What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the hundreds of different forms of arthritis. Arthritis literally means joint inflammation and the inflammation is caused by different reasons.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the body’s own tissue. Specifically, the disease attacks the lining of the joint called the synovial lining, but it can also attack the skin, eyes, lungs and blood vessels.

The body then responds to the autoimmune attack on the tissues with an inflammatory response of white blood cells and other fluids to combat the attack.

Rheumatoid arthritis can occur at any age but it usually occurs after the age of forty in people who are afflicted with it. The result of the autoimmune attack on the tissues of the body can result in fatigue, fever, weight loss, inflammation, tender swollen joints, and morning stiffness in the joints. The attack on the synovial lining can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity.

Causes Of Rheumatoid Arthritis

It is unclear to doctors what causes the immune system to attack the lining of joints and also sometimes the skin, eyes, lungs and blood vessels. Doctors think genetics may play a part, though not directly. Genetics may make you more susceptible to environmental factors that cause rheumatoid arthritis, like certain viruses and bacteria. Smoking tobacco and chronic periodontal disease also increases the risk of developing the disease.

Fortunately studies have shown that a plant based diet helps to treat the disease. The high concentration of anti-inflammatory omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and phytonutrients help to control rheumatoid arthritis and support healthy living.

Next Page» Rheumatoid Arthritis Diet

References:
Plant Based Treatment
Nutrition Guidelines for People With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Does diet have a role in rheumatoid arthritis?

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