Rheumatoid Arthritis Health Center

Greek Diet Eases Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Meanwhile, those on a diet richer in dairy foods and red meat -- typical in Sweden as well as the U.S. -- also received prepared meals, but no counseling. They lost no weight and reported no measurable symptom relief. None of the study participants in either group had previously followed the Mediterranean or a vegetarian-based diet.

"The results of this intervention program indicate that a Cretan Mediterranean diet suppresses disease activity in patients who have stable and modestly active rheumatoid arthritis," write the researchers. "Thus, by eating a Mediterranean diet for three months, patients with RA can obtain better physical function and increase their activity. In theory, even a minor effect that is persistent and accumulates over time might be important."