A recent study undertaken by experts found that a low-fat vegan regimen without caloric limitations relieves joint discomfort in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Weight loss and a reduction in cholesterol levels were also reported by participants in the study.
People with rheumatoid arthritis who follow a plant-based diet may find relief from their joint discomfort. Weight reduction and lowered cholesterol are both good outcomes of using this medication.
It is normal for rheumatoid arthritis to produce discomfort, swelling, and ultimately long-term joint damage in sufferers. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used by patients in the Physicians Committee trial to assess the degree of their greatest joint discomfort in the prior two weeks, with levels ranging from “feeling zero pain” to “as bad as it could be.”
Forty-four people having rheumatoid arthritis were divided into two groups and studied for 16 weeks in each. The first group maintained a vegan lifestyle for 4 weeks before reintroducing each food category one at a time over a period of nine weeks, during which time they excluded additional items. Participants were expected to prepare and buy their own meals with the help of the study staff. The second group was allowed to eat anything they wanted, but they had to take a placebo pill every day. Next, the diets were altered over a period of 16 weeks.
On average, the Disease Activity Score-28 (DAS28) declined by 2 points throughout this vegan stage of the trial, versus the average decrease of 0.3 points during the placebo period. This indicates that joint pain was reduced significantly. Swollen joints reduced from 7.0 to 3.33 in the vegan period, whereas they rose from 4.7 toward 5 in the placebo stage, indicating a reduction in inflammation. A substantial improvement in VAS ratings was also seen in individuals who finished their study.
