In a widely cited study published in the Journal of Rheumatology, Richard Panush, M.D., concluded that dietary changes are less likely to help patients with RA than those without it. On the other hand, many doctors insist that a high percentage of their patients experience excellent results from eliminating problem foods.
Many researchers agree, speculating that food allergies affect joint symptoms.
There is much persuasive and persistent anecdotal evidence to support these views. Diets of certain nutritional content can modulate experimental and, in some circumstances, clinical inflammation. It is a confusing debate and more controversial than ever. At this point, although many experts suspect food sensitivities may influence arthritis symptoms, there is no definitive proof of it. This is partly due to the difficulty of conducting conclusive studies.