The Paleo Diet Adapted for Arthritis

Health care providers and nutrition experts are now well aware of how a person’s diet can impact their symptoms if they are living with chronic illness. Last month, we added our first post describing the paleo diet and how it has become more popular amongst a broad range of people. In fact, many people living with some form of arthritis are adopting a specialized form of the paleo diet to help reduce their own symptoms.

As you may already know, many of the advocates of the paleo lifestyle believe that the foods which have become such a staple among human beings since the agricultural revolution can be blamed for the widespread incidence of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. But, how can you reduce the painful symptoms of arthritis by eliminating things like grains and dairy from your diet?

Inflammation of the Joints and Gut

In 2000, Dr. Loren Cordain published a now famous paper that argued that the Paleolithic diet could be used to prevent the development of arthritis. One of the doctor’s strongest points was the high correlation between the inflammation of the joints and inflammation of the gut. Dr. Cordain theorized that the primary culprit were these things called lectins; proteins found in grains which can lead to autoimmune complications when eaten in large quantities.

Thus, many people who claim to be experts in the Stone Age diet recommend the elimination of grains for people suffering from arthritic conditions. Foods like wheat actually has a large amount of both lectin and gluten, and clinical studies have suggested that there is a significant link between arthritis and gluten/lectin intolerance. Most paleo advocates would recommend that all people should avoid eating grains, but this is in line with the basic foundations of the caveman diet.

Cut Out the Omega-6 Fats

Experts also suggest that consuming large amounts of Omega-6 fats could be causing issues for people living with rheumatic conditions. Research has shown that high consumption of Omega-6 can cause elevated levels of interleukin-6, a cytokine that can induce inflammation and has been linked to arthritis in the past. Food items that have a lot of Omega-6 fats include many processed cooking oils (corn, soybean, vegetable oils, etc.). With the caveman diet, you are encouraged to replace these with alternatives like coconut oil, olive oil, or even plain butter. Omega-6 can also be found in certain whole grain breads and cereals.

There are plenty of foods which are recommended under the Paleolithic diet which are known for being anti-inflammatory in nature. Fresh fish like salmon and mackerel provide great sources of Omega-3 fatty acids. No to be confused with Omega-6 fats, Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation caused by arthritis, and they can provide a host of other health benefits.

Getting More Antioxidants in Your Diet

Another great benefit from eating paleo is that you’ll be improving the level of antioxidants you get in your everyday meals. Clinical trials on arthritis have provided strong evidence in support of antioxidants properties as anti-inflammatories. The best sources of antioxidants on the paleo diet come from non-starchy vegetables and plenty of fruits.

If you have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis or some other autoimmune disease, then it is crucial that you talk to your doctor before you decide to make any significant changes to your regular diet. While many people have found relief from arthritis pain by adopting the modern caveman diet, this does not necessarily mean that it would be the best choice to make for you. Review all your options with your primary health care provider and nutritionist, and they can help you form the right meal plan for your illness.