- 6 December 2023
Remission of rheumatoid arthritis with nutrition
This Food Vitals webinar explores the evidence showing that a plant-based diet can help manage the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and even put it into remission.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition characterised by chronic inflammation that can result in joint tenderness, swelling and severe pain. The disease affects about 456,000 Australians and 40,000 New Zealanders accounting for approximately 13% of all arthritic conditions. Although the cause of RA is not completely understood, lifestyle factors and dietary intake can have a significant influence on levels of inflammation in the body. Western diets, especially those high in red and processed meat and dairy, increase inflammation. Many studies have demonstrated that a whole food plant-based (WFPB) diet, low in saturated fat, reduces symptoms and improves function in RA patients. In addition, maintenance of a healthy body weight, achieved on a WFPB diet, further reduces the risk of developing RA.
Speakers:
Dr Wendy Walrabenstein is a registered (clinical) dietitian, researcher and lecturer. She works as PhD researcher (Amsterdam UMC) at Reade rehabilitation & rheumatology in Amsterdam, and is a lecturer at the Amsterdam University of Applied Science. In addition to research Dr Walrabenstein now speaks, teaches and writes about health & lifestyle. Her mission to make people feel better through lifestyle improvement, to extend the healthy lifespan.
Australian-born stand-up comedian Clint Paddison’s career rise was abruptly halted in 2006 when he was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and within two years he could barely walk with inflammation spreading to more than 20 joints in his body. After conventional treatments failed him, Clint turned his health around with a unique plant-based diet and exercise combination to become symptom free and drug free.