Mediterranean diet could reduce pain and increase function in rheumatoid arthritis

The Mediterranean diet may reduce pain and increase physical function for people with rheumatoid arthritis, says a review of the evidence published in Rheumatology International.

People with rheumatoid arthritis often turn to dietary interventions to alleviate symptoms, alongside prescribed treatment. So a team of experts reviewed the effects of the Mediterranean diet in particular on the management and prevention of rheumatoid arthritis.

Only four studies met the strict inclusion criteria. Two studies reported less pain and better scores in health assessments in the Mediterranean diet groups. One study reported a reduction in the 28 joint count disease activity score for rheumatoid arthritis for the Mediterranean diet group.

“This review has identified beneficial effects of the Mediterranean diet in reducing pain and increasing physical function in people living with rheumatoid arthritis,” the group explains. “However, there is currently insufficient evidence to support widespread recommendation of the Mediterranean diet for prevention of rheumatoid arthritis.”

Click here to read the original research.

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