Fasting and Nutrition as Promising Treatment Strategies for Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis in Transitional Hormonal...

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Immunology
• Nutrition Science

Background:

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting 1% of the global population, with higher prevalence in women.
• Current RA treatments are insufficient, highlighting the need for novel therapies, particularly for women during hormonal transitions like pregnancy and menopause.
• Dietary interventions, including fasting and plant-based nutrition, are emerging as potential complementary strategies for RA management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the preventive and therapeutic potential of fasting and nutrition in rheumatoid arthritis.
• To explore the application of these dietary strategies in the context of hormonal fluctuations and transitional life stages in women.
• To investigate the mechanisms by which fasting and nutrition may alleviate RA symptoms.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on fasting, plant-based diets, and their effects on rheumatoid arthritis.
• Analysis of research on inflammation, autophagy, immune modulation, gut microbiome, and metabolic health in relation to RA.
• Examination of the role of hormonal changes in RA and the potential impact of dietary interventions.

Main Results:

• Fasting demonstrates potential to reduce systemic inflammation, promote autophagy, and modulate immune cell activity, potentially decreasing joint pain and swelling in RA.
• Plant-based and anti-inflammatory diets may improve RA outcomes by influencing the gut microbiome, supporting weight management, enhancing metabolic health, and reducing oxidative stress.
• These dietary approaches offer promising complementary strategies for RA management and improving quality of life.

Conclusions:

• Fasting and nutrition, particularly plant-based diets, present promising avenues for RA management and symptom alleviation.
• These interventions may be particularly beneficial during hormonal transitional stages, addressing an unmet need in RA care for women.
• Further research into the precise mechanisms is warranted, but these dietary strategies offer a potential to enhance RA treatment and patient well-being.