Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes joint pain and bone deformities. Being a progressive disease, it does not have any cure, while ways to treat it and preventative options are always there. According to experts, the gut microbiome also affects autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis.

Since the presence of certain bacteria in the gut can cause inflammation, researchers want to learn more about the role they play in this condition. “The gut microbiome’s crucial role in influencing immune responses, particularly in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), where microbial imbalances can act as triggers for immune system irregularities,” Dr. Debojyoti Dhar, co-founder and director of Leucine Rich Bio, told Times Now.

Studies say millions across the world have rheumatoid arthritis and while experts are not sure exactly what causes it, genetics and environmental factors play a role in developing the disease. Additionally, some scientists believe the gut may factor into developing rheumatoid arthritis or worsening symptoms.

The gut microbiome is defined as “all the bacteria, viruses, fungi, archaea, and eukaryotes that inhabit the human body.” There are trillions of microbes in the gut that affect your bodily processes, including metabolizing food, protecting the body against infection, and harvesting energy.

The gut microbiome has both good and bad bacteria, and too much or too little of certain bacteria can negatively impact the body and even disrupt the regulation of the immune system, known as dysbiosis.

Elevated P. copri contributes to rheumatoid arthritis by causing immune system dysfunction and can lead to joint damage. Studies say that diets high in fibre along with carbohydrates and simple sugars lead to increased levels of P. copri.

According to Dr. Dhar, foods and drinks that you may consume can highly influence the gut microbiome, inflammation, and the body’s immune response. As a result, your diet has an indirect impact on rheumatoid arthritis progression.

Microbiome-targeted treatments, when combined with traditional rheumatoid arthritis therapies, promise a synergistic effect that could enhance treatment precision and efficacy. “These innovative therapies aim to restore microbial balance, addressing underlying contributors to RA rather than merely managing symptoms,” said Dr. Dhar.

Studies also say a low-fibre diet can lead to a 25 per cent increased prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis and help improve symptoms. Experts also say that those with rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can reduce the frequency and severity of their symptoms by eating less meat, increasing their intake of vitamin E, and reducing their consumption of saturated fats.

According to experts, eating foods incorporated in the Mediterranean diet can improve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, as it totally focuses on eating whole grains, healthy fats, fruits, fish, and vegetables.

The diet not only provides protective heart benefits and reduces joint pain, but is also beneficial for promoting bacteria in the gut that reduce inflammation.

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