Rheumatoid Arthritis

This is the second most common form of arthritis. It affects women more than men and may start at any age. The difference is that unlike wear and tear on joints, rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the immune system that affects the smaller joints and other body tissues.

Mild fever and generally feeling unwell is associated with pain and stiffness, with swelling of the joints, leading to redness and stiffness. This may be a single attack that persists for several months then clears, or proceeds to become chronic

Inflammation starts in the synovial membrane lines the joints; this in turn leads to the swelling. The cause is unknown and is more troublesome than oesteo both in the short and long term.

Diagnosis is made by doctors using X-ray, blood tests and sometimes by the presence of the characteristic nodules under the skin.

Contributing factors :

• Weight, being overweight makes symptoms worse
• Trauma, a physical wound or injury to a joint
• Medication, an interaction or combination of drugs
• Smoking increases white blood cells and can cause abnormalities in the immune system
• Diet, nutrition plays an important role particularly in rheumatoid arthritis. A well balanced diet can help relieve symptoms

Try to eat :

Starchy foods that contain complex carbohydrates. The reason for having complex carbohydrates, is they are digested more slowly, providing more energy over a longer period than refined carbohydrates such as sugar

• Fish, oily fish as mackerel sardines herrings and salmon, at least three times a week, white meats instead of red
• Fresh fruit and vegetables such as pineapple contains Bromelin a potent anti-inflammatory
• Whole grains, brown rice that is high in fibre
• Polyunsaturated oils, which contain the essential fatty acid alpha-linolenic

Avoid :

Avoid fats and fried foods, dairy produce, the phosphates in fizzy drinks deplete the calcium levels.

Supplements :

• Calcium with Vitamin B, for people with arthritis especially women at risk to osteoporosis
• Omega 3, fish oils to support the body’s maintenance of blood lipids. These fatty acids help support the formation of healthy cells membranes and aid circulation
• Antioxidants, scavenge free radicals in the body and are anti-inflammatory
• Vitamin C, a free radical scavenger and necessary for cartilage and bone formation, it promotes the absorption of iron.
• Zinc, combined with other minerals, zinc reduces inflammation
• Selenium, an antioxidant protects fatty cells and is found in liver fish and Brazil nuts.

Exercise (most important) :

Exercise is effective in combating the symptoms and progress of arthritic conditions.

• Maintains joint function
• Strengthens muscles, increases mobility
• Helps control weight
• Weight bearing exercises increase bone density
• Prevents disability

For many women the menopause can be a psychological, emotional, and physical turning point in their lives. A time of change and challenges which can be overcome with a combination of medical, complementary and self- help.

The other form of Arthritis is Osteoarthritis which you can read about on this page.