Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Feb 11, 2026 1 hour, 33 minutes ago
Medical News: A chronic disease with unique challenges for women
Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term autoimmune condition that causes painful joint inflammation and fatigue, affecting about one percent of people worldwide. Women are impacted far more than men, especially during life stages marked by hormonal changes such as pregnancy, the post-birth period, and menopause. While modern drugs have improved symptom control, they often bring side effects and are sometimes unsuitable during pregnancy, leaving many women with limited options.
New research shows fasting and diet may ease arthritis symptoms in women.
Why researchers are looking beyond medications
Scientists are increasingly exploring lifestyle approaches to complement standard treatment. A major new scientific review highlights how fasting patterns and targeted nutrition may reduce inflammation, ease symptoms, and improve quality of life for women with rheumatoid arthritis. This Medical News report draws attention to growing evidence that what and when people eat can influence immune activity and joint health.
How fasting may calm inflammation
Fasting, including intermittent fasting and time-restricted eating, appears to lower levels of inflammation in the body. Studies show that short fasting periods can reduce immune overactivity, promote cellular repair processes known as autophagy, and improve metabolic balance. In clinical trials, women with rheumatoid arthritis who followed intermittent fasting regimens showed reduced disease activity scores, improved mobility, better weight control, and enhanced overall well-being. Some studies also found lower oxidative stress markers and healthier liver enzyme levels, suggesting broader benefits beyond joint pain.
The power of nutrition and plant-based diets
Nutrition plays a critical role alongside fasting. Diets rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats, such as the Mediterranean diet, were linked to reduced joint swelling and stiffness. These diets help balance the gut microbiome, the community of bacteria in the intestines that strongly influences immune function. In contrast, Western diets high in sugar, processed foods, and saturated fats were associated with increased inflammation and worse symptoms.
Special importance during hormonal transitions
Hormonal fluctuations during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can intensify pain and inflammation. During pregnancy, some women experience symptom relief, but many face flare-ups after delivery. Menopause is often linked to worsening joint pain. The review suggests that carefully supervised fasting and nutrition strategies could offer safer, non-drug support during these sensitive phases, particularly when medications are limited or risky.
Who conducted the research
The review was carried out by researchers from the Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine and the Department of Life Sciences and Medicine at the University of Luxembourg, Centre Hospitalier du Nord in Ettelbruck, Luxembourg, and the Department of Internal Medicine II at Saarland University Hospital, Saarland Univers
ity, Germany.
Conclusion
The findings suggest that fasting and nutrition are promising, underused tools for managing rheumatoid arthritis in women. While not replacements for medication, these strategies may reduce inflammation, support immune balance, and improve daily functioning, especially during hormonal life stages. Larger long-term studies are still needed, but the evidence so far points toward a future where lifestyle approaches play a central role in patient-centered rheumatoid arthritis care.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Nutrients
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/18/4/580
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