Category: Rheumatology

An estimated 9.2 million people in the United States are affected by gout, a painful form of inflammatory arthritis. Understanding what gout patients avoid is a critical step in managing this condition and reducing the frequency and severity of flare-ups caused by high uric acid levels.

According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), malnutrition is prevalent in up to 26.6% of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, significantly increasing mortality risk. Chronic inflammation and disease-related factors can deplete essential vitamins and minerals, highlighting what nutrients are deficient in rheumatoid arthritis and the critical importance of nutritional management.

While historical medicine, including gold salts for rheumatoid arthritis, is well-documented, the potential side effects of modern gold supplements—including colloidal gold and gold nanoparticles—are not as clear-cut and warrant careful consideration. Understanding the documented risks is crucial before consuming any form of gold for purported health benefits.

While both gout and hypercalcemia involve crystal formation and joint issues, they are fundamentally different conditions caused by separate physiological processes. In short, hypercalcemia does not cause gout, although a rare, opposite connection has been documented.

While the exact cause of polymyalgia rheumatica is unknown, experts suggest that dietary choices can influence the systemic inflammation that characterizes the condition. A healthy, balanced diet, particularly an anti-inflammatory approach, is considered an important complement to medical treatment for managing symptoms and mitigating potential side effects from medication.

Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by excessive collagen production, leading to hardening of the skin and internal organs. While there is currently no cure, understanding what slows down scleroderma is crucial for effective management and can significantly impact a patient's long-term health and quality of life.

Recent studies have established that, unlike gout, there is no direct dietary link that causes or prevents the formation of calcium pyrophosphate (CPP) crystals in CPPD, but what you eat can significantly influence inflammatory responses and overall joint health.

According to research published in *Arthritis Research & Therapy*, patients with undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD) who progress to well-defined connective tissue diseases (CTDs), including mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), often have significantly lower levels of vitamin D. This suggests a strong association between vitamin D deficiency and mixed connective tissue disease.

While there is no single cure for eosinophilic fasciitis (EF), functional medicine and nutrition experts note that dietary changes can be a complementary approach to traditional medical treatments. Managing EF involves a multifaceted approach, and for some, modifying their diet to reduce inflammation and avoid triggers has shown potential benefits.

A 2017 survey of people with rheumatoid arthritis found that sweets were a top-reported trigger for their symptoms. While many assume brown sugar is a healthier alternative, its effect on joint health is not what you might expect, especially for those managing arthritis.