RA, or rheumatoid arthritis, is classified as an autoimmune disease. Its characteristic feature is chronic inflammation in the synovial membranes of the joints (most often the smaller ones – it less often involves larger joints, such as the knee or shoulder).
Typical treatment aims to bring about remission by calming the symptoms that significantly hinder the patient's everyday life. What is more, remission is unfortunately a fairly rare occurrence, and even with aggressive therapy there is no 100% guarantee.
It should be remembered that autoimmune diseases are a very difficult opponent, so the appropriate steps should be preceded by tests and discussed with a specialist. In addition, besides typical methods, a change to a healthier diet and lifestyle, as well as appropriate supplementation, will be advisable.
What is RA and how does it present?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic connective tissue disease whose underlying cause is thought to be immune dysfunction and inflammation. Inflammation usually affects the small joints – the fingers of the hands, wrists, arms, feet. Less often it affects larger joints, such as the hips or knees, although of course this is not impossible.
The disease is accompanied by joint swelling, puffiness, and pain. Morning stiffness, which makes free movement impossible, is also characteristic of the course of RA. Along with pain and the aforementioned swelling, it can be said that after waking up one is practically unable to do the usual activities until then.
What is more, the disease has a recurrent nature, so the symptoms may persist for quite a long time, suddenly disappear, and then return again.
What are the causes?
It is worth knowing that people leading an unhealthy lifestyle may be affected more often, especially smokers (the risk may remain increased even several years after giving up the habit).
One of the disease factors is considered to be high exposure to stress… In such conditions, there is increased production of inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6 or IL-10. In addition, cortisol production increases.
It is often emphasized that disturbances in the bacterial flora, and especially leaky gut, may significantly increase the risk of rheumatoid arthritis.
The dietary aspect is also important here. All the more so because nowadays highly processed food is practically the norm. An anti-inflammatory diet brings very good results in RA, and it should also be characterized by nutritious products, that is, as little processed as possible. Therefore, as far as dietary steps are concerned, it will be important to:
- eliminate highly processed products,
- focus on nutrient-dense products,
- introduce products that help reduce inflammation,
- increase the share of vitamins (e.g. vitamins E, C, D3) and minerals (e.g. zinc, magnesium, selenium),
- introduce more sources of antioxidants,
- eliminate trans fats from the diet,
- ensure a higher intake of EPA and DHA fatty acids (Omega 3),
- eliminate refined carbohydrates,
- introduce natural sources of collagen (e.g. bone broths).
Improper lifestyle also includes insufficient psycho-physical recovery,
lack of sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances.
Who is primarily in the risk group?
Statistics say that RA affects women much more often than men. More precisely, many sources indicate that women are affected by the disease even three times more often, which makes a really big difference in terms of risk.
It is known that, in autoimmune problems, important information is the disease history of our family members. The genetic factor cannot be ruled out, although it is not the only element influencing the risk of RA. As a curiosity, it is worth knowing that with symptoms characteristic of the disease, specialists may order a genetic test focused on the HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 profile. Why? Scientists confirm that there is a link between celiac disease and rheumatoid arthritis, so such a test will be an appropriate step to better determine the nature of the problem.
In many people with RA, antibodies against gliadin and/or transglutaminase have been observed. In addition, gluten is a known trigger of inflammation. There is therefore a possibility that excessive consumption of products containing it may both increase the risk of its occurrence and worsen the course of the disease.
Diagnosis of RA
When symptoms typical of rheumatoid arthritis are present, a specialist refers the patient for tests in order to confirm the nature of the problem. The basic package aimed at RA includes:
- rheumatoid factor (RF),
- ANA antibodies,
- the anti-CCP test is also often ordered,
- inflammatory markers (e.g. CRP or ESR).
Experts suggest that checking the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines may prove to be a good idea – especially if the results of the other tests did not allow for a clear diagnosis. In addition, the level of cytokines may be a good indication that the problem may develop further in the future. It points to the possibility of disturbances in the functioning of the immune system and is the earliest warning of potential problems in this area.
