Rheumatoid arthritis, commonly known as RA, is complex to understand owing to the way it develops and attacks the body. RA is an autoimmune disease occurring when the body’s tissues are mistakenly attacked by their own immune system. Immune system protects body from outside diseases. But when your own immune cells target internal body tissues, inflammation in joint start. RA causes chronic inflammation in joints.
Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis is extremely important because in some cases the chronic inflammation can lead to the destruction of the cartilage, bone, and ligaments, causing deformity of the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is also tricky because rheumatoid arthritis research has developed that the progressive damage to the joints does not necessarily correlate with the degree of pain, stiffness, or swelling present in the joints. This means you might be living with rheumatoid arthritis, without being aware of it.
Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis therapy includes medication, hot and cold treatment and acupressure. Medication such as Acetylsalicylate (aspirin), naproxen (Naprosyn), ibuprofen (Advil, Medipren, Motrin), etodolac (Lodine), and diclofenac (Voltaren) are examples of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Hot and cold treatment and acupressure can also also help temporarily provide relief from pain from inflammation. A doctor must be contacted and proper rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis must be done in order to effectively counter the disease.
Nutrition for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Fish
Your diet should include cold-water fish such as herring, mackerel, trout, salmon and tuna.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acid rich food, especially fish oil can help the situation a lot and can work a great deal providing relief from inflammation.
Fibre Rich Foods
Fibre rich food such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains help reduce inflammation.
Olive Oil
Extra-virgin olive oil may also help reduce inflammation, in the same way that a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen or aspirin can.
Foods rich in Vitamin D
Vitamin D rich food and supplements also help lower the risk of RA in older women by helping to regulate the immune system.
Read more :Causes and effects of rheumatoid arthritis; Understanding joint pain
