Nutrition & Foodservice Edge Magazine - July/August 2023 - 10

POWERFUL PLATES: HARNESS NUTRITION
TO HELP PEOPLE WITH ARTHRITIS
REFERENCES
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resources for this article.
FOODS WITH FIBER AND FOODS WITH
PROBIOTICS
Many researchers believe that gut health plays a role in
both forms of arthritis. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis
and osteoarthritis often have differences in their intestinal
microbiome (the amounts and types of bacteria making
up their digestive system) compared to controls. These
differences may contribute to inflammation and, in the case
of rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune responses.
While further research is needed to understand these
complex relationships, nutrition interventions like fiberrich
foods and foods that contain probiotics can support
a healthy microbiome. Fiber-rich foods feed the bacteria
already in the gut, while probiotic foods introduce new
healthy bacteria to the gut (and may contain additional
helpful compounds formed during the fermentation
process).
SAMPLE ARTHRITISFRIENDLY
MENU
Breakfast
Oatmeal with berries
Scrambled eggs with mushrooms
and cheddar
Vitamin-D fortified orange juice
Tea or coffee
Lunch
In fact, scientists in a 2020 article in Nutrients concluded
that a diet rich in dietary fiber and probiotics (along
with omega-3s and polyphenols) may " decrease systemic
inflammation, modulate gut microbiota and improve the
gut barrier function, and consequently improve rheumatoid
arthritis disease outcomes. "
You can easily incorporate both categories on your menu.
Fiber-rich foods include vegetables, fruits, whole grains,
nuts, and legumes. Probiotic foods include yogurt, kefir,
sauerkraut, kimchi, tempeh, and traditionally fermented
vegetables.
THE BOTTOM LINE
No single food or diet is a cure for arthritis. However, as a
foodservice manager, you can incorporate nutrient-dense
foods (like those rich in omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols,
and fiber) as well as elements of a Mediterranean diet into
your menu. For some patients, these nutrition interventions
could slow disease progression and reduce symptoms,
helping those with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
achieve better feeling and function. E
Chicken sandwich on a bun with optional
kimchi topping
Coleslaw
Three bean salad tossed in olive oil
dressing
Fruit salad
Dinner
Roasted salmon
Roasted zucchini
Quinoa salad with roasted grapes and
feta, tossed in olive oil dressing
Carrot soup
Snack/Dessert
Yogurt parfait with cherries and dark
chocolate
CHRISSY CARROLL, MPH, RD |
chrissy@snackinginsneakers.com
Chrissy Carroll is a registered dietitian, freelance writer, and brand
consultant based in central Massachusetts.
10 NUTRITION & F OOD SER VICE EDGE | JULY-AUGUST 2023

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Nutrition & Foodservice Edge Magazine - July/August 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Nutrition & Foodservice Edge Magazine - July/August 2023