Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is a chronic inflammatory condition that most commonly affects the small joints in the hands and feet. It causes pain and swelling that can eventually lead to joint deformities. Because it is an autoimmune disease, meaning that your own body attacks your own tissues by mistake, it can affect your nervous system as well. By eating the right kinds of foods, you can optimize your health and well being and relieve some of the symptoms.
Causes
Doctors and researchers still don't know exactly what causes your body's immune defense to attack your own joints. Although there is a genetic component to the condition, it might be the result of a certain virus or bacteria. However, it also may have a genetic component, so it might be a good idea to review your family's medical history.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of RA are joint pain and swelling, tenderness around the joints, redness, and in some cases nodules form around the tissue. Other symptoms include fatigue, and even fever or weight loss. The severity of the symptoms varies from person to person, and in the same person, from time to time, with patients experiencing periods of exacerbation and periods of remission.
Risk Factors
According to MayoClinic.com, there are certain factors that could put you at an increase risk of rheumatoid arthritis. These include being female, as women are more likely to develop RA compared to men; being between the ages of 40 and 60, although RA can technically develop at any age; family history, because having a family member with RA might increase the risk by predisposition; and finally, smoking. Researchers have found that you can reduce your risk of rheumatoid arthritis if you quit smoking.
Foods to Eat
According to the American Dietetic Association, you should choose foods that are high in calcium so that you can strengthen your bones like dairy, spinach, kale and other dark green vegetables, soy milk, and any calcium-fortified food or beverage. Additionally, you should eat a variety of foods like fruits and vegetables so that you can optimize your health. These foods may reduce inflammation and make you feel better and more energized in general.
Other Tips
If possible, you should aim to exercise regularly. Exercise can help you strengthen the muscles around your joints and help you fight one of the most common symptoms of RA, fatigue. You can start by walking, swimming or using the stationary bike. Also, you should try, if possible, to do some sort of weight-bearing exercise so that you can optimize your bone health. Keep in mind that a little pain after exercising is normal. However, if the pain persists after you have reduced the intensity of the exercise, call your physician.
