Hawaii Med J. 1999 May; 58(5): 126-31.

The dietary treatment of inflammatory arthritis: case reports and review of the literature.

Danao-Camara TC, Shintani TT.

Straub Clinic and Hospital, Inc., Honolulu, HI 96813, USA.

Two patients with seropositive inflammatory arthropathies who experienced clinical improvement on the Waianae diet are presented. The scientific literature validates the usefulness of fasting in the control of joint inflammation. Elimination diets are variably successful. Fasting followed by a vegetarian diet can produce a sustained positive response measured clinically and by laboratory variables of inflammation; the efficacy of such an approach appears to hinge on the alteration of fecal flora. Swaying the balance of dietary fats in favor of the omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids has an antiinflammatory effect, but does not appear to correct the basic immunologic processes involved in the development of the arthropathies. Practical guidelines for the application of this information are offered.