High-fiber diets relieve chronic inflammatory joint disease

Dietary fiber relieves chronic inflammatory joint disease
Researchers at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU) have discovered that a high-fiber diet can positively influence the course of the disease in chronic inflammatory joint diseases and can strengthen bones.

Dietary fiber alleviates chronic inflammatory joint disease, according to a recent study. (Image: Brent Hofacker / fotolia.com)

The researchers were able to show that it is not the intestinal bacteria themselves, but their metabolites that affect the immune system and thus also on autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. It is still unclear how the understanding between intestinal bacteria and the immune system works and how, if necessary, the bacteria could be positively influenced.

The focus of the researchers are the short-chain fatty acids propionate and butyrate, which are formed within fermentation processes of the intestinal bacteria. Among other things, these fatty acids are found in the synovial fluid and are believed to have an important influence on the functioning of the joints.

The scientists were able to show that a healthy, fiber-rich diet changes the intestinal flora so that more short-chain fatty acids, especially propionate, are formed. They were able to detect an increased concentration of short-chain fatty acid, among others in the bone marrow, where the propionate caused that the number of bone-degrading cells decreased and thus significantly slowed the bone loss.

"We were able to show that a bacteria-friendly diet is anti-inflammatory and at the same time has a positive effect on bone strength," the study's authors conclude. The findings would provide a promising approach for the development of innovative therapies for inflammatory joint disease and for the treatment of osteoporosis.