Dietary Guidance for Polymyalgia Rheumatica: Foods to Include and Avoid
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory condition that affects the joints, causing pain and stiffness, primarily in people over the age of 70 and more common in women than men [1]. While the primary treatment for PMR is usually corticosteroids, such as prednisolone, following a PMR-friendly diet can help manage symptoms and counteract some side effects [3][5].
## Anti-Inflammatory Foods and Nutrients
A PMR-friendly diet emphasizes foods that have anti-inflammatory properties. Lean proteins, such as chicken, turkey, fish (especially fatty fish rich in omega-3s), tofu, legumes (like lentils and chickpeas), and beans, are less likely to promote inflammation compared to red and processed meats [1].
Healthy fats, such as olive oil, avocado oil, and flaxseed oil, are recommended over trans fats or hydrogenated oils, while avoiding margarine, shortening, and processed baked goods that may contain trans fats [1]. Emphasize a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables for their antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. Whole grains, like brown rice and wholemeal bread, are also preferred over refined carbohydrates [1].
## Counteracting Corticosteroid Side Effects
Calcium and vitamin D are essential nutrients for people with PMR, as corticosteroids can cause bone loss with prolonged use [5]. Include calcium-rich foods (such as dairy or fortified plant milks, leafy greens, and almonds) and ensure adequate vitamin D intake through diet or supplementation. Potassium-rich foods, like bananas, oranges, potatoes, spinach, and avocados, help counteract the potassium-lowering effects of prednisone. Magnesium, found in nuts, seeds, whole grains, and leafy greens, supports muscle and nerve function. Low sodium intake is also recommended to reduce fluid retention and high blood pressure associated with steroid use.
## Foods and Substances to Avoid
Red and processed meats, such as beef, lamb, pork, bacon, hot dogs, and deli meats, should be minimized as they can worsen inflammation and joint stiffness [1]. Trans fats and hydrogenated oils, found in margarine, shortening, and many commercially baked goods, should also be avoided. Refined carbohydrates, like white bread, pasta, instant potatoes, and sugary cereals, should be minimized to avoid blood sugar spikes and support stable energy levels [1].
## Additional Tips
Staying hydrated is essential for overall health and helps manage fluid balance. Regular meals help stabilize blood sugar, which can fluctuate with steroid use. By reading the ingredients, looking for the nutrients listed above, and including the foods in their diet, people with PMR can help reduce their symptoms and increase their quality of life.
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**Summary Table: Recommended vs. Avoided Foods for PMR**
| Recommended Foods | Foods to Avoid | |----------------------------------|------------------------------| | Lean proteins (chicken, fish) | Red and processed meats | | Legumes, beans, tofu | Trans fats, hydrogenated oils | | Whole grains | Refined carbs (white bread) | | Fruits and vegetables | Excess salt | | Healthy fats (olive, avocado) | Sugary snacks | | Calcium- and vitamin D-rich foods| |
Following these guidelines can help manage PMR symptoms and mitigate side effects associated with corticosteroid treatment [1][5]. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional before making any significant dietary changes, especially when considering the use of supplements.
- Ulcerative colitis, depression, and arthritis are other chronic medical conditions that can benefit from a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods.
- Psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and rheumatoid arthritis are forms of arthritis that may also require a diet focused on reducing inflammation.
- Diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes, is a chronic disease that can be managed through a balanced diet and regular exercise.
- Calcium-rich foods, such as dairy or fortified plant milks, leafy greens, and almonds, are important for people with Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) to counteract bone loss caused by corticosteroids.
- Adequate vitamin D intake through diet or supplementation is also essential for people with PMR to maintain bone health.
- Potassium-rich foods, like bananas, oranges, potatoes, spinach, and avocados, can help counteract the potassium-lowering effects of prednisone in PMR.
- Magnesium, found in nuts, seeds, whole grains, and leafy greens, supports muscle and nerve function in people with PMR.
- Lowering sodium intake is recommended for people with PMR to reduce fluid retention and high blood pressure associated with steroid use.
- Red and processed meats, such as beef, lamb, pork, bacon, hot dogs, and deli meats, should be minimized as they can worsen inflammation and joint stiffness in PMR.
- Trans fats and hydrogenated oils, found in margarine, shortening, and many commercially baked goods, should be avoided by people with PMR due to their inflammatory properties.
- Refined carbohydrates, like white bread, pasta, instant potatoes, and sugary cereals, should be minimized to avoid blood sugar spikes in people with PMR.
- Foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, such as a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, are essential in a PMR-friendly diet.
- Whole grains, like brown rice and wholemeal bread, are preferred over refined carbohydrates in a PMR-friendly diet.
- People with chronic kidney disease, COPD, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may also benefit from a diet focused on reducing inflammation and managing their specific health conditions.
- CBD oil, often used for pain management and inflammation, could potentially be a helpful addition to a PMR-friendly diet, but it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before making any significant dietary or supplement changes.
