Rheumatic Disease, Gout, Arthritis, Lupus

This group of inflammatory diseases includes Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Osteoarthritis (OA), Gout, Lupus, Scleroderma, and Sjogren’s disease. These may be caused by immune dysregulation, infections, or gradual deterioration of joints, muscles, ligaments, or bones.

Whether inflammation is due to stress on the joints such as in OA, or autoimmune response as in RA, an uncontrolled and long-lasting inflammatory reaction causes more damage than repair.

The anti-inflammatory diet promotes a protective effect against tissue damage and suppression of inflammatory activity.  It works by reducing the expression of genes involved in the inflammatory process and includes:

• as much fresh foods as possible,
• minimized amounts of processed foods, fast foods, saturated fats or sugar,
• an abundance of fresh vegetables and fruit, contributing anti-inflammatory phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals,
• lean protein, and omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, olive oil,
• nuts, seeds, legumes, and dietary fiber.