Arthritis - The Junk Food Conspiracy?
Author: MarkJohn Total views: 7 Word Count: 612
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease which includes symptoms ranging from daily pain, stiffness and fatigue to inflammation and eventual disfigurement of joints. Rheumatoid arthritis,is a crippling condition that is thought to affect around 3% of the world's adult population, symptoms normally start to become apparent between the ages of 20-40, with the disease being far more prevalent amongst women, affecting them up to 3 times more often than men. A version of RA called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis can occur in children, with similar symptoms to those suffered by adults. It is a much more devastating illness than had previously been appreciated.
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.
Common rheumatoid arthritis medications can include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying anti rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biological response modifiers, and corticosteroids. Non-drug treatments include lifestyle changes,such as balancing activity with rest, and diet, reducing stress and professionally designed exercise programmes.
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.
Patients with these diseases have antibodies in their blood which target their own body tissues, where they can be associated with inflammation.
The joints most commonly afflicted by rheumatoid arthritis can include the hands, wrists, ankles, elbows, hips, & knees. Arthritis varies from person to person and Rheumatoid arthritis is no exception, while some will suffer daily with the chronic condition others may experience long periods of remission with perhaps only mild infrequent attacks. Most cases of rheumatoid arthritis are however chronic conditions, which means the disease is reoccurring.
People suffering with rheumatoid arthritis should always consult with their medical professional regarding their course of medication. Medicines must be used with caution, due to the toxicity of some RA drugs. Patients should let their doctors know about any changes that may occur while using the medication. Patients should also be aware that their condition could lead to other complications, which may not be obviously apparent such as the affect RA can have on their spinal cord.
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.
A clear link exists between rheumatoid arthritis & food allergy & intolerance
Foods which contain a chemical called inflammatory prostaglandin are known to be bad for sufferers of RA, these natural chemicals can be directly responsible for triggering attacks of arthritis. Many sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis have shown a marked improvement when removing certain foods from their diet.
Foods which should be avoided by anyone suffering with rheumatoid arthritis
1.Alcohol
2.Fat & all fatty foods
3.Sugar
4.Additives and preservatives
5.Citrus fruit
Caution should be used when leaving the following food's in an arthritics diet;
The following foods cause much confusion amongst nutritionists and professionals alike, these foods are referred to as nightshade foods'
1.Potatoes (especially when green)
2.Tomatoes (especially when green)
3.Hot peppers (all colours)
4.Sweet peppers
5.Tobacco
Good and beneficial foods;
1.Brown rice (a good alternative to potatoes)
2.Pulses
3.All fresh onions
4.Nuts
5.Fresh celery
6.Salmon
This is just a small list of good and bad foods, which are known to influence arthritis. Diet and natural treatments for arthritis are not necessarily the fastest remedies. This is because they sometimes have to cure a basic imbalance in the body which may take up to a few weeks, however natural practices do actually tackle the underlying contributing factor of one's RA and not just the symptoms.
Natural practices could be the answer to one's RA,and shouldn't be discounted.
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About the Author
Are you interested in a sustainable and natural approach to your gout & arthritis read my story true at How I Cured My Arthritis or for more details visit Natural Arthritis Pain Releif
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