Читать книгу Anti-Inflammatory Diet For Dummies - Artemis Morris - Страница 69

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the lining of the smaller joints in the hands and feet, often leading to bone deterioration and joint deformity. Some sufferers experience intermittent flare-ups, and others see the symptoms and pain go into a remission-like dormancy for long periods of time.

More than 1.3 million Americans suffer from RA — about 1 percent of the country’s population. It occurs two or three times as often in women as it does in men and generally occurs between the ages of 30 and 60, although it can occur in teens and even children.

No one knows the cause of RA, although researchers have a list of suspects; some believe it’s triggered by an infectious bacteria or virus, and others think it may be linked to a female hormone, resulting in the high differential between the number of women who develop RA over men. Many researchers believe smoking plays a role as well, at least by weakening the body’s immune system.

Diagnosis includes checking for inflammation in the blood with tests such as the hs-CRP and C-reactive protein (CRP) test, ANA, and cytokine panel, and radiological studies. Approximately 75 percent of people test positive for the rheumatoid factor (RF) antibody in their blood, which may lead to RA. Having RF show up on a blood test doesn’t necessarily mean you have it, nor does not having RF mean you don’t, because about 20 percent of tests result in false positives and false negatives. Your doctor will take into account your clinical symptoms combined with these tests to determine your diagnosis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease, but it’s manageable. Doctors may prescribe certain medications to relieve the pain of rheumatoid arthritis, but people with RA can also do many things at home without medication. Applying heat and cold to the affected area can alleviate some of the pain, and exercising regularly helps keep bones and joints moving, reducing the risk of stiffness.

Following an anti-inflammatory diet and avoiding the nightshade family can aid in reducing the pain and inflammation of RA. Tobacco is also in the nightshade family, so avoid smoking as well.