Study Suggests that Diet and Gut Health May Affect Rheumatoid Arthritis
The AIP diet is a new approach that aims to identify and eliminate triggers responsible for inflammation in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.
Millions of people worldwide are living with the painful symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder marked by joint inflammation. While the exact causes of this condition are still unknown, recent research suggests a potential link between gut health and rheumatoid arthritis.
Microbiome Effects
A recent review explains how certain dietary changes may help alleviate the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that causes painful swelling in the joints, particularly in the hands and feet, leading to mobility issues and decreased quality of life. In addition to joint pain, this autoimmune disease can also result in other health complications such as skin nodules and lung problems.
Increases in a bacteria called Collinsella could compromise the gut barrier, allowing harmful substances to enter the bloodstream and trigger inflammation. Conversely, a lack of beneficial bacteria like Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (F. prausnitzii) can worsen symptoms.
Diets to Treat Autoimmune Disease
A fiber-rich diet can help reduce inflammation by supporting healthy gut bacteria. Consuming omega-3 fatty acids from foods like fish and vitamin E may also support gut health and immune function.
On the other hand, diets high in saturated fats and red meat could exacerbate rheumatoid arthritis symptoms due to their pro-inflammatory effects. The Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, and healthy fats like olive oil while limiting red meat and processed foods, has been recommended to manage this condition.
Other diets, such as vegan and anti-inflammatory diets, have shown promise in reducing joint inflammation. However, the autoimmune protocol diet (AIP) stands out as a potential solution to address inflammation related to dietary choices.
Stephanie Schiff, a registered dietitian nutritionist at Huntington Hospital, highlighted that the AIP diet involves eliminating potentially inflammatory foods to identify triggers and improve symptoms.
Some foods removed on the AIP diet include grains containing gluten, legumes, dairy, eggs, nuts, seeds, and certain vegetables like nightshades. Schiff emphasized the importance of the elimination process in identifying individual sensitivities.
AIP vs. Mediterranean Diet
Schiff noted that autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, lupus, and polycystic ovary syndrome may be influenced by dietary choices. While the Mediterranean diet is generally anti-inflammatory and beneficial for most people, the AIP diet can help individuals with autoimmune conditions pinpoint specific trigger foods.
It is essential to work with a registered dietitian when following a restrictive diet like AIP to prevent nutrient deficiencies and ensure a balanced intake.
