Rheumatoid arthritis, a condition in which joints and surrounding tissues become chronically inflamed, is characterized by joint pain, stiffness, limited range of motion and deformed joints in addition to fatigue, weakness, low fever and loss of appetite. Rheumatoid arthritis is considered an autoimmune condition, meaning that the body starts attacking its own healthy joints and tissues. The exact cause is still unknown and the treatment includes lifelong medications, exercise, physical therapy and surgery in some cases. Evidence suggests that a gluten-free diet may help alleviate inflammation and relieve some of the symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance
Celiac disease is another autoimmune condition in which the body starts attacking the gut lining when exposed to gluten, one of the main proteins found in wheat, rye, barley and oats. The only treatment for celiac disease is a lifetime elimination of gluten. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, another 6 percent of the population also appears to be intolerant to gluten, although not diagnosed with celiac disease, and may experience symptoms ranging from headaches, abdominal pain, brain fog and fatigue to autoimmune conditions such as vitiligo, lupus, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Association Between Gluten Sensitivity and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Underlying, undiagnosed celiac disease or gluten sensitivity can be associated with rheumatoid arthritis in some individuals, according to Dr. Stephen Wangen, founder of the IBS Treatment Center and author of "Healthier Without Wheat." Gluten is a large protein that can irritate your intestines, if you are sensitive to it, and increase your gut permeability, allowing large, undigested food particles to directly enter your bloodstream. Your body perceives these unknown substances as invaders and starts attacking them. Sometimes, these proteins may resemble some of your own body proteins, triggering your body to attack itself, leading to autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. It is not uncommon for people with an autoimmune disease to develop multiple autoimmune conditions, such as celiac disease, Hashimoto's disease or Type 1 diabetes.
Gluten
Gluten is mainly found in grains like wheat, barley, rye and oats. Wheat and gluten-containing grains are omnipresent in the food supply and can be found in breakfast cereals, granola bars, crackers, bread, pasta, pizza, sandwiches, burgers and baked goods. Although potatoes and rice are free of gluten, french fries are often coated with wheat-containing ingredients and rice is often seasoned with gluten-containing seasonings. Soy sauce, marinades and breading may also contain traces of gluten. Label reading is important to completely eliminate all sources of gluten from your diet.
A Gluten-Free Diet for Rheumatoid Arthritis
According to Wangen, a gluten-free diet could benefit you, especially if you have been diagnosed with an autoimmune condition such as rheumatoid arthritis. Although more studies need to be conducted to truly determine the benefits of gluten-free eating for managing rheumatoid arthritis, you may consider giving it a try for a month or two to see whether eliminating gluten reduces your symptoms. Ask your doctor to run some blood work before and after a trial period of at least 30 days and take notes on how your feel. Base your gluten-free diet on plenty of vegetables, fruits, lean protein from fish, seafood, meat, poultry and eggs. You can obtain your carbohydrates from potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn and gluten-free grains, such as millet, teff, quinoa and rice. Accompany your meals with healthy fats from olive oil, canola oil, avocado, nuts, nut butter and seeds.
References
- PubMed Health: Rheumatoid Arthritis
- FloridaMD: Weight Gain and Unsuspected Gluten Sensitivity, Sub-Clinical Gluten Enteropathy
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Study From University of Maryland Center for Celiac Research Places Gluten Sensitivity on Center Stage of Spectrum of Gluten-Related Disorders
- Robb Wolf: FAQ
- "Healthier Without Wheat"; Stephen Wangen; 2009
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