Published: March 24, 2008 10:24 am      

Controlling diet can help arthritis sufferers

Arthritis affects nearly one in five adults. It’s a painful condition accompanied by an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Millions of Americans are desperate for a remedy — but can fruits, vegetables and other vegetarian foods really help reduce the risk of complications from arthritis?

In a new study by Swedish researchers, participants who followed a gluten-free vegan diet experienced increased levels of natural antibodies that fight the damaging compounds that cause the chronic inflammatory symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. This diet also lowered cholesterol and body weight and reduced the risk of heart attack and stroke. Heart attacks and strokes are among the leading causes of death for people suffering from arthritis because the inflammation affects the arteries.

Removing meat and other animal products from the diet removes excessive amounts of saturated fat and cholesterol — two key contributors to heart diseases. This healthy diet can also help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes and some forms of cancer. A vegan diet rich in whole grains, beans, plenty of fruits and vegetables has numerous benefits that can help anyone looking to ward off disease or simply improve overall health.

— Susan Levin, M.S., R.D.

Staff Dietitian

Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine

Washington, DC