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Nutrition Support for Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases

Hi, I’m Cristina Montoya, Registered Dietitian and founder of Arthritis Dietitian. I also live with Sjögren's disease and rheumatoid arthritis. 

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I help people with autoimmune rheumatic diseases support gut health and inflammation through practical, sustainable nutrition, without unnecessary restriction.

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If you’re feeling overwhelmed by conflicting diet advice, this page will show you where to begin.

Choose Your Path

Sjögren's Disease Nutrition

Living with Sjögren's, especially with digestive symptoms like dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, reflux, constipation, and gut dysmotility, can be very challenging.

 

You are not alone. Begin exploring the expanding set of resources on my website.

Visit Sjögren's Disease Page
Rheumatoid Arthritis Nutrition

Best Diets and Foods for Rheumatoid Arthritis: What Actually Helps Inflammation?

Read Blog
Gut Health & Digestive Support

Gastrointestinal symptoms are frequently overlooked in rheumatic diseases.

 

Explore the expanding collection of gut-joint related topics, including how to manage IBS-like symptoms, abdominal pain, low appetite, and overall gut microbiome health.

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Gut Health Related Blogs
Anti-inflammatory Recipes

Looking for simple gut-friendly and fatigue-proof recipes with anti-inflammatory properties? You are in the right place.

Browse Recipes
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Is This the Right Place for You?

You may feel at home here if:

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  • You live with rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s disease, or another autoimmune rheumatic condition

  • You experience fatigue, joint pain, digestive issues, reflux, constipation, diarrhea, or dry mouth

  • You want nutrition guidance that works alongside your rheumatologist and medical treatment

  • You feel overwhelmed by restrictive or extreme “anti-inflammatory diet” messaging

  • You want a sustainable, structured approach grounded in evidence-based dietary principles, such as a plant-forward pattern.

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You don’t need perfection. You need clarity, strategy, and support with compassion that respects your body living with an autoimmune disease.

A vibrant, balanced plate of anti-inflammatory foods like colorful vegetables, lean protei

Why Nutrition Matters in Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases

Autoimmune rheumatic diseases involve systemic inflammation.
This means inflammation is not limited to the joints; it can affect:

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  • Joints and connective tissue

  • Muscle health and strength 

  • The gastrointestinal tract

  • Cardiometabolic health

  • Weight management

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While Nutrition does not cure autoimmune disease, research supports that plant-forward dietary patterns can influence:

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  • Gut microbiome diversity

  • Intestinal barrier integrity

  • Systemic inflammatory markers

  • Muscle preservation

  • Cardiometabolic risk factors

  • Energy regulation

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This is where structured, evidence-based nutrition becomes meaningful.

My Approach: The GLOW Method 

GLOW is an evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle framework I developed from my clinical and personal experience for individuals with autoimmune rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s, psoriatic disease, and other rheumatic diseases. 

 

It supports immune regulation, muscle and bone health, energy, and long-term resilience alongside medical care.

So, what does GLOW stand for?

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GLOW will launch during Nutrition Month. In the meantime, learn about the key pillars.

G / Grow Gut Diversity

The gut plays a central role in immune function and systemic inflammation.

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This pillar focuses on increasing plant diversity and building a resilient microbiome with symptom-adapted strategies for bloating, reflux, constipation, or IBS-type symptoms.

Gut Health Resources
L / Lower Inflammation with Supportive Nutrients

Lowering inflammation is not about extreme elimination.

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This pillar is inspired by the Mediterranean Diet lifestyle to adequate, strategic intake of nutrients that support:

  • Immune balance

  • Muscle preservation

  • Bone integrity

  • Recovery and repair​

Anti-inflammatory Nutrition
O / Optimize Energy & Weight Balance

Autoimmune diseases can greatly impact body composition, energy levels, and cardiometabolic risk factors.

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This pillar emphasizes: 

  • Supporting metabolic health

  • Understanding medication-related changes

  • Addressing weight balance without stigma or guilt.

W / Work With Your Body

Autoimmune disease is unpredictable.

 

This pillar emphasizes:

  • Flare-day strategies

  • Fatigue-conscious planning

  • Sjögren’s-specific adaptations

  • Sustainable habits that adapt to your reality

Your Fatigue Support Guide

Ready for personalized support?

If you are ready to move from information to implementation, I offer:

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  • One-on-one nutrition counseling

  • Structured group programs

  • Educational workshops and speaking engagements

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Thanks for submitting!

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