An autoimmune disease is an abnormal immune response where healthy tissues are attacked. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease involving your joints. The exact cause of RA is unknown. You are at greater risk if you are female. Individuals with RA are found to have low potassium levels. Clinical data suggest you may benefit from potassium supplements if you have RA. However, you should consult your doctor before taking potassium.
Autoimmune Disease
There are more than 80 autoimmune disease types. Your immune system produces antibodies that attempt to destroy antigens, under normal circumstances. This helps protect your body from foreign invaders. However, your immune system misidentifies healthy tissues as antigens when you have an autoimmune disease. This produces antibodies that attack a specific part of your body. In RA, your immune system attacks your joints, causing inflammation and pain. You may experience morning stiffness as well.
Potassium Reduces RA Pain
Researchers from the faculty of nutrition and food sciences at Shaheed Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Iran set out to determine whether RA patients can benefit from potassium supplementation, particularly because RA individuals are found to have significantly lower potassium than healthy adults. Potassium at 6 g daily for 28 days reduced pain intensity 33 percent, the study found. It is published in the August 2008 issue of the "Journal of Pain."
Potassium
Potassium is a macromineral. This means your body requires a large amount, compared to trace minerals. Your organs, cells and tissues depend on adequate potassium. It carries an electrical charge, which makes it an electrolyte. Your body works to maintain a delicate electrolyte balance. The hormone aldosterone regulates potassium. Aldosterone triggers your kidneys to retain sodium and excrete potassium so that your levels are kept in balance.
Sources and Supplementation
Dietary potassium sources include cantaloupes, avocados, potatoes, salmon, chicken and other meats. It is unknown why patients with RA have low potassium levels. However, clinical data suggest you may benefit from potassium supplementation. Potassium exists in multiple forms. However, potassium chloride is indicated in clinical studies. Potassium supplements can cause side effects, including diarrhea and stomach upset. It has the capacity to interact with your medications also. Take potassium supplements for RA only with your doctor's consent and supervision.
References
- Medline Plus: Autoimmune Disease
- PubMed Health: Rheumatoid Arthritis; Michael E. Makover; February 2011
- "Journal of Pain"; A Pilot Study of Potassium Supplementation in the Treatment of Hypokalemic Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: a Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial; R. Rastmanesh; August 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Potassium; Steven D. Ehrlich; May 2009
- Medline Plus: Aldosterone
