Scleroderma

Venus Williams was diagnosed with Sjogren’s Syndrome, an autoimmune disorder, after experiencing unusual fatigue for years. Sjogren’s currently has no cure, so patients are typically put on regimens to try and manage it. In some cases, the condition can progress to cause kidney disease.

Ms. Williams has also been experiencing joint pain to the point she can’t train or play in tennis tournaments at the level she has in the past. In an attempt to decrease her symptoms, she has decided to try a raw vegan diet , and yoga. At this point, it is believed such a diet could reduce inflammation in the body, for some people. Serena Williams will maintain a vegan diet also, to offer support for her sister.

Physicians Committee for Responsible for Medicine says foods like brown rice, green, yellow, and orange vegetables and cooked or dried fruits almost never contribute to arthritis or other painful health problems. They also say meat, dairy, coffee, nuts, citrus and tomatoes are major triggers for arthritis.

Golf champion Phil Mickelson tried a vegetarian diet for five months due to joint pain from arthritis, and said he learned some things about nutrition he continues to practice, but couldn’t stick with it entirely.

The website for Dr. Andrew Weil has compiled a list of foods consistent with an anti-inflammatory diet, if you want to read more.

Source: Richardson, J. (2012), "Venus and Serena Williams Going Vegan"; Care2.com