REVIEW: In the last two health columns we talked about different kinds of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis and gouty arthritis.
In this column we want to zero in on Rheumatoid Arthritis and then provide some practical guidelines for the prevention and reversal of the effects of chronic arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is different from osteoarthritis in that it results from inflammation of the joints with redness, swelling, pain, and fever, rather than from injury or wear and tear.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease related to asthma, hay fever, eczema, and other diseases that seem to have an allergic component. Acute attacks tend to recover the years, producing nodules and a gradual stiffening and disfiguring of the joints, most notably affecting the wrists and finger joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis has long been known to be closely intertwined with the body’s immune (defense) system. Certain immune protein complexes deposited in the joints play a key role in the marked destruction of cartilage that takes place. We now know that these undesirable protein antigens (perpetrators of allergies) can be absorbed intact from the small intestine without being digested (related to “the leaky gut”), thus causing the problems.
Dietary habits are believed important because studies of rural populations in developing countries show a fraction of the incidence of rheumatoid arthritis that is found among their urban counterparts. Other studies have demonstrated that when eating foods associated with few allergic symptoms, patients experience less stiffness
and pain, and improvement in muscle strength. In addition, any lifestyle measures designed to improve circulation are important as well.
The best long-term results are seen in patients willing to adopt a very strict vegan diet (without any animal products). This is not surprising, since milk is the most common cause of food allergies, with eggs close behind. Studies have shown, for example, that more than 100 antigens may be released during the digestion of cow’s milk alone.
Practical Guidelines
Despite the many different forms of arthritis, here are some general principles that are effective in most cases:
1. Normalize your weight. Every extra pound increases the wear and tear of the main weight-bearing joints—the hips, knees, and spine.
2. Simplify your diet. Diets very low in fat and high in fiber have been shown to improve circulation to the joints. In time, this kind of diet may help open up some of the narrowed arteries. Eliminate all dairy products for three weeks and evaluate your response.
3. Exercise daily to keep muscles strong. Weakened muscles do not adequately protect the joints. When joints are painful, swimming and water aerobics are ideal.
4. Use affected joints only within the limits of their blood supply. Resting during acute episodes, then quickly returning to activity, is very important in preventing chronic disability.
5. Use medications with caution. Analgesics, muscle relaxants, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may help, especially in the acute phase. Steroid therapy can produce dramatic improvement; but in the long run it usually does more harm than good.
6. If joint destruction is advanced, the joint may need to be fused or replaced with an artificial joint. Surgical procedures are available to correct deformities and to repair injuries.
Fight for your health. Stay active. The people with arthritis who get better are the ones who take an active role in bringing about positive, permanent changes in their lifestyles.