Arthritis Patients: Diet Change Could Reduce Heart Attack Risks

March 23, 2008 by Lucy

Fatality and health aspects may be taking a turn for the better for arthritis patients as according to a recent article published by BBC News - rheumatoid arthritis patients may be able to reduce their high risk of heart attacks and strokes with a gluten-free, vegan diet, a study suggests.

Heart attacks and strokes are among the leading causes of death for sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis, as the inflammation caused by the disease impacts upon the arteries.

Researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden say that heart attack and stroke risks could be reduced through a diet that excludes animal products and gluten, which are found in wheat, oats, rye and barley. The diet has a beneficial effect on several risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

The Swedish institute placed 38 volunteers on the diet, where protein accounted for 10% of the daily energy intake, carbohydrate 60% and fat 30%. Read the full story here at BBC News.

“Our findings suggest a new mechanism by which the level of natural protective antibodies can be increased. They also show that diet can have effects on the immune system with implications for the incidence of disease”, says Professor Johan Frostegård, who led the study.

For those of us that are more fortunate and ‘only‘ need to watch what we eat, Kathy Browning gives her vision of what she feels is 20 of the worlds healthiest foods.

When it comes to eating healthy most people think of dull, boring food that’s green in color. In reality, most of the world’s healthiest foods not only taste great, they also come in a vast array of vibrant colors. Many require little, if any preparation, yet provide you with the energy and stamina to get through the day. They are the ultimate fast food!

Well worth reading.