January 13, 2013
Niki wrote:
One RA Chick is going gluten free with her diet and was wondering if that dietary change has helped any of you with your RA symptoms. Thoughts and experiences?
Thank you in advance for taking the time to help her out and answer her message. Sharing your experiences is greatly appreciated. (((pain-free internet hugs)))
What our members have said so far:
Martha – It did help me only because I was a celiac. Have not noticed less flares some think it helps but I believe those had some allergy or intolerance
Mel – It didn’t help me at all,no special diet has ever helped me,hope it helps you good luck
Kelley – I went gluten and sugar free 2 years ago and it has help tremendously. had some flour and sugar over the holidays (bad me) and had a bad episode with my right hand.
Sue – I WENT NO SODA, NO REFINED SUGAR, GLUTEN FREE, A LOT OF FRESH FRUITS, ESPECIALLY BANANAS AND CITRUS.WATER, WATER, WATER! ALSO NO ARTIFICIAL SWEETENER JUNK
Barbara – I notice if I have too much bread or sugar I have more pain….
Yvette – YES ! I’m actually grain free as well as one of the many other things I no longer eat due to my RA. I control my RA with alone – it works for me. MUCH better than I was before I changed my diet. Little flares now vs before. I was diagnosed with severe RA & now my labwork is normal. I highly recommend the following book: http://www.amazon.com/Amazing-Rheumatoid-Arthritis-Diet-ebook/dp/B006VJHNDQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1358099195&sr=1-1&keywords=arthritis+diet
Donna – Going gluten free has helped me quite a bit. When I “cheat” and have foods containing gluten I definitely feel it in my joints and just feel more sluggish in general.
Lina – I did go gluten free but sadly it didn’t work for me. All that happened was that I lost loads of weight.
Sarah – I have been gluten free for about 9 months now and on no RA meds after having scary side effects from remicade. It has been a huge help! I feel much better… I still have flareups and inflammation but I believe it’s something worth trying! There are no negative side effects! Just know that you have to give it a good couple months to notice a difference. Also it’s not super easy when going out to dinner but I found it so much easier then expected! There are lots of good apps and websites to help u find Gfree items! Good luck!!
Donna – Definitely! I’ve had RA for 16 yrs, on all the meds-Biologics,steroids, etc… I was still having trouble managing so I thought i would give it a try. I did it for 3 months with no significant improvement that i could notice. Went off of it for over a week and boy did i suffer!! I think it was gradual improvement, but it definitely made a difference. I went back on GF diet and twice went off of it with the same results. I am convinced it has helped me with reducing the inflammation. What do u have to lose??? Good luck
Leslie – gluten free is for people with allergies..
Diana – It didn’t help me. But, it’s worth a try if it has helped others.
Georgianna – yes when I had a bad reaction to meds..I juiced for breakfast…….nothing fancy spinach…..bananas…..strawberries……and almond milk in smoothie blender….ate light lunch…green salad….smoothies for snacks and glutton fee dinner..no beef…in two weeks dancing results……time for me to get back to it
Brenda – I went off wheat (not necessarily gluten) for a few weeks and it definitely changed my pain level. I still had RA pain, but it wasn’t as “dense” or heavy as usual. I have another friend with RA who swears going gluten free has changed her RA pain and energy level for the better. Best of luck to you!
Marnie – Gluten free and dairy free changed my life. Eliminated most inflammation so pain levels lower and disease process slowed, as well as eliminated a lifetime of chronic migraines, chronic shingles and chronic sinus infections.
Crystal – I tried it – I failed, dang near starved lol. But I have a friend who is and has been in remission for 2 years- she cut out all gluten, drinks lots of water and exercises. Shes feeling awesome- hope you get the same results!
Sonya – anti inflammatory diet helps. It acts with the meds to help keep inflammation down. I don’t know about diet by itself.
Kirsten – I did an elimination diet to see that I had issues with gluten and dairy. If this chick would like to message me, she should feel free! I have a ton of great recipes and tips but I’m at work and on my phone so I can’t share as much as I’d like right now
Bridget – yes it is a allergy.But a lot of gluten food is also inflammatory food
Mayema – gave up dairy, citrus, processed food lost weight felt even better
Karyn – I do find when I limit my gluten I feel better all a round. I have a wheat sensitivity and am able to eat some wheat but again, the more I stay away from it the better I feel
Marnie – It is a lifetime process and results from dietary changes take a while. I have been gluten free -actually all grains- and dairy free for over a year. Give it three months before you decide to bag it. You will feel so much better.
Martha – Just don’t substitute for GF processes foods. The simpler and less processes better. Is not hard to go GF if you stick on the outside perimeter of the supermarket. In the middle are all the processes foods
Megan – I went gluten and dairy free 2 years ago, came off of my meds and have not flared since.
