Polyunsaturated fatty acids combat inflammation

A new review highlights the important role of diet and lifestyle in the management of rheumatoid arthritis. Outlook for people diagnosed with the autoimmune condition has drastically improved due to new drugs, but there is still a way to go.
In recent years research has discovered that some nutrients, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids, can reduce inflammation and act as antioxidants, thus protecting against the onset of rheumatoid arthritis. Polyunsaturated fats are a category of fats that include both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Think fatty fish, nuts, seeds, flaxseed oil and vegetable oils. Check out our next issue (2024 issue 2) to find out how to raise your dietary intake of these.
Conversely, salt and red meat have negative effects on health, promoting the development and progression of rheumatoid arthritis. It’s clear too that worse treatment outcomes are linked to smoking, obesity and lack of physical activity.
Moving forward, the focus will be on healthy living, supplements and diets – such as the Mediterranean diet, vitamin D and probiotics – alongside existing treatments.
People with rheumatoid arthritis “must be urged to live a healthy lifestyle and eat well” advise the research team in Cureus.

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