Inflammation reducing diets

[Breconblue]

I’m wondering whether there is actually any published peer reviewed scientific evidence rather than anecdotal to show that ANY diet affects PMR and inflammation? I can see than eating less of fatty and sugary foods would lead to weight loss itself . However both my GP and Rheumatologist says leaving out certain foods doesn’t make a half pence worth of difference but makes some folk feel they are “ in control” and may have some effect for that reason. Some of the diets I have read look hard to follow and not worth it if it’s only a psychological benefit

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Not that I know of - dietary effects are very difficult to do studies on because they are always observational and difficult to control, depending on reported intake. A study on RA patients who were supplied with a strictly vegan diet found that joint pain improved in half of them - as soon as even the smallest amount of animal protein was returned to the diet the pain was back. My grandadughter is vegan - and her severe brittle asthma that had her in resus every few weeks with the doctors scratching their heads is gone.

I think they are wrong though. Everyone is different in what doesn't suit them and blanket "omit gluten" or "don't eat nightshades" commands are a bit pointless. If being gluten-free helped you would imagine coeliacs wouldn't develop PMR. They do. I was eating gluten-free when mine started - because I am allergic to something in the structure of wheat starch and eating wheat-free in the UK isn't easy! Now I occasionally eat bread - no identifiable problems. Sugar doesn't help a lot of people - they come wondering why they feel rubbish and then realise it was that birthday cake, or xmas and they ate far more carbs than usual.

But cutting carbs has an effect on at least 2 factors: weight gain and steroid-induced diabetes. And we have plenty of numbers to confirm that - it isn't just that they THINK, they actually DO lose weight. Which according to most English-speaking doctors is impossible on pred.

[Breconblue in reply to PMRpro]

Yes I came off Pred exactly a year ago ( after tapering) as I worried about my low immunoglobulin and Covid. I have lost over 10kg but had other issues.. I was overweight so have managed to keep off by avoiding bread/ sugar etc. My PMR pain is dreadful during the night and am but not so bad during the day so I’m going to press on. I was given Amytriptyline to take at night but quite honestly I feel like I’ve had 3 bottles vino but can’t say it helps stiffness or pain 🥴

[piglette]

I think following a healthy diet is the most important. I gave up gluten when I first was diagnosed with PMR as I was told it stopped the moon face, amazingly it worked, but of course could just have been a flook. I also try and cut out liquorice as it is not a good idea to have it if on pred.

[alliebc in reply to piglette]

Oh, that’s funny about the liquorice! I didn’t know it’s a no-no on Pred! I only started my amazing pain reducing journey on it a few weeks ago, but have actually craved a small piece of Aussie liquorice every night since. I didn’t used to keep it in the house. That or a piece of dark chocolate!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to alliebc]

It is said to increase the effects of pred - they talk about the side effects but given that methotrexate can do the same, I want to see a trial of using licorice as a steroid sparer ...

[piglette in reply to PMRpro]

I will test it for them!!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to piglette]

I could have my arm twisted ...

[piglette in reply to alliebc]

Dark chocolate is good for you.

[fmkkm]

There are studies showing sugar can cause inflammation. Aside from that it is based on each individual. I find I don’t feel well after certain food so I don’t eat them. If your body reacts to something you ate it can cause inflammation which in turn can exacerbate GCA inflammation. About the only things I avoid at this point are heavy cream, MSG, moldy cheese, gluten, sugar, pea protein, processed food and greasy food.

[SnazzyD in reply to fmkkm]

I think that if sugar wasn’t bad then diabetes wouldn’t be a thing and the body wouldn’t go to such lengths to get the level down if you eat it.

[fmkkm in reply to SnazzyD]

Agree - it's just so addicting!