Marcy – good luck to you! i hope u get some results. some people do. i tried but it never worked for me.
Sherri – Just don’t forget that changing your diet is not a replacement for medication. It may help the symptoms but the disease is still there and even low levels of disease activity can cause joint damage over time.
Kathryn – I went Paleo (grain free, no processed foods, high fat) and have found that I can manage my pain with Naproxen only now. I still have a flare every 6 months or so, but I can cheat very occasionally without hurting myself. I think this approach is actually easier than going “gluten free” because the high fat content means fewer, easier to manage cravings. Check out marksdailyapple.com for more info.
Kylie – I’ve been grain free for over 8 months, and when I slip up and eat eg chocolate I feel slight cramp 2 hrs after, I also take anti inflammatory called cellgevity which is amazing.
Kaos – I’m working to get back to Primal, when I was eating Primal before I found that my flares were less intense and shorter.
Kelly – I was gluten free for 3 years. It made zero difference.
Kris – Is it even still really rheumatoid autoimmune disease if the symptoms are “completely alleviated” once removing gluten from your diet? Or is it a misdiagnosis for what should be celiac or gluten sensitivity or other food sensitivity that triggered symptoms similar to RAD? Fwiw, Humira is the only thing that has most completely alleviated my symptoms of RAD, along with exercise to keep joints fluid and active.
Rachel – If nothing else it made me feel a lot healthier. All the gluten keeps me feeling really heavy. Gluten is an inflammatory so cutting it out did a little bit but it mostly gave me more energy which lead to being more active, better mood, better sleeping patterns which all would help with RA it doesn’t take the ra away for sure but it helps a little! Diet is really important with RA
Invisible Arthur – RA in the UK Treating Arthritis the Drug Free Way by Margaret Hills. Very difficult to get hold of this book, it is very interesting and I stuck to it religiously for 10 months. It’s not the be all and end all and I have needed lots of conventional treatment too. BUT. I now know what my food triggers are and can avoid them
Robbin – Gluten is the one thing I have successfully, easily removed from my diet. I no longer eat wheat & gluten grains, HFCS, much of the sugar, processed food/chemicals…. I try to limit non-pasture raised meat, and use very little dairy. Gluten was the most noticeable one for me as far as inflammation and mood. I experimented about 9 or so months in and ate a bunch of short bread cookies. Not only was my pain incredible the next day, but two days later was found sobbing in the corner, completely unable to control feelings of sadness. I’ve strictly avoided it ever since. I developed RA 14 years ago and an currently on sulfasalazine and enbrel. I ski, have coached figure skating, throw freight at a bakery, work long hours, and wear high heels. I have some pain in my hands, but otherwise am healthier & feel better than 10 years ago.
Karen – Has anyone ever tried Vemma for RA? If so, how did it work for you?
Kristine – I was much relieved by an alkaline diet…more complex than just gluten removal. but worked wonders for me… RA is related to inflammation and if you remove foods that increase inflammation it helps. For me it got hard to follow with my life and kids and I am not doing it now. I followed a book called the Ph Miracle. I eliminated sugar, artificial.sugar, simple carbs and many grains, processed foods, meat and dairy…unfortunately hard for to live this way but it became very clear that these foods contribute to inflammation and pain. In have fibro also and pain from this improved as well (not gone, just much better)
Paula – Yes it makes a difference for me. If I eat anything with gluten in it I have an inflammatory response by the next day. Worth a try.
Debi – I was wondering about the gluten-free diets and RA just yesterday. Thanks you guys for the info. I am going to try it.
Amanda – Margaret and friends are quacks..completely. As for diets as gluten and all wheat products are inflammatory then it may help some people but I am convinced no diet will ever ‘cure’ RA. That said, it can help suppress much of it’s symptoms in a handful of people. One of the best (and most healthy) ways of living is the ‘Nourishing Traditions’ diet by Sally Fallon. A section is dedicated to explaining why some foods are so dangerous and actually bring on some serious illnesses. It is scientific and very healthy but a commitment. http://www.westonaprice.org/thumbs-up-reviews/nourishing-traditions It really is a fascinating book! Pure butter, cream, raw milk, soaked oats, lots of red meat, ALL so immensely good for you and we’re told the exact opposite by the trillion dollar diet fad world! It’s distressing to realize the lies we’re told…
Jeanie – We’ve been gluten free for about 6 months and I have noticed relief of some GI symptoms, but otherwise, pain & inflammation has remained the same. I still think it generally adds to overall well-being, but it’s not the answer for everything for me. Good luck! If you’d like any tips on baking gluten free, etc., I’ve been experimenting quite a bit. I’m still looking for a good gluten free bread recipe as grocery brands are very expensive for the good gluten free breads.
