Arthritis is an umbrella term for more than 100 different conditions that collectively affect almost 46 million adults and 300,000 children in the United States. All conditions affect the musculoskeletal system, particularly joints where two or more bones come together and cause inflammation, stiffness, pain and visible deformities that can interfere with daily activities. Some conditions may affect your entire body, including various organs. Diet may exacerbate or prevent symptoms of arthritis.
Growing Problem
The number of people with arthritis conditions is growing rapidly, especially as the population ages. The most common arthritis-related conditions include rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, Sjogren's syndrome, osteoarthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, giant cell arteritis, gout, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome and conditions affiliated with neck and back pain. Together, these conditions are a major cause of disability that could impact your independence.
Dietary Causes
Arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which your immune system attacks certain tissues within your body. Arthritis is not caused by one particular dietary factor, yet research has discovered several factors in development and progression of disease. Rheumatoid arthritis may begin in the intestine from a reaction to one or more food antigens, according to research by Thrasyvoulos Podas and published in "Postgraduate Medical Journal" in 2007. Food antigens are substances in foods that cause your body to create an antibody to kill it. Prospective epidemiological research by Merete Pedersen, M.Sc., published in the "Journal of Rheumatology" in 2005 concludes that dietary factors may play a role years before clinical diagnosis. Research by Dorothy Pattison published in "Proceedings of the Nutrition Society" in 2004 reports the small number of epidemiological studies indicate rheumatoid arthritis has a lower incidence in Mediterranean countries, such as Greece and Italy, where olive oil, fruits and vegetables are consumed in greater amounts than countries with higher prevalence of the disease. The research also reports lower intakes of fruits and vegetables and vitamin C are associated with increased risk of inflammatory polyarthritis.
Prevention Diet
Gluten-free diets high in fruits and vegetables, olive oil and omega-3 fatty acids from fish may help you reduce your risk of arthritis and slow the progression of disease if you already suffer from the condition. Research by Ingiald Hafstrom, M.D., published in "Rheumatology" in 2001 discovered that a vegan diet, free of gluten may reduce antibody levels against food antigens, including gliadin and beta-lactoglobulin and improve health in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Research by L. Skoldstam, M.D., Ph.D., published in "Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases" in 2003 discovered that a Mediterranean diet reduces inflammation, increases physical function and improves vitality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. A Mediterranean diet includes fish and a high intake of fruits and vegetables.
Considerations
The growing prevalence of arthritis is a major public health concern. The time to begin to change your dietary habits is now, considering that many arthritis conditions progress slowly over time. Consult your doctor about the best diet for your condition.
References
- Arthritis Foundation: Learn About Arthritis
- PubMed: Estimates of the Prevalence of Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Conditions in the United States. Part I
- PubMed: Estimates of the Prevalence of Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Conditions in the United States. Part II
- PubMed: Is Rheumatoid Arthritis a Disease That Starts in the Intestine? A Pilot Study Comparing an Elemental Diet with Oral Prednisolone
- PubMed: Diet and Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis in a Prospective Cohort
