Autoimmune disorders result when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. In rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, the mistaken assault on the lining of the joints results in stiffness, swelling and pain. Conventional treatment usually entails medications and lifestyle changes like increased exercise. The links between diet and RA have not been clearly established and no official dietary suggestions exist to manage it, but research indicates that a vegan diet -- a diet devoid of any animal products -- might help ease symptoms in some patients who demonstrate sensitivities to certain foods. To ensure proper nutrition, consult with a registered dietitian for guidance in designing a well-planned vegan diet.
Antibodies and RA Symptoms
When you consume a food that your body perceives as harmful, it produces antibodies to fight off the attack. This action can set into motion a number of processes that can lead to the inflammation that triggers RA pain. Research suggests that sufferers of RA might be more likely to produce these antibodies in response to certain foods, particularly those of animal origin. A study that appeared in the October 2001 issue of "Rheumatology" sought to compare the effects of a vegan gluten-free diet with a standard diet on the production of these potentially harmful antibodies. Researchers assessed the results of those who completed the diets for at least nine months of the year-long trial. Of the 22 vegan patients, nine experienced an improvement in symptoms based on the criteria set forth by the American College of Rheumatology, while only one of the 25 non-vegan subjects did. Of those vegans who did respond positively, all had reductions of suspect antibodies.
Certified nutrition support dietitian Cheryl Koch, writing for the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center, notes that research has shown that patients who eliminated dairy from their diets experienced an improvement in symptoms, which resumed when dairy was added back. She stresses however, that the results of small studies cannot be translated to widespread benefit in all who suffer from a certain medical problem.
Vegan Diet and RA Complications
The presence of RA increases your risk for certain health problems, like cardiovascular disease. Research conducted at the University of Stockholm in 2008 carried out a similar study as the one mentioned above to look at its effect on cholesterol and other risk factors for heart disease in RA patients. For one year, participants ate either a gluten-free vegan diet or a regular diet. Researchers found that those on the vegan diet had lower levels of blood cholesterol and oxidized cholesterol -- the kind that hardens on the artery walls -- both of which raise the risk of heart disease. This study also found this diet increased the production of chemicals that can counteract the effects of harmful agents that promote inflammation, which could help ease RA symptoms. The researchers note that while this study shows promise for a vegan diet in managing the symptoms and reducing the complications of RA, more research is required to tease out the exact aspects of this manner of eating that offer benefit.
Considerations for Gluten
The aforementioned research studied vegan diets that included another specific component: the absence of gluten. The protein gluten is one of the most common agents to cause a sensitivity or outright allergy. If you go vegan to treat your RA, you also might consider eliminating gluten for optimal benefit. This means cutting out all foods that contain wheat, rye, barley, oats, bulgur, cous cous, kamut, semolina, spelt and seitan, a popular vegetarian meat substitute. Gluten-free grains include rice, corn, quinoa, millet and buckwheat.
Nutritional Deficiency
Completely cutting out animal foods means you are eliminating the richest and sometimes only source of a particular nutrient, so you must plan your diet carefully to avoid deficiencies. Koch notes that the chronic inflammation characteristic of RA decreases protein stores, making it doubly important for you to each lots of plant-based proteins such as soy, whole grains, nuts, seeds and beans. Because most plant-based protein sources might be low in one or more of the essential amino acids, you should eat a variety to ensure you get all of them in the proper proportions -- do not just stick to one or two sources.
She also says RA patients tend to have low levels of important nutrients like B12, calcium and vitamin D. Eating a poorly planned vegan diet increases your risk of deficiency in all of these nutrients, which will only add to your problems. You cannot get B12 from plant sources, contrary to claims -- your body cannot utilize the form found in these foods, so you must use a supplement. Look for foods and drinks fortified with calcium and vitamin D and eat lots of calcium-rich plant foods like almonds and spinach.
References
- "Rheumatology"; A Vegan Diet Free of Gluten Improves the Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis; I Hafstrom, et al.; October 2001
- Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center;Role of Nutrition in Rheumatoid Arthritis;Cheryl Koch, CNSD ;
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Rheumatoid Arthritis;Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; December 2009
- "Science Daily"; Gluten-Free Vegan Diet May Protect Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients From Heart Attack, Stroke, Study Suggests; March 2008
