Article Advise

submitted: Sep 5th 2008 | by: MarkJohn | Total views: 1 | Word Count: 590 | |

Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common chronic autoimmune disease, characterised by excruciating pain, & inflammation amongst other symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis, is a debilitating condition that affects a large number of the world's population, symptoms of RA normally start over the age of thirty, women tend to be far more likely to suffer with RA than men. A version of RA is known to affect children, known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is not restricted to race or gender and can be prevalent in all ethnic groups. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory illness that affects the joints and surrounding tissue, the condition is also "systemic", which means it can effect the entire body, including organs.

Medications to treat RA include prescribed and over the counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying anti rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biological modifiers, and corticosteroids. Non-drug treatments may include adapted exercise programs, hot and cold press, water resistance therapy, and lifestyle changes, such as rest, diet, and reducing stress.

Also used are medicines that manage the immune system called Immunosuppressants, these drugs are only used when the immune system goes completely out of control.

An autoimmune diseases is the description given to a condition which causes the body's own antibodies mistakenly attack their own body tissues (in RA the area normally attacked is the joint synovium), this causes the pain and inflammation.

The hands, wrists, feet, ankles, elbows, shoulders, hips, and knees are the most commonly effected joint areas . Rheumatoid arthritis is not the same for everyone, however almost all cases are chronic, meaning they are reoccurring. Some people have mild condition, with only occasional flare up, while others may have very few remissions.

Patients should always consult with their doctor about the choice of medication. Medicines must be used carefully and patients should tell their doctors about any changes that occur. Patients may not notice that their rheumatoid arthritis is affecting their spinal cord because this disease also causes arthritis in the fingers, hands, and hips at the same time.

Studies indicate the benefits and indeed the damaging effect of some foods in relation rheumatoid arthritis. Some foods are known to help one's RA, while others will actually make things worse.

Rheumatoid Arthritis linked to food allergy & intolerance's

Bad foods for arthritis tend to contain chemicals called inflammatory prostaglandins, which can be directly responsible for triggering some arthritis conditions. Rheumatoid arthritis in particular is closely linked to food allergy & intolerance's. Most sufferers have been shown to greatly improve when they cut out certain foods or restrict their diet, which eliminates the foods to which they are allergic.

Bad foods which all Arthritics should avoid;

1.Processed foods

2.Fatty foods

3.Sugar

4.Additives and preservatives

5.Citrus fruit

Foods which should be treated with caution;

The foods which cause the most confusion amongst nutritionists and arthritis professionals are those referred to as from the 'nightshade family'

1.Potatoes (especially when green)

2.Tomatoes (especially when green)

3.Peppers

4.Sweet peppers

5.Tobacco

Good and beneficial foods;

1.Brown rice

2.Sweet potatoes

3.All fresh onions

4.Garlic

5.Fresh celery

6.Salmon

This is obviously a very small list of some of the good and bad foods, which all arthritics should be aware of. Diet and natural treatments for arthritis are not necessarily the quickest forms of tackling arthritis, because they have to cure a basic imbalance in the body which can take some time, depending on the severity of the condition, having said that, it is clear that natural practices do tackle the underlying factors of one's RA and not just the symptoms (as modern medicine does).

Natural, alternative and complimentary practices all play a part in the road to arthritis relief, and shouldn't be discounted.

About the Author

Are you interested in a sustainable and natural approach to your gout & arthritis pain read my story at How I Cured My Arthritis or for more details visit Natural Arthritis Pain Releif

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