Individuals struggling with autoimmune conditions, especially those affecting the joints and thyroid, might find relief by adopting a Mediterranean diet, suggests recent research published in the Nutrients journal. This study explores the impacts of dietary fiber, olive oil, and fatty fish on both systemic and specific organ autoimmune disorders.
The diet is renowned for its anti-inflammatory attributes, particularly beneficial against rheumatoid arthritis and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. It is rich in fiber, olive oil, fruits, grains, legumes, nuts, and vegetables, with moderate consumption of fish and poultry, and minimal intake of red meat, processed foods, and refined sugars.
The high fiber content fosters fermentative bacteria that produce anti-inflammatory short-chain fatty acids. Meanwhile, the omega-3 fatty acids in oily fish are known to inhibit inflammatory cytokines and aid in the modulation of T-cell differentiation, crucial for rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Extra virgin olive oil, a staple of the Mediterranean diet, is packed with bioactive compounds like carotenoids and phenolics, which are proven to offer protective benefits against rheumatoid arthritis.
In studies focusing on animals, the consumption of olive oil has shown to suppress the secretion of nitric oxide and pro-inflammatory cytokines in cases of systemic lupus erythematosus.
This diet not only provides a cost-effective approach to managing autoimmune diseases but also shows significant clinical benefits, as the body’s immune system can sometimes mistakenly target its own tissues. This complex interaction involves various mechanisms and cell types, differentiating autoimmune arthritis from types caused by cartilage wear over time.
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As the risk of developing arthritis increases with age, it’s noted that dietary choices play a significant role in inflammation and its management.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlights that while anyone can develop arthritis, it is more prevalent among older adults, those with a family history of the condition, and differs by type between genders.
