What diet should I adhere to patients with arthritis, to manage their condition? This question was answered thanks to the largest analysis of diets and various types of arthritis. Scientists analyzed data from 15 studies and more than 800 patients.

After studying several diets popular with patients with arthritis, they found that the best effect in relieving pain was a Mediterranean-style diet, with products such as fruits, vegetables, grains, fish, olive oil and limited red meat consuming. After 12 weeks, people on this diet reported about a 15-percent reduction in pain, however, there were no improvements in physical functions or in the morning rigor. The vegetarian diet, which also includes eggs and dairy products, had a similar effect.

In other studies, patients who, in addition to anti-rheumatic drugs, were given fish oil daily, noticeable improvements were seen for swollen and painful joints than patients given a placebo, presumably because of the anti-inflammatory effect of the oil.

Conversely, vegetables from the family of nightshade, such as potatoes and tomatoes, contributed to increased pain. Scientists suggest that in the aggravation of inflammation, a group of compounds contained in these vegetables, known as alkaloids. But so far there have been no specific studies that could confirm this.

Experts say that a diet in which suspicious foods are gradually removed should help patients identify any problematic foods.

Source: News Yu.

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