Rheumatoid Arthritis- Symptoms, Causes and Effective Diet
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition in which the immune system attacks normal tissue. Rheumatoid arthritis not only causes deformation and inflammation of the joints but also affects organs and tissue. Muscles, tendons and tissues surrounding joints may also become inflamed. People suffering from Rheumatoid arthritis often experience symmetrical symptoms on both sides of the body. Although any joint may be affected, most commonly, the joints of the fingers, wrists, arms and legs are affected. People with rheumatoid arthritis may experience overall pain felt throughout the body.
Rheumatoid arthritis affects one percent of world’s adult population. It usually occurs between 20 to 45 years of age but can also affect young children and adults older than age 50. It is more common in women that is about three quarters of women are affected by rheumatoid arthritis. Affects of rheumatoid arthritis may be different on different people. For example some people may experience extreme pain while others may not. The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. Researches show that the risk of rheumatoid arthritis is increased by about 50% by cigarette and cigar smoking.
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
In many of the cases, rheumatoid arthritis develops gradually and can come and go over the years. For some people the symptoms may decrease within two years. However, as there is no permanent cure for rheumatoid arthritis the symptoms can return with the time. Some of the most common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are:
- Swelling in joints, especially in the small joints of the hands and feet
- Tenderness, stiffness, and pain in joints, especially after sleep or after periods of rest
- Increased fatigue or weakness
- Loss of strength in muscles attached to the affected joints
- Loss of weight
- Lack of appetite
- Low grade temperature, especially at night
- Loss of motion of the affected joints
- Deformity of the joints over time
Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis
The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, but it's believed that underlying damage involves the immune system, which attacks the tissue that lines your joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is caused due to the inflammation of the joints. In rheumatoid arthritis, a membrane called the synovium, which lines each of your movable joints, is inflamed. This inflammation results in the release of proteins that can also damage bone, tendons, cartilage and ligaments. This gradually results in loss of shape and alignment of the joint, which may be destroyed eventually.
It is believed by some researchers that in people with an inherited susceptibility, rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an infection, may be a virus or bacterium. The disease itself is not inherited but certain genes that increase susceptibility may be inherited. And the people who have inherited these genes have more tendency of developing this disease. Severe stress may also be a cause of rheumatoid arthritis.
Effective Diet for Rheumatoid Arthritis
For the people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, diet plays an important role. A good healthy diet with right amount of calories, protein, and calcium will definitely help to improve the condition. In some people, change in the diet will help in arthritis or may worsen the condition.
A diet consisting nutritional supplements can be useful for rheumatoid arthritis. Omega-3 fatty acids that occurs naturally in certain fish and plant seeds helps in improving the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Glucosamine and chondrotin are the arthritis supplements that may decrease the joint pain. People suffering from rheumatoid usually lose their weight therefore it is necessary for them to take enough calories. Intake of certain antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E, zinc and selenium also help. Anti-inflammatory herbs like ginger, turmeric, licorice and fewerfew may help to improve the condition.
Eliminate foods that contribute arachidonic acid, a fatty acid that is derived almost entirely from animal sources like meat, dairy products, etc. Since it is converted to inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which contribute significantly to the inflammation. Also avoid alcohol and other beverages like coffee if you are taking any medications.