RA, or rheumatoid arthritis, is one of the best-studied autoimmune diseases. However, this does not mean that it can be managed without effort and taking the right steps. These should be determined by a specialist - after tests - and an experienced dietitian.
Changing daily habits, lifestyle, a targeted diet, and introducing appropriate supplementation are crucial in the fight against RA. However, it is important to know how to go about it... If you have made changes and already have a nutrition plan, it is worth considering supplementation, which will certainly prove to be an excellent ally.
What does rheumatoid arthritis (RA) involve?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is classified as an autoimmune disease with an inflammatory basis. The area affected by the progressive inflammation is primarily the synovium, especially that located in smaller joints, such as the wrists or fingers. Of course, this does not mean that larger joints cannot also be affected - they are negatively affected as well.
Moreover, if left untreated, the disease leads to irreversible damage, while loss of mobility and reduced motor function are only some of the effects. Currently, therapies aim for remission, although achieving such an effect is difficult and unfortunately very rare. Even very aggressive treatment does not always produce the expected results.
Treatment for RA is intended to relieve symptoms, control them, and make relatively normal functioning possible. If the disease is confirmed, a good specialist is worth their weight in gold, as many medications have a multitude of side effects, against which one also needs to protect oneself properly.
In the course of treatment, lifestyle, diet, and supplementation play an important role, so the care of a good dietitian can prove invaluable when it comes to improving quality of life. To choose the right measures, it is worth knowing the disease factors characteristic of RA. Besides genetic predispositions, these also include:
- high exposure to stress,
- intestinal problems (leaky gut, infections and disorders of the gut microbiota),
- an improper diet, rich in highly processed products, trans fats, or unhealthy refined carbohydrates,
- glycation disorders,
- addictive substances, especially tobacco smoking.
It is also a fact that rheumatoid arthritis affects women much more often and it is much harder for them to achieve disease remission.
Supplements useful for RA
Knowing the disease factors, we can more easily determine which supplements will prove effective in the course of therapy. Of course, these measures will be a good support, but together with other steps aimed at treatment.
Going further, we can see that both supplements with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects will be effective in RA. In addition, it is a good idea to use those that lower the effects of stress, its level, and the concentration of the hormone associated with it (cortisol).
Another group, necessary to achieve the best possible results, will be supplements supporting the regeneration and protection of the musculoskeletal system.
Adaptogens
Stress is one of the factors that intensifies and creates conditions for the development of many dangerous diseases, and unfortunately we deal with it almost every step of the way. It will come as no surprise to anyone that high exposure to stress negatively affects the nervous system, and this in turn also affects the body's immune system. In addition, it leads to the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, and thus intensifies the course of the disease (especially when we are talking about autoimmune problems).
Adaptogens increase the ability to adapt to unfavorable conditions, increase resistance to stress and minimize its effects. Supplementation with some of them also helps lower the stress hormone (cortisol). Moreover, they have properties that support the functioning of the nervous system and protect neurons, and they often have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
The most popular include:
- bacopa monnieri,
- gotu kola,
- ashwagandha,
- ginkgo biloba,
- Chinese magnolia vine,
- reishi mushrooms.
Gut barrier-supporting supplements
The fact is that persistent and progressive leaky gut significantly contributes to the development of autoimmune diseases and many other serious problems. It is also worthwhile to take care of the gut microbiota, on which the proper functioning of the immune system largely depends - therefore, implementing appropriate probiotic therapy will be a good idea. Especially since in people struggling with RA, intestinal dysbiosis is often noted, which - as you probably know - promotes the development of inflammation. For example, an increase in the amount of Clostridium perfringens bacteria has been observed.
When it comes to supporting the gut barrier, the best choices will be:
- sodium butyrate,
- colostrum or lactoferrin.
Vitamin D3
Unfortunately, vitamin D3 deficiency or very low levels in the body are not unusual in the modern world. Nevertheless, they are particularly associated with autoimmune diseases. The vitamin affects cytokine functions, and it is also important in terms of immunity and our physical capacity. Moreover, its deficiency is correlated with intestinal permeability, which I mentioned earlier.
Supplements for joint protection and regeneration
The measures in this group do not act only on the joints, but also on the other elements of the musculoskeletal system - tendons, ligaments, muscles, connective tissue. The basic element will be collagen, especially type II, which is successfully used to counteract joint degeneration.
Glucosamine – supports joint regeneration, has a beneficial effect on articular cartilage, and also supports the treatment of inflammatory conditions in the tendons and joints.- MSM (organic sulfur) – has documented effects in various joint ailments. Often used for pain and degenerative conditions, and additionally has a beneficial effect on inflammation. Sulfur itself is needed for the production of mucopolysaccharides in the processes of forming cartilage connective tissue and for building collagen.
- Vitamin C – apart from its strong antioxidant properties, which are desirable in RA, contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of bones and cartilage. Without sufficient vitamin C, optimal collagen production is not possible.
Healthy fatty acids
Essential fatty acids are an invaluable ally during rheumatoid arthritis. They are the elements synthesized into eicosanoids that serve as regulators of inflammatory processes. In addition, steroids prescribed for RA unfortunately effectively block the production not only of harmful eicosanoids, but also of those with a beneficial effect on the regenerative mechanism and immune functions.
In this case, it would be a good idea to supplement with
Omega 3 (EPA, DHA). Together with gamma-linolenic acid, they reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and support the production of good prostaglandins, which is of great importance in autoimmune diseases.
Antioxidants, glutathione
Maintaining the balance in favour of antioxidant processes over pro-oxidant ones is a fundamental issue when it comes to caring for the body's health. Using antioxidants allows for more effective fighting of aggressive free radicals. Otherwise, over the long term, their action becomes quite a problem.
Our body is equipped with glutathione, which acts as a guard. It is the strongest and natural antioxidant that eliminates reactive oxygen species. Low glutathione deprives us of protection, causing the immune system to come under attack, the iNOS enzyme to be released, and optimal conditions for autoimmune reactions to arise.
In addition, glutathione supports T lymphocytes, while its low level increases the risk of inflammatory conditions in the intestinal mucosa. This also contributes to deepening the permeability associated, among other things, with RA. In order to improve glutathione function, it is a good idea to consider supplementation with:
Other supplements supporting the body in RA:
- zinc,
- magnesium,
- eicosapentaenoic acid,
- turmeric / curcumin,
- white willow bark.
