Whole grains fight inflammation. Unfortunately, we don't eat enough whole grains. Despite recommendations to eat three or more servings a day, most Americans eat less than one. That could be a big loss for people with arthritis and inflammation.
Whole grains lower levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in the blood, a marker of inflammation associated with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes – and rheumatoid arthritis. CRP levels often spike during a flare.
Researchers at Penn State had a group of 50 obese people receive all their grain servings from either whole grains or refined grains for 12 weeks. Both groups followed a weight-loss plan that included fresh fruit and vegetables, low-fat dairy, and lean meat, fish or poultry. People in both groups lost weight, but the whole-grain group also saw a 38 percent drop in CRP levels. They also lost more abdominal fat (the most dangerous kind).
To get more good grains in your diet, try eating oatmeal, brown rice, whole-grain cereal and whole-wheat crackers – all foods where the majority of the grain comes from whole grain.
Whole Grains Help You Lose Weight and Fight Inflammation
By Kenna Simmons
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kaaren
13 Feb 2010, 15:56
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| kenna simmons: please advise you are saying whole grain reduces inflammation...is this absolutely true???? I have RA... and want to know if I can eat this bread on my diet/./? |
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nadeen robinson
20 Oct 2009, 10:21
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| What is the truth ?? |
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Mike P
05 Aug 2009, 11:01
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| I have to support Dr. Ron's position on this topic. The study is a bit
misleading. Here is why: the lower CRP levels in the whole grain group are
only lower when compared to the refined grain group. This would be like
comparing a group of people that bang their heads against drywall to a
group that bang their heads against a brick wall and coming to the
conclusion that banging your head against drywall will reduce your
likelyhood of getting a concussion. The mistake is not giving the option
of refraining from banging your head against any wall. I would like to see a similar study that includes a group with no grains. |
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DeeDee
05 Jul 2009, 23:30
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| OK I don't need more problems, so please someone tell me the truth. If you are trying to help us stop lying to us. |
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John
25 Jun 2009, 08:34
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| This is complete crap. Grains, Rice, Pasta, and all other high glycemic foods increase insulin levels, which in works to make inflammation worse. |
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Dr. Ron
17 Jun 2009, 14:32
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| Eating grains leads to an over production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2.) PGE2 has been proven to be a precursor of pain. What is really amazing to me regarding this article is that PGE2 also promotes the breakdown of cartilage that occurs in arthritis. Further than that, it can contribute to cancer, heart disease, inflammatory bowel disorders and many other conditions. Regarding the study you mention, of course the group lost more weight than the group who consumed refined grains, its the least of two evils. The reason they lost weight wads due to eating what was the other parts of the diet (fresh fruit and vegetables, low-fat dairy, and lean meat, fish or poultry.)All of which is pretty healthy. Compared with refined grains and processed flour, whole grains do have more fiber and can have a beneficial effect on blood sugar and bowel function - for this reason whole grains are often misclassified as being anti-inflammatory. But, whole grains contain gluten (as is mentioned in the above comment), lectins, phytates, a high omega-6 to omega-3 ratio , and promote an acidic pH, all of which CAUSE inflammation. This deserves to be published, thank you. |
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J Horton
08 Jun 2009, 20:15
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| Please guide me to studies relating gluten-free diet to relief of problems of osteoarthritis. All reports seem anecdotal. Where are the studies? J |
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Robin Muench
23 Mar 2009, 19:43
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| My wife and I are both gluten intolerant. The latest published estimate is that 12-15% of Americans react to gluten. Virtually all grain consumed in the US is wheat, rye or barley, all of which contain gluten. Arthritis is one of many known consequences of gluten intolerance. My wife's arthritis symptoms have virtually disappeared since gluten-containing grains were cut from both of our diets. It is highly irresponsible of you to advocate large intake of grains which, to the majority of Americans, means wheat. |
please advise whether you think I can eat whole grain bread on my RA Diet?????
I am trying to reduce inflammation??????
some of these comments below contradict what you are saying please advise???
thank you