Leslie – I am currently following the Wheat Belly wheat and sugar elimination plan. I just had wrist surgery so it’s hard to tell if it’s helping or not but I find the whole philosophy fascinating and if it does help the pain and inflammation of RA, I plan to stick with it. It’s worth a read…
Suzanne – I removed red meat (especially ground beef) from my diet and it has definitely reduced my flare ups as well as the severity of them.
Karen – Gluten free has really helped me. It’s been 11 months and there is no way I would go back. It’s much easier than you think. Since I went completely gluten free, I no longer have the stabbing, shooting pains in my knees, wrists, elbows and ankles. They do come back occasionally if I overdo things, but I have learned to pace myself. It won’t hurt to try it, if it doesn’t work for you, keep looking for what does.
Gretchen – I tried it, but did not notice any difference. Anything is worth a try so hope she has some relief!
Rose – I went gluten free before I was diagnosed because it was good for joint pain as I didn’t know what I had and was prepared to try anything, I lost over 2 stone and I am sure just reducing pressure on your joints due to weight helped anyway. I will not go back, no scientific proof but 3 years later I have excellent cholesterol, blood pressure and am now in remission. I am convinced it is down to wheat and gluten, It is a lifestyle change for the better
Charla – I have not really changed the content of my diet, just the quantity, I am eating about 25% of what I used to eat and the weight loss has improved the joint damage in my lower extremities significantly…I don’t have near the pain in my feet and ankles that I used to have. In the past 2 years of this, I have lost 65 pounds, and it has not been difficult, with the exception of the first few weeks
Linda – It didn’t for me – it made me more tired
The Life and Adventures of Cateepoo – My suggestion is to try it for two to three months and see how you feel. While it didn’t eliminate RA, it did help a lot of other health issues that seem to make joint pain worse – example, when digestive issues are bad, joint pain is worse. Just read everything because gluten is found almost everywhere and if you get even a small amount, it will change your results. Also, I would suggest eliminating all processed foods if choosing to go gluten free and doing your whole body good!
Ann – Gluten AND dairy free has helped but not enough to get off my meds.
Jennifer – Going vegan has helped me with symptoms; not cured me but helped. Gluten made no difference for me. We are all different & react differently
Conni – Gluten and dairy free for 2 months. Have lost some weight and overall feel better. Also upping vitamin B, D and iron. Still in meds but no flare ups.
Sabine – Because of my ap I’ve got a histamine intolerance and if I don’t stick to my diet I will have severe flare ups
Anita – I have 90 % because I like my biscuits now and then, because I’m southern…. but those are the days my joint pain is worse.
Sandra – A gluten free diet will only help you if you have gluten intolerance and inflammation of the joints is 1 of your symptoms. It’s best to go to a nutritional list or allergy specialist a contest you for other foods you may be allergic to because it might be other food other than wheat that are hurting you
Julie – It helped me for about 3 months…I felt great for a while but the pain came back…
Rana – Gluten free was one of the changes I made to my diet but yes it has helped
Kirstin – I tried a gluten free diet for 9 months when my R.A was really bad, it didn’t make any difference. Also tried dairy free, vegetarian, reflexology, homeopathy. Only thing that works well is Anti tnf treatment and now on methotrexate and Rituxumab.
Jamie – Gluten and dairy free alone did not help me. I had to go grain free, bean free, and no more starchy veggies. It took me a long time to figure that out. And boy, does it make a HUGE difference. As someone up top said it can take a while for diet to start showing it’s incredible powers, so please don’t give up quickly. I started noticing a difference with the diet I follow in about 4-5 days, but have heard others say it has taken them over 6 months.
Pamela – I actually had the upper and lower GI done – and they found that I did have Celiac disease in addition to the RA. I have been gluten free for over a year now and although I still get the pain associated with the RA the swelling went down a lot, but the pain is the same. My stomach is now more sensitive than it was before going gluten free but I have a lot of autoimmune diseases (RA, Lupus, Sjorgrens, Celiac, Fibromyalgia) The doctors say it is common for RA patients to have more than one autoimmune disease. I am on Hydroxychloroquine and pain meds. I tried methotrexate but had a severe allergic reaction and can’t take long term steroids either, but do use them for short term problems. Last time was when my jaw locked up from RA.
Beatrice – Going gluten free was best for me. I used to walk with a cane and pain pills all the time. Since gluten free no more cane and pain pills once or twice a month
Beth – Yes yes yes. I started gluten free in August and not only have I dropped 25 lbs, I also take HALF Humira and methotrexate dose with no flares.
