What Can I Eat or Not Eat to Cure My Arthritis?

It’s important to note that changes in the gut microbiota have been seen in people with arthritis.^8,9 Although it’s not yet clear if pre- and probiotic supplements could treat arthritis, it’s probable that consuming a diet rich in fiber, plant nutrients and fermented foods can improve the diversity and vitality of the gut microbiota and benefit people with arthritis.

Another new avenue of research is fasting. To date, the research is not conclusive, but this may be due, in part, to the fact that many different fasting protocols exist.¹⁰

It’s also important to note that following a Mediterranean eating pattern has been linked to maintaining a healthy body weight and to reducing the incidence of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and depression, all of which are comorbidities of arthritis. This information adds weight to the recommendation that your patients adopt this eating pattern.

What’s the Answer?

How can you answer your clients’ questions on diet? First, ask your clients to fill out a validated Mediterranean diet screening questionnaire. If the client is already following the Mediterranean eating pattern, congratulations are in order. Roxanne Bennet and colleagues analyzed data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging and found that seniors with arthritis were more likely to be at nutritional risk than seniors who do not have arthritis.¹¹ Suggest patients consult with a registered dietitian who can help them better understand what eating habits they currently have and how to use those habits to build a healthier diet.

Second, encourage patients to focus on small nudges instead of a complete diet overhaul. There is evidence these behavioral nudges to routines and habits result in more sustainable changes to diet and health.¹²

Third, reassure your clients that changing their diet and specifically limiting a single food or food group (e.g., dairy or gluten) may not affect their disease activity or their symptoms. Encourage them instead to try the Mediterranean diet approach. You may also want to consider testing for celiac disease, vitamin D levels and the omega-3 index.

Finally, encourage clients to adopt habits that can improve the health of their gut microbiota. The Mediterranean eating plan is a good place to start, and a meeting with a dietitian can help clients to focus on the appropriate nudges they need to make so they will enjoy the maximum benefit.

Kim Arrey, DtP, is a preceptor for students in dietetics and a guest lecturer at McGill University, Montreal, for students in dietetics and medicine. She’s also a member of the Ordre des Diététistes Nutritionnistes de Quebec and Dietitians of Canada. A graduate of McGill University, she completed the Certification in Adult Weight Management from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the Learning Retreat on the Principles of Interdisciplinary Obesity Management for Dietitians, and the Level 1 CHEF Coaching certificate from Harvard University. Ms. Arrey has been a reviewer for Practice-Based Evidence in Nutrition—The Global Resource for Nutrition Practice. She also co-authored The Complete Arthritis Health, Diet Guide and Cookbook.