According to the Arthritis Foundation, 1.3 million Americans are estimated to be diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. For many patients with rheumatoid arthritis, serum potassium levels fall below those of healthy adults and may play a role in the intensity of symptoms suffered. Maintaining a diet high in potassium-rich foods can help keep levels in optimal levels and should be discussed with your physician.
Potassium
Potassium is a mineral that is essential to maintain proper function of the kidneys, nerves, heart, muscles and digestive system. Potassium can be found in a wide variety of foods including meats and fish, bananas, bran, Brussels sprouts, kiwi, lima beans, milk, oranges, peanut butter, tomatoes, peaches and granola. If your potassium becomes too low, it is called hypokalemia. Hypokalemia can cause symptoms such as abnormal heart rhythms, fatigue, muscle weakness and paralysis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis, also known as RA, is an autoimmune disease and a form of inflammatory arthritis. In a healthy adult, the immune system works to fight off viruses and bacteria, but if you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, your immune system malfunctions and attacks the tissue that lines your joints, known as the synovium. It is a chronic disease and has no cure. Symptoms include sore and tender joints, reduced range of motion, inflammation, fatigue and a low-grade fever. Symptoms can increase during periods known as "flares." As the disease progresses, it can cause deterioration to the ends of the bones and result in disability and deformation.
Medical Research
A 2008 study published in the "Journal of Pain" examined the connection between serum potassium levels and patients with rheumatoid arthritis. They looked at 32 patients who were hypokalemic and had active rheumatoid arthritis. Half of the participants were given a placebo drink for 28 days while the other half were given 6.000 mg of chloride potassium in grape juice. The purpose was to evaluate the effects of potassium supplementation on pain levels associated with rheumatoid arthritis. In comparison to the placebo, the potassium supplement was shown to greatly decrease pain intensity according to the visual analog scale, or VAS, used to measure pain levels.
Considerations
If you have been diagnosed and believe your potassium levels may be low, consult with your physician and have your levels tested. Do not attempt to add potassium supplements without the input of your physician as too much potassium, or hyperkalemia, can cause a variety of other medical conditions and symptoms including an irregular heartbeat, nausea and a slow and weak pulse. However, hyperkalemia can also be present with no symptoms at all but can be deadly. Your physician will be able to test your levels and best advise you on how to supplement your diet.
References
- Arthritis Foundation: Who Gets Rheumatoid Arthritis?
- MedlinePlus: Hypokalemia
- MedlinePlus: Potassium
- MedlinePlus: Potassium in the Diet
- Arthritis Foundation: What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
- "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 et al.; August 2008
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