Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation in the body. Keeping the inflammation down helps control symptoms such as pain, redness and joint stiffness. Your diet, activities, lifestyle choices and stress levels all contribute to arthritis management. It is possible that your potassium level could worsen or alleviate RA-related issues. Potassium that is too low may bring on RA symptoms.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
More women than men develop rheumatoid arthritis especially between the ages of 40 to 60. Fingers, toes, wrists and ankles are often affected first. Symptoms of pain, swelling, fatigue, fever, and weight loss may come and go over time. When symptoms are active, they are referred to as flare-ups. Smoking, poor diets and high stress levels can worsen symptoms.
Potassium
Potassium is one of the electrolytes along with sodium, magnesium, calcium and chloride. This means that without it, electrical activity in the body such as regulation of heartbeat could not occur. Muscle contraction is influenced by potassium levels so the heart and the digestive system in addition to your skeletal muscles require it. Too much potassium causes a condition called hyperkalemia, while too little causes hypokalemia.
High Potassium and RA
A clinical trial conducted by Reza Rastmanesh Ph.D. from National Nutrition and Food sciences Institute reported at Clinical Trials.gov, shows that a significant amount of RA patients have low potassium levels. In turn, cortisol levels are affected. Cortisol is a hormone that is involved in keeping inflammation down and RA symptoms at bay. So high potassium levels may reduce arthritic flare-ups and all associated symptoms.
Potassium Sources
Adults need 4,700 mg of potassium per day. Eating foods rich in potassium is always better than taking supplements as they might not be absorbed and require the presence of other minerals for best use. Bananas, potatoes, avocados, salmon are good sources and are easy to incorporate into your diet.
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