Lifestyle Modification in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Dietary and Physical Activity Recommendations Based on Evidence

摘要

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disease, considered themost common inflammatory articular disease among the general population. However, not only thejoints are affected; rheumatoid arthritis also has an extra-articular manifestation. As for many otherchronic diseases, rheumatoid arthritis may be exacerbated by poorer lifestyle choices. In fact, recentstudies emphasize the role of nutrition and physical activity in this disease.Aim: In the current paper, we aim to describe lifestyle modifications based on diet and physical activityand other recommendations that seem to improve the clinical management and the diseaseoutcome of Rheumatoid arthritis.Results: A three-component lifestyle modification programme has been considered based on: (i) Alow-fat low-sodium Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts and poor insugar-sweetened beverages, red and processed meat and trans fats, and the supplementation withomega-3 fatty acids, non-essential amino acids and probiotics, (ii) An appropriate physical activityprogramme based on an active daily lifestyle, aerobic exercise and resistance training and (iii) Adequatesleep hygiene and smoking reduction/cessation, that seems to have positive effects in terms ofdisease progression and related outcomes.Conclusion: Lifestyle modification programme should be considered as the basis of any treatment,(i.e., pharmacological treatment), in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.