While there's no single diet that cures RA, research shows that an anti-inflammatory diet may help reduce symptoms. The Mediterranean diet is particularly beneficial, featuring high-fiber, low-fat foods including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, legumes, and extra virgin olive oil. This eating pattern has been shown Show Full Answer
While there's no single diet that cures RA, research shows that an anti-inflammatory diet may help reduce symptoms. The Mediterranean diet is particularly beneficial, featuring high-fiber, low-fat foods including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, legumes, and extra virgin olive oil. This eating pattern has been shown to reduce inflammatory markers in the blood.
Some people find success with a plant-based diet to reduce inflammation. The key is avoiding foods that may trigger inflammation, such as saturated fats, trans fats, red meat, and refined carbohydrates including processed grains and white flour. Many people find it helpful to start with an elimination diet to identify personal trigger foods. This involves temporarily removing certain foods and then slowly reintroducing them to observe which ones might cause flares. For example, some people find gluten or sugar triggers their symptoms, while others don't have issues with these foods.
Remember to discuss any dietary changes with your rheumatologist or dietitian first to ensure the changes are appropriate for your specific situation.
April 1, 2025