Benefits from a plant-based diet, intermittent fasting and aspects of ayurvedic nutrition in rheumatoid arthritis – A case report

摘要

? 2023 Elsevier LtdBackground: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common rheumatologic diseases worldwide causing high morbidity and mortality as well as a high socioeconomic burden. Current medications offer several therapeutic options. Additionally, increasing evidence endorses the beneficial influence of certain diets on the disease activity in RA. Case presentation: Here we present a case of a female patient with a history of 3 years of active seronegative RA under current medication with prednisolone and methotrexate. Additionally, she received dietary counselling and started a plant-based diet with RA-specific dietary recommendations from Traditional Indian Medicine and intermittent fasting. This dietary regimen included meatless vegetable-based main meals, a high amount of whole food products, home-made food from fresh, organic products, and warm servings. While implementing the dietary recommendations for three years, inflammatory parameters decreased. At a 3-years-follow-up, she was able to cease her pharmacotherapy due to a complete clinical remission of RA disease activity. Conclusions: This case highlights the value of additional nutritional therapy in RA as well as the potential role of the gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of RA. Well-planned prospective clinical trials are warranted in this promising field of medicine.