The Mediterranean diet is rich in anti-inflammatory compounds, such as omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and phytochemicals, which may help to reduce pain and inflammation.
A study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in 2016 found that following a Mediterranean diet was associated with significantly reducing pain and stiffness in adults with rheumatoid arthritis. The study included 74 adults with rheumatoid arthritis randomly assigned to either a Mediterranean diet or a control group. After six months, the Mediterranean diet group significantly improved pain and stiffness and decreased the number of tender and swollen joints.
The study, entitled “Mediterranean Diet and Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial,” aimed to investigate the effects of a Mediterranean diet on adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The Mediterranean diet is characterized by a high intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and healthy fats, such as olive oil, and a low intake of red meat, processed foods, and refined sugars.
The study included 74 adults with RA randomly assigned to either a Mediterranean diet or a control group, which followed their usual diet. The Mediterranean diet group received dietary counseling and education on how to follow a Mediterranean diet and were instructed to increase their intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and healthy fats while decreasing their intake of red meat, processed foods, and refined sugars.
After six months, the Mediterranean diet group significantly improved pain and stiffness, as measured by the Disease Activity Score (DAS28), and decreased the number of tender and swollen joints, as measured by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria. Additionally, the Mediterranean diet group significantly improved physical function, as measured by the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ).
The study concluded that a Mediterranean diet may be beneficial in reducing pain and stiffness and improving physical function in adults with RA. The researchers suggested that the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the Mediterranean diet may play a role in the improvement of RA symptoms.
Another study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2018 found that following a Mediterranean diet was associated with a significant reduction in pain and inflammation in adults with osteoarthritis. The study included 153 adults with osteoarthritis randomly assigned to either a Mediterranean diet or a control group. After 12 months, the Mediterranean diet group had a significant improvement in pain and inflammation and decreased the number of tender and swollen joints.
In conclusion, the Mediterranean diet may be an effective dietary intervention for reducing pain and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. The Mediterranean diet is rich in anti-inflammatory compounds and has been shown to improve pain and inflammation in these conditions.
However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and to determine the optimal dietary approach for reducing pain and inflammation in different populations.