Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease mostly affecting the joints. Merck Manual points out that about 1 percent of the population is affected by RA, with women being impacted about two to three times more often than men. The disease typically appears between ages 35 and 50. There are treatments for RA but a cure does not yet exist, making books about the disease especially helpful in learning ways to cope with and prevent flare ups of the symptoms of RA. Some of the most common symptoms of RA include swelling, tenderness, stiffness and pain in the joints like the wrists, shoulders, elbows, hips and knees.
"Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis"
Tammi L. Shlotzhauer, M.D. and James L. McGuire, M.D. of The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions provide a reliable and invaluable guide in the book, "Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis." In addition to being grounded in medical research, the book offers practical advice for readers who are coping with the symptoms of RA. The text focuses on key components such as care, medication, joint protection, physical activity and healthy eating. Adding to the clinical information, the authors describe the emotions associated with dealing with and accepting the diagnosis of RA. Reviewers have praised the book for providing a conversational discussion of medical and personal aspects of the condition.
"Conquering Rheumatoid Arthritis"
Thomas F. Lee, author of "Conquering Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Latest Breakthroughs and Treatments," provides an easy-to-understand guide for individuals affected by RA. Lee helps make sense of recent research surrounding molecular and gene-based therapies for RA. He delves into the medical and scientific information in a conversational tone, making the information accessible to those without a medical background. The human genome research topic is highly controversial, and while Lee touches on it, he does not attempt to provide the reader with a biased view on whether such research should be supported. Readers will be pleased with this book for its in-depth look at RA as well as the picture painted of the future of RA treatments.
"Eat Away Arthritis"
Author Ruth Yanor-McRae, MH, explains how RA sufferers can benefit from maintaining a diet, specifically a vegetarian diet, in her book, "Eat Away Arthritis." She suggests eating whole grains, lots of vegetables, plenty of fruits and tofu with herbs. Some specific ingredients, like cold-pressed olive oil, can have added benefits in diminishing pain or other symptoms of RA. Yanor-McRae uses international research to support her ideas and gives the reader detailed instructions on cleansing and detoxifying the body for maximum benefit. This comprehensive RA diet book can be used alone or paired with medical treatment of RA.
