The dietary treatment of inflammatory arthritis: case reports and review of the literature

Hawaii Med J. 1999 May;58(5):126-31.

Abstract

Two patients with seropositive inflammatory arthropathies who experienced clinical improvement on the Waianae diet are presented. The scientific literature validates the usefulness of fasting in the control of joint inflammation. Elimination diets are variably successful. Fasting followed by a vegetarian diet can produce a sustained positive response measured clinically and by laboratory variables of inflammation; the efficacy of such an approach appears to hinge on the alteration of fecal flora. Swaying the balance of dietary fats in favor of the omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids has an antiinflammatory effect, but does not appear to correct the basic immunologic processes involved in the development of the arthropathies. Practical guidelines for the application of this information are offered.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Arthritis / diet therapy*
  • Arthritis / etiology
  • Diet, Fat-Restricted*
  • Dietary Carbohydrates / administration & dosage
  • Dietary Fats / administration & dosage
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / complications
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / diagnosis
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / diet therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Dietary Carbohydrates
  • Dietary Fats