Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto.immune condition caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking the body's own tissues, particularly the synovial fluid lining the joints.
The joints most affected are the hands, wrists, feet, ankles and knees symmetrically on both sides of the body and usually in more than one joint. The inflammation causes symptoms such as: pain, swelling and stiffness. The stiffness tends to be worse first thing in the morning and gets better as the day progresses.
The inflamed synovial membrane sends out enzymes that break down the cartilage of the joint. Later this is replaced by fibrous tissue that calcifies and knots bones together, possibly restricting joint function. It is this process that causes the long-term problems in this condition. Rheumatoid arthritis usually occurs in the 20-40 age group but it can affect any age. It is more common in those who are obese, probably because it is an inflammatory condition. In 20% of the sufferers it will burn itself out, whereas in others it remains for life. It can be associated with inflammation under the skin, the heart and eyes.
Unfortunately many people with this condition will require medication from their doctor but, by following an anti-inflammatory diet and taking appropriate supplements, it can be helped.
Supplements for rheumatoid arthritis:
- Fish oil in high doses
- Flaxseed oil
- Multivitamin and mineral supplement containing bioflavonoid
- Bromelain
Overweight people tend to be in what's called a pro-inflammatory state, which is when the body's immune system is overstimulated and releases excessive amounts of the chemicals associated with the inflammatory process. Not surprisingly, overweight people are then more susceptible to inflammatory conditions of the synovial joints such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout and osteoarthritis.
"The diet doctors inside and out" by Dr Wendy Denning and Vicki Edgson
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