Mediterranean Food Pattern in RA

[crimson]

The present paper reviews the main aspects of the health properties of Mediterranean food pattern and its components with particular regard to rheumatoid arthritis.

The Mediterranean diet is based on a pattern of eating closely tied to the Mediterranean region and is characterized by an abundance of foods from plant sources, limited meat consumption, moderate amounts of fish, moderate consumption of wine and extra virgin olive oil as the main source of fat.

http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/ben/crr/2009/00000005/00000004/art00010

[kageyd]

That's pretty much a picture what I strive for, and the important thing is - it's Good Tasting Food, which means it's an easy diet to stick with. And I include that one glass of wine every day, lots of research showing that it 'balances' many things in the body.

[Paula]

All of the diets I have read about which may help RA sufferers are common-sense ones - lots of fruits, veggies, whole grains, and easy on the meat and saturated fat. As a very recently diagnosed person, this may be one of the only factors I already have in my favor, as I have been a pescetarian (vegetarian who eats fish) for 20+ years. I usually only eat fish a couple of times a month, but may increase my intake (especially salmon). kageyd, you are certainly right - it is good-tasting food! Unfortunately, it can be expensive - unless you have a green thumb and grow your own garden.

[kageyd]

Paula and Crimson, recently someone posted an anti-inflammation diet (maybe it was Naturelover, maybe it was you Crimson). I commented then on the remarkable similarities among the anti-inflam diet, the Mediterranean diet, and the Pritikin diet (I know someone who has worked in their clinic in Fl for years). In essence, they're all the same - whole grains, veggies, salads, fruit (lots of fruit, good stuff), enough fish for omega-3's, sprinkle some wine around in reasonable amounts, good olive oil, minimum animal fats, occasional eggs, a source of calcium if you don't drink milk, and a a minimum of red meat and especially meat fat. And watch the salt (Bloomberg is proposing salt reduction for NYCity, the same as he did for trans-fats!). And don't worry yourself to death over it, just be aware, not overly scrupulous. Now I'm hungry!!!! Kageyd