Vitamins and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Millions of Americans suffer from rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, consuming more of these vitamins has been shown to help reduce symptoms.

It is both challenging and frustrating to deal with the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Read below to learn more about RA and the essential role of vitamins in alleviating its effects.

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

There are over 100 types of arthritis that are generally called “arthritis,” according to Arthritis Foundation. Rheumatoid arthritis is only one of its kinds.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a joint disease and affects the body’s autoimmune system. This disease causes the body’s own immune system to attack its own joints. The most commonly affected parts are usually hands, feet, wrists, elbows, and knees.

Rheumatoid arthritis called a systemic disease as it can affect whole-body systems, including the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

Common Causes and Symptoms of RA

To date, medical science still hasn’t conclusively found out what causes RA. However, a genetic link is considered the usual suspect.

Adults suffering from this condition are likely to express symptoms after 30. In children, someone as young as two-years-old can show symptoms. RA can range from very mild to severe cases. Due to this, symptoms can differ greatly from person to person.

Usually, the following symptoms are reported:

Stiffness after inactivity for a time or in the mornings.
Joint stiffness, swelling, soreness, or feelings of warmth.
Fatigue
Weight loss.

Rheumatoid arthritis can best be diagnosed through a blood test. However, a list of patient-reported symptoms may suggest early clues about the diagnosis.

Typically, a blood test will probe the presence of any of these factors:

Rheumatoid factor antibodies.
Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies.
C-reactive protein (CRP).
A low red blood cell count.

Finally, imaging tests (X-rays, ultrasound, MRI) can show how fast the disease is progressing in your joints and whether treatment is showing promise.

Vitamins and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Minerals and vitamins are essential for developing effective treatments for RA. Reasons for this include:

Weight loss brought on by RA can drain the body of vital nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
Many people diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis are also likely to develop food sensitivities, ranging from specific allergies to celiac disease (gluten intolerance), and thus enabling adequate nutrients, especially challenging.
Eating the right foods can control symptoms while eating wrong foods can contribute to the worsening of symptoms, particularly joint pain.

Specific vitamins are regarded as extremely essential to help people suffering from RA live active, productive, and pain-free daily lives.

If you are dealing with this condition or caring for a beloved who has been diagnosed with RA, these are the vitamins and minerals nutrition experts suggest as most essential in alleviating symptoms:

Vitamin D, which is critical for bone growth and calcium absorption.
Vitamin E, which can enhance the effectiveness of some RA medications.
Omega-3 fatty acids can soothe joint stiffness besides nourishing body systems affected by RA.
Folic Acid (Vitamin B9). Several RA medicines inhibit folic acid absorption.
Bromelain and/or Turmeric, as they are anti-inflammatory aids that can act as natural pain killers.
Gamma-linolenic acid has proven its effectiveness in reducing the swelling and pain associated with RA.

It’s essential to make sure your vitamin and mineral levels are adequate for maintain physical nutrition and health. If your blood suggests you’re vitamin D deficient, it is essential to start treating your vitamin deficiencies today.

Besides, it is advisable to speak to your doctor before taking up any new regiment of vitamin or mineral supplementation, particularly if you’re pregnant, are on blood thinners, have cardiovascular issues, are taking medications for any other health condition as interactions could be counterproductive.

The Power of Vitamin D

Vitamin D is an essential vitamin for people with rheumatoid arthritis, according to a majority of medical professionals. It is due to a connection between Vitamin D deficiency and severe symptoms of RA.

It is not difficult to increase Vitamin D levels. You can simply get some daily sunlight to boost your Vitamin D levels naturally. Then you can eat fish and eggs for Vitamin D intake through food. In addition, a few products, such as eggs, milk, cereals, fruits, and soy-based foods also contain Vitamin D enrichment additives.

If you cannot sit in the sun or eat these foods, the next best alternative is take a Vitamin D supplement. These supplements are available in various forms, including liquid and pills.

By understanding the maintenance of the health level of vitamins can alleviate your rheumatoid arthritis, you can begin using the supplement in order to feel better and more active again.

Undoubtedly, you need to be updated with rheumatoid arthritis as long as you live. However, medical science is learning more and more daily about how to alleviate symptoms, increase mobility, improve quality of life besides assisting healing for joints and affected body systems.

However, you can give your body extra fuel to fight rheumatoid arthritis by taking in proper levels of vitamins and nutrients.