From the Guidelines
There is no conclusive evidence to suggest that gluten directly triggers Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), but some individuals may experience symptom improvement with a gluten-free diet. According to the 2023 American College of Rheumatology guideline for exercise, rehabilitation, diet, and additional integrative interventions for rheumatoid arthritis 1, the focus is on managing RA through various interventions, including diet. While this guideline does not specifically address the relationship between gluten and RA, it emphasizes the importance of considering diet in RA management.
When considering the potential impact of gluten on RA symptoms, it's essential to note that gluten can cause inflammation in individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. Some people with RA may also experience improved symptoms when following a gluten-free diet, possibly due to reduced inflammation. However, it's crucial to approach this under the guidance of a healthcare provider or registered dietitian to ensure proper nutrition and to monitor any changes in symptoms.
Key points to consider:
- RA is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints, and diet can influence overall inflammation in the body.
- Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, can cause inflammation in people with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
- If individuals with RA suspect that gluten might be affecting their symptoms, they may consider trying a gluten-free diet for 4-6 weeks under professional guidance.
- It's essential to keep a symptom journal during this time to track any changes and to consult with a healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes.
- A gluten-free diet should not replace conventional RA treatments like disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or other medications prescribed by a rheumatologist, as stated in the guideline 1.
From the Research
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Gluten
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that suggests Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) can be triggered by gluten 2, 3, 4, 5.
- However, one study suggests that some patients with RA believe that certain foods, including potentially gluten, can affect their symptoms 6.
- The study found that 24% of subjects reported that foods affect their RA symptoms, with 15% reporting improvement and 19% reporting worsening 6.
- Specific foods that were reported to improve or worsen RA symptoms were identified, but gluten was not explicitly mentioned 6.
- The current understanding of RA pathogenesis and symptoms does not provide a clear link between gluten and the triggering of RA 2, 3, 4, 5.