Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic inflammatory
autoimmune disease, affects roughly 1% of the world's population. RA pathogenesis remains unclear, but genetic factors account for 50-60% of the risk while the remainder might be linked to modifiable factors, such as
infectious diseases, tobacco smoking, gut bacteria, and nutrition. Dietary triggers may play an inciting role in the autoimmune process, and a compromised intestinal barrier may allow food components or microorganisms to enter the blood stream, triggering
inflammation. In addition, excessive
body weight may affect
pharmacotherapy response and the likelihood of disease remission, as well as the risk of disease mortality. Evidence suggests that changes in diet might play an important role in RA management and remission. Several studies have shown improvements in RA symptoms with diets excluding animal products. Studies have also shown that
dietary fiber found in these plant-based foods can improve gut bacteria composition and increase bacterial diversity in RA patients, thus reducing their
inflammation and
joint pain. Although some of the trigger foods in RA patients are individualized, a
vegan diet helps improve symptoms by eliminating many of these foods. This review examines the potential role of a
plant-based diet in mediating RA symptoms. Further research is needed to test the effectiveness of
plant-based diets on
joint pain,
inflammation, and quality of life in patients with RA.