Rheumatoid Arthritis Diet Tips
Can a Rheumatoid Arthritis Diet Really Help?
A rheumatoid arthritis diet can prove a valuable asset in helping battle rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is classified as a systemic autoimmune disease. It is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disorder that primarily affects synovial joints but can also affect tissues and organs. The disease process often results in destruction of the articular cartilage and stiffness of the joints. Beside joint problems there can also be resultant inflammation in the lungs, pleura, pericardium, sclera and nodular lesions in the subcutaneous tissue. Addressing the root cause of any autoimmune disease is the key to long term health and a rheumatoid arthritis diet can do just that.
Rheumatoid arthritis affects approximately 1% of the world’s population, with females three times more likely to have the condition then men. The disease usually begins between the ages of 40 and 50, but it can also start at any age. It can be a painful and disabling condition, and if not managed properly can result in loss of function and mobility. The clinical diagnosis is based on presenting symptoms, the physical exam, x-rays and blood tests. This article will briefly discuss conventional treatments before talking more about the rheumatoid arthritis diet.
There are a few treatments available for rheumatoid arthritis. Typically pharmaceutical treatments include painkillers (in the form of analgesics) and anti-inflammatory drugs such as steroids to treat the symptoms. While in the short term benefit of treating the symptoms has merit, in the long term it does little good because the underlying disease process continues. A stronger type of drug called disease modifying antirheumatic drugs are aimed at inhibiting the underlying immune process and decreasing long term damage. Unfortunately, all drugs carry with them severe unwanted side effects. True health can never be obtained from drugs. Restoring true health is the aim of the rheumatoid arthritis diet.
Why Use a Rheumatoid Arthritis Diet?
A rheumatoid arthritis diet can be an effective form of treatment, as dietary intervention has proven to be helpful for other autoimmune diseases. At the root of autoimmune disease is an over responsive immune system that is attacking the body’s own tissues and cells. The over active immune response results in an array of symptoms. If we just focus on the symptoms, the underlying process and root cause of the problem is still present. Certain foods have proven to trigger autoimmune responses or inflammation. So it only makes sense that if we remove the offending foods from the diet, we can help settle down the immune system and restore proper balance and health to the body.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Diet Conclusion
A rheumatoid arthritis diet approach is not for everyone. The problems lies in the fact that often the option of diet or alternative treatment is not even presented to the patient. Unlike drugs, there are no harmful side effects from changing your diet. You are not putting harmful chemicals into your body or a toxic burden on your liver. It is at least worth a try. There is no harm in trying a rheumatoid arthritis diet and you have only your health to regain.
