The role of a Vegan Diet in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Recently when I was surfing the internet to write something informative and new an article came to my notice. It said that a vegan diet has been found to alleviate the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Intrigued by this, I started searching for more articles with relevant information, and eventually, I got the right topic to write for World Arthritis Day (October 12th).

In the book,‘This is your Mind on Plants’by Michael Pollan an American author, food has been defined as something that comes from nature, fed from nature, and eventually rot, implying that food comes from plants. By this definition, we can assume that the author talks about a plant-based diet. A vegan diet, a trending diet in the nutrition world is also a plant-based diet. More than a diet, it is considered a lifestyle and there are many ambassadors promoting veganism. 

Scientific studies and researches come with new findings every single day. This time, they have found out that a vegan diet proves beneficial against rheumatoid arthritis. In this blog, you will be enriched with the study that was conducted by Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) in April 2022 to say that the vegan diet is beneficial, its outcome, and also the limitations of the claim.

The study was conducted with 44 women, mostly white, as subjects. These women were highly educated as well. The subjects were split into two teams. In one team, a vegan diet was followed for four weeks. Vegetables like onions, white potatoes, sweet potatoes, fruits containing citrus, apples, bananas, tomatoes, gluten-containing grains, varieties of nuts, chocolate, coffee, alcohol, and sugar were also restricted as they are considered to stimulate the symptoms. Following the seventh week, food reintroduction was made with one food at a time. If any of the food that was reintroduced caused any issue or triggered any symptom of arthritis, it was avoided throughout the sixteen weeks. 

In the other team, the usual diet was followed. They were advocated to consume a capsule consisting of doses of omega - 3 fatty acids and Vitamin E.

On the completion of sixteen weeks, a period of four weeks was given as a break. After which the diet was interchanged between the teams.

The following observations were observed in the teams. The team following a Vegan diet showed a decrease in the average number of swollen joints from 7 to 3.3. On the other hand, the team following the usual diet showed an increase in the average number of swollen joints from 4.7 to 5. Also, the members of the team following the vegan diet lost an average of 14 pounds. Whereas the members of the team gained nearly an average of 2 pounds. 

Though this observation can be shocking to many, there are reasons quoted by nutritionists as to how this outcome could have occurred. A vegan diet or strict vegetarian diet has anti-inflammatory properties. This is because the plant-based diet has remarkable levels of antioxidant compounds like phytochemicals and vitamins which are found to lower inflammation. Arthritis being an inflammatory disease, a plant-based diet can have some welcoming effects. Generally, there is a conception that suggests the control over the excessive consumption of sodium which is majorly found in packaged and highly processed foods, saturated fat and trans fat which is found in red meat, rich in fat dairy products, sweeteners like sugar-sweetened beverages and desserts provide significant relief from the symptoms. A vegan diet also omits the consumption of such foods. Therefore this can also be a reason for the positive outcome of the study.

However, there are claims made against the outcome of the study due to various reasons. Here are some claims that test the reliability of the study’s result. First and foremost, the study was conducted only with 44 women out of which only 32 were able to complete the study. If the same result comes out even when several hundreds of people are taken for the study, it can be accepted by a huge population. Also, the study doesn’t have diverse participants. There are no men and majorly consists only of white women. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease and therefore coming to the conclusion based on a study conducted for a few weeks can be unreliable. No evidence is given on how strictly the subjects followed the advocated diet. Also, there is a lack of proper assessments like X-Rays, MRI results, or other assessments. The severity of arthritis differs with each person. Hence coming to a conclusion cannot be accepted as a diet that works out for one person need not necessarily work out for the other person. Diet can have some effects but it doesn’t mean that it can manage the symptoms completely. On the whole, it is put forward that there a is lack of evidence for everyone to accept that a vegan diet is beneficial for everyone.  

No matter what, it is always optimum to maintain a healthy diet for seniors. It is important to have strong bones irrespective of your age. Ask your nutritionist to give your senior and you a diet for strong bones, because bone health is always important. Joint pain in old age is common, but it can be overcome by proper diet, strict medications, and exercises for knee joint pain. Talking about exercises, under Athulya Home Healthcare services we provide the best physiotherapy at home. Call us at 098849 45900 to know more and to choose the best service for your senior.