Rheumatologists Back 5 Anti-Inflammatory Foods as Fish Oils Show 15%-18% Autoimmune Risk Reduction
Updated
Updated · HuffPost · Jun 15
Rheumatologists Back 5 Anti-Inflammatory Foods as Fish Oils Show 15%-18% Autoimmune Risk Reduction
3 articles · Updated · HuffPost · Jun 15
Summary
Rheumatologists highlighted five foods they commonly recommend for inflammatory conditions: extra-virgin olive oil, fatty fish, fiber-rich whole foods, fermented foods and nuts.
Fatty fish drew the strongest evidence, with one randomized trial of nearly 26,000 people finding 1 gram a day of EPA and DHA cut confirmed and probable autoimmune disease by 15% to 18%.
Olive oil's oleocanthal has ibuprofen-like anti-inflammatory effects, while fermented foods increased microbiome diversity and lowered inflammation markers; one expert said fermented diets outperformed high-fiber diets for inflammation reduction.
Doctors stressed diet is supportive rather than curative, saying food did not cause autoimmune disease in 99.9% of cases and should not replace DMARDs or biologics because stopping medication can risk irreversible damage or death.
The broader advice was a Mediterranean-leaning pattern built around whole foods, mostly plants, lean proteins and healthy fats, while avoiding guilt over occasional treats or expensive supplements.