies show that eating fatty fish (e.g. salmon, cod, mackerel, halibut) 13 times a week reduces the likelihood of developing MS (D. Di Giuseppe et al. 2014).6. The seeds of the onion plant
Beans, soybeans, lentils, celery and peas are good sources of plant protein, mineral ingredients and dietary fiber, and they also provide bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (e.g. isoflavones found in soybean). In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, it is recommended to limit animal protein intake to plant protein (Ch. Gioia et al. 2020).7. Nuts and seeds
They contain unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and bioactive compounds that can help reduce inflammation in the body. Among the minerals found in nuts and seeds, magnesium, selenium, and zinc are important. They exhibit antioxidant properties to protect against oxidative stress that causes inflammation. Italian nuts rich in omega-3s, almonds, pistachios, and pumpkin seeds are especially recommended (M. Rondanelli et al., 2018).8. Olive oil
It is a valuable source of monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidant compounds. The most important of these is oleocantalum, which exhibits anti-pain, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. This compound extinguishes both chronic and acute inflammatory processes so it can prevent the development of rheumatoid arthritis and slow the progression of the disease (L. Lucas, A. Russell, R. Keast 2011).9. Herbs and spices
They are a concentrated source of biologically active compounds with health-promoting properties. In the case of MS, turmeric is particularly recommended as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent (F. Pourhabibi-Zarandi, S. Shojaei-Zarghani, M. Rafraf 2021). Similar properties are shown in ginger and cinnamon.10. Products contraindicated
In addition to providing beneficial ingredients, it is also recommended to eliminate pro-inflammatory products in OCTs. Therefore, the consumption should be limited to: sugar, glucose-fructose syrup and other so-called added sugars found e.g. in soft drinks, saturated fatty acids and trans fats present, etc. In hard margarines, fast food, fatty or red meats made from black beans, products with a high glycemic index, high-fried foods, fat-rich products (fries, fries, etc.), and strong alcohol.11. The impact of the Mediterranean diet
The Mediterranean diet is an excellent example of a nutritional model based on the aforementioned recommended products. It is also characterized by a very low supply of saturated fatty acids and simple sugars. It mainly contains products of natural origin, and one of its characteristic ingredients is olive oil with strong anti-inflammatory properties. In the Mediterranean diet, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and nuts play a significant role. The products provide high blood sugar, mineral compounds, nutrient fertilizers, and antioxidants, which may prevent the development of inflammatory diseases under the influence of these drugs.12. The impact of a vegetarian and vegan diet
Vegetarian diets (excluding meat and fish) and vegan diets, excluding all products of animal origin, are high in anti-inflammatory ingredients, vitamins, antioxidants and dietary fiber, so plant diets may have a beneficial effect on the prevention and treatment of MS. In one study, lower levels of inflammatory markers (such as CRP, fibrinogen and total number of leukocytes) were observed in people who eliminated meat from their diet (J. Craddock and Microbial Doubs, 2019). In other studies, the effect of the blue-fat diet on the symptoms and outcomes of MS can also be reported.13. Summary
In the prevention and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, lifestyle and dietary patterns play an important role. Both Mediterranean and meat-free diets are rich in ingredients that reduce the risk of development as well as mitigate the course of the disease.
