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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory joint disease (Autoimmune disease) that is characterised by daily pain, stiffness and fatigue which, in turn, limits activities of daily living. Rheumatoid arthritis, a crippling disease that affects approximately 2-3% of the world's population, and usually starts between the ages of 20-40 years and is more common in women, affecting them 3 times more often than men. Some forms of the disease can occur in children. Rheumatoid arthritis affects about 1 percent of our population and at least two million Americans have definite or classical rheumatoid arthritis. It is a much more devastating illness than previously appreciated. Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic condition, which means any part of the body can be effected, including organs such as the kidneys in some cases. Rheumatoid arthritis can occur in any race or ethnic group, there are no restrictions to RA. 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. Medicines that manage your immune system (called Immuno-suppressants) can also be used to fight RA. When you have RA, your immune system is out of control. Sufferers of autoimmune disease's have antibodies in their blood which mistakenly attack the body's own immune system, which leads to 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. Arthritics should always advise from their doctor regarding suitable medication and and pain relief. As with all medicines, arthritis drugs must be used with caution, patients should inform their doctors about any changes which may occur while using the medication. Many foods are known to help one's RA, while many others will actually contribute to the disease or trigger the symptoms, there are far to many to list here, however one of the most important foods to cut out of your diet, would be white flower, and anything made with white flour. Food allergy & intolerance's may be the reason for many cases of rheumatoid arthritis. 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.Shellfish 2.Fatty foods 3.Fried food 4.Additives and preservatives 5.Cheese 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 (except for sweet potatoes) 2.Tomatoes (especially the smaller variety) 3.Peppers 4.Sweet peppers 5.Paprika (in all forms) Good and beneficial foods; 1.Beans 2.Sweet potatoes 3.Onions 4.Garlic cloves 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 practices could be the answer to one's RA,and shouldn't be discounted.
Article Source: http://www.bullseyearticles.com
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