A new study suggests that following a Mediterranean diet could help people manage autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. The research, published in the journal Nutrients, looked at how this popular diet might reduce inflammation and support better health in people with these conditions.
What Are Autoimmune Diseases?
Autoimmune diseases happen when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells. Some affect the whole body, like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), while others target specific organs, like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT), which affects the thyroid gland.
These diseases can be triggered by both genetics and environmental factors. The immune system gets confused and starts fighting parts of the body it should protect. This leads to swelling, pain, and damage to tissues and organs.
How the Mediterranean Diet Can Help
The Mediterranean diet is rich in healthy foods like olive oil, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, whole grains, and fish. It limits red meat, processed foods, and added sugars—common in Western diets.
Scientists say the diet is packed with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ingredients that can lower harmful swelling in the body. Some foods in the diet also help healthy gut bacteria grow, which may play a role in reducing inflammation.
Key ingredients like oily fish and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) contain compounds that can calm the immune system. These include omega-3 fatty acids and a special chemical in olive oil called oleocanthal, which has shown benefits in early studies, especially for joint health.
What the Studies Show
Fiber and Gut Health: Eating more fiber helps grow “good” bacteria in the gut. These bacteria make helpful substances called short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which reduce inflammation and support immune balance.
Fish and Omega-3s: Omega-3 fatty acids in oily fish may lower levels of chemicals that cause swelling in the joints. They can also help immune cells behave in a healthier way.
Olive Oil’s Protective Powers: EVOO contains many compounds that can protect the body from inflammation. In animal studies, it reduced immune system overreactions and signs of inflammation.
Improved Thyroid Function: People with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis who followed an anti-inflammatory diet had better hormone levels and healthier body weights. They also showed signs of less stress on the thyroid.
RA Symptom Relief: In a 12-week clinical trial, people with RA who followed the Mediterranean diet had lower disease activity, better heart health markers, and improved vitamin D levels.
Why This Matters
Autoimmune diseases are becoming more common. Managing them usually requires medication, but diet can also play a role. The Mediterranean diet is safe, affordable, and easy to follow for many people.
Researchers say that while more studies are needed, this diet could be a helpful part of managing autoimmune diseases. Combined with regular exercise, the benefits could be even greater.
The Bottom Line
Eating a Mediterranean-style diet may help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms in people with autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Scientists hope more people will consider this healthy way of eating as a part of managing these long-term conditions.
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