Inability to absorb vitamins
Likeliness to consume more carbohydrates
Avoidance of important protein
Drop in CoQ10 levels
Inflames arthritis pain

Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when a person's immune system attacks the joints. This leads to inflammation and pain. Eventually, the inflammation leads to erosion of tissue and bone. More than 2 million Americans suffer from the disease.

* Eat and Feel Good *

The March issue of the Annals of Rheumatoid Diseases (2003) published the novel study. Researchers tested the effect of a Mediterranean style diet on rheumatoid arthritis pain.

The Mediterranean diet has made headlines by preventing heart disease. But researchers have found that this diet is even more valuable.

The Mediterranean diet is abundant in olive oil, fish, fruits, vegetables, and legumes. The diet is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, oleic acid, antioxidants, and vitamin E.

The key to this diet is that monounsaturated fats are abundant. Fatty acids and nutrients in fat have anti-inflammatory properties. They actually assist in decreasing arthritis inflammation.

The study provided meals for over 50 people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Half of the volunteers ate a Mediterranean style diet. The other half at a traditional “western” diet for 3 months.

Those who at the Mediterranean style diet reported significant improvements. Volunteers on the Mediterranean diet had better physical function and an increase in physical ability. Those who at the western diet reported no changes in symptoms.

Researchers also found an added benefit in the third week of the study. The cholesterol levels of all of those on the Mediterranean diet dropped significantly.

Look at Health Alert 25 for some tips on incorporating a Mediterranean style diet into your lifestyle.

Al Sears MD