How PIZZA could help ease painful symptoms of common debilitating condition

PIZZA is one of the nation’s most popular dishes Junk food — but turns out the delicious treat might not be as harmful to you as you think.

When made with fresh ingredients — like the Italians do — it can help relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a study has found.

According to one study, eating at least half a pizza once a week can help reduce the pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis

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According to one study, eating at least half a pizza once a week can help reduce the pain caused by rheumatoid arthritisPhoto credit: Getty

According to the NHS, RA is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system accidentally attacks healthy cells, causing inflammation and swelling.

It is a long-term condition that causes pain and stiffness in the joints and for which there is currently no cure.

However, early diagnosis and treatment – from exercise to surgery – is crucial to prevent long-term damage to the joints.

Scientists from Italy, the birthplace of pizza, have found that eating at least half a pizza once a week can help reduce pain caused by the disease by up to 80 percent.

The experts explained that this was due to the anti-inflammatory properties of some fresh ingredients.

“These positive effects were likely induced by mozzarella cheese and, to a lesser extent, olive oil, although we could not assess the possible contribution of tomato sauce,” the researchers wrote.

For the study, published in Nutrients, experts analyzed the pizza consumption and general diet of 365 people with RA between the ages of 18 and 65.

Participants who ate half a pizza more than once a week reported a reduction in pain compared to participants who ate two pizzas a month.

Those with more severe forms who ate the same amount of pizza saw an 80 percent reduction in pain compared to the group that ate less pizza.

According to this, more than 400,000 adults in the UK suffer from RA National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society.

Medications such as steroids and physical therapy are the main forms of treatment for the condition.

According to the NHS, there is no clear evidence that specific dietary changes can improve rheumatoid arthritis.

However, some people find that their symptoms worsen after eating certain foods.

The NHS recommends sufferers follow an anti-inflammatory Mediterranean diet, which includes vegetables, fruit, legumes, nuts, beans, grains, grains, fish and unsaturated fats such as olive oil.

Studies suggest that eating a colorful diet can also lower your risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other life-threatening diseases.

What are the signs of arthritis?

Symptoms of arthritis can vary by type and can affect anyone of any age.

It’s important to see your doctor and get an accurate diagnosis if you have:

  • Joint pain, tenderness and stiffness
  • Inflammation in and around the joints
  • Limited movement of the joints
  • Warm, red skin over the affected joint
  • weakness and muscle wasting

Source: NHS

Russell Falcon

Russell Falcon is a USTimesPost U.S. News Reporter based in London. His focus is on U.S. politics and the environment. He has covered climate change extensively, as well as healthcare and crime. Russell Falcon joined USTimesPost in 2023 from the Daily Express and previously worked for Chemist and Druggist and the Jewish Chronicle. He is a graduate of Cambridge University. Languages: English. You can get in touch with me by emailing russellfalcon@ustimespost.com.

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