Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects joints and is often associated with significant pain and movement restrictions. In addition to conventional drug therapy, nutrition is becoming increasingly important as a supportive measure. Recent studies suggest that healthy eating can positively influence rheumatoid arthritis and related concomitant diseases by alleviating inflammatory processes and preventing bone loss. However, medical or surgical therapy does not replace it.

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What is a healthy diet?

Some diets advertise that they can cure rheumatism - a false promise, because There is no special diet for rheumatism. However, various studies provide clues about what you can pay attention to in your diet. The German Nutrition Society recommends using the food pyramid as a guide. It is recommended that you enjoy a variety of foods to cover a wide range of vitamins, antioxidants and minerals.

The base should be formed by plant foods such as vegetables, fruits and legumes. Carbohydrate-rich products such as whole grains and potatoes form the second stage. However, the quantity is decisive here. In fact, reduced carbohydrate consumption can have a positive effect on the well-being of rheumatoid arthritis. The next stage consists primarily of animal products. Compared to the general dietary recommendation, as a patient with rheumatoid arthritis, you should refrain from eating animal products such as meat, milk, dairy products and eggs. This is because they contain the messenger substance arachidonic acid, which promotes joint inflammation. It is interesting that individual studies show a positive effect on vegetarian or vegan diets. This cannot be understood as a general recommendation. This is because fish is considered a good food for those affected by inflammatory-rheumatic diseases - fish oil contains eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which can reduce inflammation. Oils and fats, preferably vegetable ones, form the top of the pyramid.

Taken together, it is recommended that your diet consists primarily of fruits and vegetables. You are advised to eat carbohydrate-containing foods and enough protein (legumes, nuts, yogurt, fish, etc.). Care must be taken to prepare carefully, eat and enjoy carefully, and eat processed foods sparingly, especially sugar.

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It is important to know that the study situation is still very limited and that there have been no broad recommendations so far. Eating healthily as described above is therefore essential to giving your body the best conditions to feel strong and healthy.

You now know that there is no such thing as a diet for rheumatism. Nevertheless, there are countless types of diet, and new diet trends are constantly circulating, whether fasting, low-carb or keto diet. Some of these diets promise to live longer, heal health, or even illnesses such as rheumatism through appropriate eating. So that you don't lose track of things, we will introduce you to some types of diet and their benefits in the context of rheumatoid arthritis.

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Which diet is the right one?

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Mediterranean diet

The Mediterranean diet is based on the traditional eating habits of the Mediterranean region. It is characterized by a variety of plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, bread and cereals. Olive oil acts as the main source of fats, whereas saturated animal fats are reduced. There are moderate amounts of dairy products, fish and poultry, but hardly any red meat. Studies, in particular those that have examined the classic Mediterranean diet, show significant health-promoting effects. These include an improved probability of survival, a lower risk of heart attack, stroke and obesity, and a reduction in inflammatory activity. This diet allows diversity, can be very tasty and has been well researched scientifically.

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Inflammation-promoting vs. -preventive foods

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that causes systemic inflammation in your joints. Since these can increasingly exert the body and make pain worse, it can be helpful to avoid foods that further drive inflammation. These include: red meat, processed foods, particularly with refined sugar and carbohydrates (e.g. white flour products), as well as fried products and alcohol.

In contrast, eating anti-inflammatory foods with lots of antioxidants prevent inflammation in the body. These include olive oil, green vegetables, nuts, oily fish, dark chocolate, and dark berries. These foods form a large part of the Mediterranean diet that you have just learned about.

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Low-calorie diet

Excessive fat reserves can have a negative effect on rheumatoid arthritis for two reasons: on the one hand, fat cells produce substances that fuel inflammation, the so-called adipocytokines. On the other hand, the more weight joints, which are already heavily stressed, have to bear, the more stress they are placed on them. It is therefore important to keep the weight within a healthy range and Preventing excess weight. You can keep an eye on this together with your doctor.

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Special tips for rheumatoid arthritis patients

1. Avoid inflammatory foods: Reduce consumption of red meat, processed foods with refined sugar and carbohydrates, fried products, and alcohol. Hidden sugar is not that easy to recognize in some foods.
2. Eat more anti-inflammatory foods: Include olive oil, green vegetables, nuts, oily fish, dark chocolate and berries in your diet.
3. Weight control: Keep your weight within a healthy range, as excess weight can put additional stress on the joints.

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conclusion

There is currently little research on nutrition for rheumatoid arthritis. Nevertheless, experts recommend that diet be regarded as a supportive measure, even though it can in no way replace medical or surgical therapy. In addition, caution should be taken against one-sided rheumatism diets in order to avoid deficiency symptoms. However, it is definitely worthwhile to consciously address the issue of nutrition. With our tips and a few small adjustments — such as more vegetables and fish and less meat and ready meals — you can alleviate your symptoms and improve your wellbeing.