Nutritional Strategies for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Exploring Pathways to Better Management

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune illness that affects the entire body, with the involvement of the joints and gradual bone and cartilage loss. Environmental and genetic factors contribute to the susceptibility to RA. A growing body of research in recent years has indicated that nutrition plays a major impact in both the risk and course of disease. Notably, environmental factors like dust, pollution, infections, and smoking are identified as potential contributors to systemic autoimmunity preceding symptom onset. Amidst this complexity, the role of nutrition emerges as a significant area of interest, with studies indicating potential links between dietary habits and the onset of RA. The article thoroughly investigates the impact of dietary choices on inflammation, drawing attention to the dichotomy of foods with either pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory effects. The Western diet, characterized by its high intake of red meat, saturated fats, and refined carbohydrates, is implicated in elevating inflammation, insulin resistance, and obesity, potentially increasing the risk of RA. Further, the intricate relationship between nutrition and inflammatory diseases is explored, emphasizing the impact of specific nutrients on inflammatory processes. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, crucial for cellular membranes and inflammatory regulation, emerge as potential therapeutic supplements for RA management. Additionally, calorie restriction and antioxidants are identified as influential factors in mitigating inflammation and disease activity in RA patients. The manuscript also examines the effects of various dietary components such as flavonoids, gluten, fasting, vitamin D, and probiotics on RA. Overall, the manuscript presents a comprehensive overview of the intricate relationship between diet and RA, shedding light on the potential avenues for leveraging nutrition as a tool for managing and potentially mitigating the impact of this complex autoimmune condition. Keywords: Inflammation, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Nutritional Therapy, Omega-3 fatty acids, Joint pains, Antioxidants