Food as Medicine for Rheumatic Diseases and Planetary Health.

Animal agriculture is one of the most significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation. Whole-food plant-based diets (WFPBDs) (defined as diets consisting of predominantly plants with minimal ultra-processed foods) can help to mitigate many of the challenges facing our planet and improve the health of patients with rheumatic diseases. Here, we will review how animal agriculture impacts climate change and our environment and how environmental contaminants in food may be potentially impacting health, including rheumatic disease. We will also discuss the evidence supporting WFPBD for rheumatic diseases and the role for rheumatologists in educating patients on WFPBDs.