Susan – I went Primal in August and have felt better than ever but that is because of balancing a cleaner diet with medication. This is truly a whole life approach and well worth the efforts. Check out marksdailyapple.
Liz -Started in September, I can make a fists now. Less swollen joints in both hands. Less stiffness. I too, can go about two weeks before using Humira.
Cheryl -The food you eat does nothing for your pain!…does nothing for mine,at the moment my back is aching,deteriorate
Heidi – I went gluten and dairy free (both are inflammatories) about 4 years ago and it helps so much! I ate a glutenous cookie on Christmas day, had a flare up and couldn’t move my neck for several days. The cookie was good but not worth it!
Jenny – So many fads and bandwagons out there…
Jamie – Call it whatever you want, it works, and that’s all that matters to me. I am my own proven science.
Renee – I am 2 weeks into no gluten and no night shade vegetable and am feeling a lot better than I was, not sure how much it is going to help, but I was at the point that I’ll try anything to help relieve some of the pain.
Kimberly – Have not gone gluten free but did completely remove sugar and reduced meat intake. I eat a diet high in fresh veggies with some fruit and supplement protein from other sources. As Sherrie said you still have to continue meds to prevent joint damage but dietary changes can play a part in reducing inflammation. Keep a food log to find out what works for you.
Kylie – As well as diet I also take a new supplement called cellgevity … I’m not selling it … But it works , google it
Suji – Food is huge for me – it can make or break how I feel. I do mostly no grains, except brown rice. I do fruit/veggie smoothies w/ ginger, garlic. I cut out dairy completely. Most sugars and treats have to be cut out for me. I can’t eat anything in a package – I do eggs, meats – fruits, veggies, the smoothies help fill me up. I do olive leaf extract and apple cider vinegar with water and stevia – this helps w/ digestion. I hope this helps.
Angela – Gluten free has helped me substantially, I just discussed it today in my blog – Triathlete with Rheumatoid Arthritis Blog- ‘Asking the right questions’
http://triathleteracingwithra.wordpress.com/2013/01/13/asking-the-right-questions/
Clara – I just found out I have a strong, allergic reaction to wheat/gluten so the allergist has me going gluten/wheat free and said I will find I will have less RA pain. Ya’ll are inspiring me!
Kathy – Yes I started Today
RA Warriors Philippines – Yes and no. With me, it has not worked or maybe I didn’t notice any change . Yes, because it worked for others. However, some of the good effects are short-lived. Gluten-free diet will definitely help in your weight loss. But just a reminder, RA can also make you lost a lot of weight. Unfortunately, so does the meds designed to fight it. Good luck!
Andrea – No. I’ve tried it. Try an alkaline diet instead please.
Jamie – 1 week gluten and dairy free. No change yet.
Mary – I do notice a difference if I have too much gluten – like a plate of pasta will find me aching later. I do feel better without gluten in my diet. Dairy is a problem also for me. Sugar is huge inflammatory as well as having to much animal fat may cause problems.
Kelly – I went dairy free and try to eat vegetarian / vegan as much as I can. I was on methotrexate for almost a year and hated every minute but I felt great. I slowly weaned off it as I started eating better. I have been off the medication for two years now and feel awesome. No pain anywhere. I have to continue to eat good do yoga and work out as much as I can. Oh and I take vitamin D, fish oil, calcium and a good multivitamin.
RA Warriors Philippines – maybe not for RA, generally. Like in my case, i did not change my diet. My pre RA diet is still the same as during RA onset up to now. The only thing I did was moderate everything I eat. Just be aware of flare and swell-causing foods. I just learned what they are through experience, Not all foods my rheumy said will cause a flare but she didn’t also listed completely the foods that can cause which I learned via experience. Gluten-free diet may help greatly other forms of autoimmune disease like psoriatic arthritis. A close friend of mine got it and he went gluten-free diet, and he got better and lost unwanted weight.
Angela Tague (Journalist / Writer) Following a GF diet has eased my joint pain tremendously!
http://www.everydayhealth.com/pain-management-center/does-a-gluten-free-diet-provide-arthritis-relief-.aspx
The Paleo Nurse It has helped me tremendously, but only after eliminating all processed foods. When going “gluten-free”, it’s easy to replace the breads and pastas with the all of the gluten-free products on the market. Unfortunately, those products are filled with sugar and chemicals and they are highly processed. Going gluten-free alone didn’t do anything for me, but once I cut out all grains, dairy, processed sugars, legumes, nightshades, and additives, I experienced a huge reduction in pain and symptoms. I have other autoimmune issues that it helped with immediately, but as far as the inflammatory arthritis, it took about 4 months of strict Paleo before I noticed big changes. Best of luck to you!
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