Lifestyle program for people with arthritis and chronic inflammation

The one-year Plants for Health program costs $ 395,00. One full year of guidance, recipes, and support — for just over a dollar a day.

Prefer to spread it out? You can pay in three monthly installments of $ 135. The first payment is made right away, and the next two are automatically withdrawn one and two months later.

Many employers cover the cost of the program, so be sure to ask your manager about reimbursement!

Who can benefit from Plants for Health?

• You want to improve your lifestyle.
• You have (too) little energy.
• You have (early) signs of rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.
• You have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and/or high blood sugar levels).
• You are overweight.
• You do not (yet) have a condition and want to keep it that way.

Plants for Health is designed for people with a chronic condition or an increased risk of one, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or elevated blood sugar. The program is based on the Plants for Joints clinical trial (Amsterdam UMC, 2022), in which the combination of a whole-food, plant-based diet, movement, sleep, and stress management was shown to have positive effects.

In people with rheumatoid arthritis, the study observed reduced disease activity. In people with osteoarthritis, pain and stiffness decreased while physical function improved. Additionally, participants experienced weight loss and improvements in cholesterol and blood sugar levels. These findings are based on study results and individual outcomes may vary.

Other research suggests that a similar approach may also be relevant for people with cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. This is because unhealthy lifestyle habits contribute to chronic inflammation, which plays a role in all these chronic conditions. Although our study focused on rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, the program may also be of value for people with other rheumatic conditions (such as psoriatic arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis), cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and related risk factors.

Research also suggests that people who score well on these lifestyle factors have a lower risk of certain other conditions, including fatty liver disease and neurodegenerative diseases. These findings come from observational studies and do not constitute a guarantee of health outcomes.

Please note: The results referenced above are based on the Plants for Joints clinical trial and other published research. Individual outcomes vary. Participation in any Plants for Health program is complementary to, not a replacement for, medical treatment prescribed by your physician. This information does not constitute medical advice.

The program is not suitable if:

• you have or have had an eating disorder;

• your BMI is below 18.5;

• you are preparing for, recovering from, or have recently undergone a major medical procedure or surgery;

• you are under 18 years of age.

Please note: Lifestyle changes can be highly beneficial, but they also require time and energy. In some situations, it may be advisable to consult your physician before starting.

Not sure if this is the right time to start? Feel free to contact us — we’re happy to think it through with you. Please note that we are not able to provide personal medical advice.

No, that’s not necessary! Plants for Health helps you move toward a more whole-food, plant-based diet, but eating fully vegan is not required. Every step toward a more plant-based eating diet leads to health benefits. Research, including the Plants for Joints clinical trial, suggests that eating 80–90% plant-based is often enough to experience positive effects. Yet, the greater the steps, the greater the effects – though individual results vary.