Mediterranean Greek Diet For Arthritis

The Mediterranean Greek diet is based on foods people of Crete ate prior to 1960, according to scientists at The Center for Genetics, Nutrition and Health in Washington, D.C. and published in the "Journal of Nutrition" in 2001. Arthritis comprises over 100 conditions characterized by inflammation and pain of the musculoskeletal system and joints, with rheumatoid arthritis the most common type. Consult your doctor on the benefits of the Mediterranean diet.

Mediterranean Greek Diet

The Mediterranean diet comprises eating whole foods and avoiding processed foods. The diet emphasizes eating generous amounts of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds and olive oil, moderate amounts of low-fat yogurt and cheese and fish, low amounts of poultry and minimal amounts of red meat. The diet also includes red wine. Based on the composition of these foods, the diet includes healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids and monounsaturated fat and has minimal amounts of unhealthy fats, such as saturated fat and trans fats. Omega-3 fatty acids can relieve inflammation and pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Arthritis

Arthritis is an autoimmune disease caused by your immune system attacking certain cells and tissues in your body. Research by scientists at Leicester General Hospital in England and published in "Postgraduate Medical Journal" in 2007 reports that rheumatoid arthritis may start after the exposure of food antigens in the intestine. Nonetheless, the incidence of rheumatoid arthritis is much lower in Greece where the diet comprises higher amounts of olive oil, fruits and vegetables than countries with higher incidence of arthritis and lower consumption of these foods, according to research by scientists at the University of Manchester in England and published in "Proceedings of the Nutrition Society" in 2004.

Prevention

Adhering to a Mediterranean diet may reduce your risk of arthritis. Research by scientists at the University of Padova in Italy and published in "Current Rheumatology Reviews" in 2009 reports that the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes consumption of extra-virgin olive oil, can prevent arthritis. Extra-virgin olive oil contains high concentrations of monounsaturated fatty acids and phenolic compounds, such as squalene and oleocanthal, which have anti-inflammatory properties.

Treatment

The Mediterranean diet can relieve symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Research by scientists at Kalmar County Hospital in Sweden and published in the "Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases" in 2003 found that the Mediterranean diet reduces inflammation, increases physical function and improves vitality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Results became apparent after six weeks of adherence to the Mediterranean diet, whereas patients who did not adhere to the diet did not experience changes in symptoms.

Mediterranean Greek Diet for Arthritis