Diets rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables and low in saturated fats, sodium and processed foods might help reduce symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
But the research studies supporting this benefit have depended on the test subjects' memories of what they had eaten, which could be faulty. And this type of diet often results in weight loss, which can independently reduce stress on joints and improve arthritis symptoms.
Some people have also tried eliminating certain foods from their diets — such as wheat, bacon or pork, milk, rye, beef, or coffee. But the benefits of this practice have been difficult to quantify scientifically.
Avoiding certain foods that seem to worsen your symptoms may be worth trying, but don't exclude whole food groups or large numbers of foods without consulting a registered dietitian or your doctor.
Show References
- Diamanti AP, et al. Microbiota and chronic inflammatory arthritis: An interwoven link. Journal of Translational Medicine. 2016;14:233.
- Khanna S, et al. Managing rheumatoid arthritis with dietary interventions. Frontiers in Nutrition. 2017;4:52.
- Arthritis and rheumatic diseases. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/arthritis-rheumatic-diseases#tab-living-with. Accessed Feb. 2, 2018.
- Panush RS. Complementary and alternative remedies for rheumatic disorders. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 2, 2018.
Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/expert-answers/rheumatoid-arthritis/FAQ-20058041