Home - Health - 7 Mistakes That Can Aggravate Rheumatoid Arthritis
7 mistakes that can aggravate rheumatoid arthritis

7 mistakes that can aggravate rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the inflammation of joints that leads to the degeneration of cartilage. The condition could be due to an autoimmune disease or due to wear and tear of the joints. It is estimated that over 50 million people (about 20% of the population) suffer from rheumatic conditions like arthritis. Avoiding certain habits could help lead a better life and manage rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Here are seven mistakes that can aggravate the condition: 

Skipping treatment
It is one of the most common mistakes that can worsen arthritis symptoms. Most people skip treatment as soon as they start feeling better. However, the condition can recur and worsen the pain to the extent that the patient might need to visit an ER. Hence, it is vital to seek treatment on time and never skip dosage for proper management of diseases. Treatment options such as Tremfya® and Plaquenil are used for relieving joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation. Actemra® is another treatment option that blocks the action of a protein called interleukin 6.

Eating the following foods
Food and nutrition play a crucial role in maintaining optimum health. While it is essential to include some foods to get relief from rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, the following foods must be avoided to prevent aggravation:

  • Refined carbohydrates
    Refined carbohydrates such as white flour, rice, pasta, pizza, and many breakfast cereal have little to no nutrient value. Excess of these in daily diet can increase and even worsen arthritis symptoms. Consuming refined carbohydrates with refined sugar in the form of pastries and cakes can be a double whammy, as they can increase inflammation and its associated pain.
  • Processed foods
    Processed foods contain high amounts of preservatives in the form of MSG (Monosodium Glutamate), which can increase the amount of uric acid and sodium in the body. Excess uric acid in the body can crystallize joints, resulting in pain and inflammation.
  • Aerated drinks
    Aerated or carbonated drinks contain high amounts of sugar. These drinks increase the risk of suffering from obesity and diabetes but also reduce the body’s ability to absorb calcium. Low calcium levels in the body increase the risk of suffering osteoarthritis. Women with low calcium levels are more likely to suffer from rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Meat cooked at a high temperature
    There is an increase in the AGEs (advanced glycation end product) in the blood when we eat meats cooked at high temperatures. High levels of AGEs can aggravate inflammation in the body, worsening arthritis symptoms. Meats such as beef, pork, and fried fish are rich in AGEs. So, switching to leaner meats such as chicken and steamed fish will help manage arthritis better.
  • Gluten
    Gluten is a protein that helps bind the molecules of the grain together. However, the same gluten can worsen arthritis symptoms. People who are sensitive to gluten can experience inflammation in the body and can also suffer from osteoporosis (bone loss). This is because the immune system can accidentally attack gluten, considering it a harmful compound. Some gluten-rich foods such as bread, pasta, and cereal.
  • Omega-6 fatty acids
    Omega-6 fatty acids are found in food sources such as sunflower oil, corn oil, beef, and pork. High amounts of these fatty acids in the body can increase inflammation, which can make it difficult to manage arthritis. Hence, it is recommended to switch to omega-3 fatty acids that are present in foods like walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds, freshwater fishes, and grass-fed beef.

Lifestyle mistakes 

  • Leading a sedentary lifestyle
    A sedentary lifestyle is one of the biggest risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis. Lack of movement can weaken the joints, making it difficult to manage rheumatoid arthritis. Doctors suggest that some light-intensity exercises can relieve pain from arthritis and help bring stronger joints.
  • Performing high-intensity exercises
    Exercises are good for health, as they improve blood circulation in the body. However, extremely intense exercises can be counterproductive for rheumatoid arthritis patients. Joints tend to wear down, and there is a progression of its wear and tear with age. Thus, performing specific exercises damages the weakened joints and aggravates rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Not getting enough sleep
    Not getting enough rest can aggravate rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Lack of sleep or poor sleeping habits can exacerbate pain and fatigue associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Relaxing before going to bed with meditation, deep breaths, or taking warm baths can provide relief from the pain associated with the disease.

Besides that, it would be wise to avoid the following:

  • Having a bad posture
    Bad posture can put excess load on weakened joints, which can worsen rheumatoid arthritis due to imbalanced pressure on joints. A good body posture reduces the pressure from the joints, thereby reducing the risk of suffering from arthritis in the hips and knees. Some equipment, such as back and joint braces, can help distribute even pressure on the joints. Simple exercises and a healthy lifestyle can also balance BMI (body mass index), thereby avoiding excess pressure on joints.
  • Wearing high heels
    High heels can put a lot of pressure on the hips and knees, which can aggravate arthritis symptoms. The cartilage surrounding the joints usually gets damaged due to constant pressure, resulting in pain and inflammation. Wearing footwear with soft padded soles can also provide relief from foot pain due to arthritis.

Latest Articles

4 hair styling tools that give a salon-like look
Beauty

4 hair styling tools that give a salon-like look

If you like to style your hair frequently without having to spend money at salons, you can invest in some basic hair styling tools. These tools can create beach waves or curls or even straighten them out. There are many hair styling tools that are versatile, easy to use, and do little or no damage to your hair. If you want to invest in hair styling tools, here are a few tools to check out: Hair straightener and curler Combining a hair straightener and curler that is suitable for all hair types allows you the freedom to try out trending hairstyles. Look for a professional straightener or curler with a ceramic or copper flat iron. Choose a flat iron that allows you to control the temperature so that you don’t damage your hair. Experts claim that setting the straightener or curler to temperatures as high as 455 degrees can help straighten the most challenging and rigid curls. The copper ceramic tools also ensure that the hair doesn’t break while you are straightening, leaving your hair straight and smooth once you are done. You can also choose regular and smart Bluetooth straighteners to help you choose the best temperature and care settings every time you use the tool. Hot air brush Hot air brushes combine a hairbrush with a flat iron and blow dryer. Choose the desired heat setting and gently brush your damp hair. It is essential to remember a hot air brush cannot be used on wet hair or right after your shower; your hair needs to be dry by at least 80%. It works well with mildly damp hair. The bristles in the hairbrush guide your hair, and the heated plates smooth and polish it. You no longer need to use a hair dryer to dry your hair after a shower and then use a straightener.
8 effective remedies for nasal polyps
Health

8 effective remedies for nasal polyps

Nasal polyps are tiny tear-shaped growths in the nose and sinuses, usually brought on by asthma, infection, allergies, or other kinds of inflammation. These polyps are usually painless and non-cancerous, however, they can be big enough to cause itchiness, breathing difficulties, sneezing, and running nose. Doctors usually prescribe nasal sprays that can relieve the symptoms and get rid of the polyps. However, one can also try a few natural remedies to deal with the condition: Neti pot (or nasal irrigation) Neti pot is a popular and convenient nasal irrigation device. All one has to do is fill this container with saline solution or add 1–2 tsp salt to distilled water or boiled (and then cooled) tap water. Then, one would have to lean over a washbasin or a sink and tilt their head sideways so that the liquid does not flow back into the mouth. One would have to breathe through the mouth, insert the spout into the upper nostril and allow the fluid to drain from the lower nostril. Then the nostrils will have to be cleaned by blowing the nose to remove mucus and dirt. This process should be repeated through the other nostril. The goal is to loosen and clear the mucus and debris like dust or pollen from the nasal cavity. Using a neti pot twice a day can help improve symptoms of nasal polyps. The container and hands have to be clean and dry to prevent infection. Steam inhalation In the absence of a nasal irrigation device, one can use steam to relieve nasal congestion, headaches, and other symptoms. People can boil some water in a pot or dish, place it on a counter or the dining table right in front of them as they sit in a comfortable position, and inhale the steam for a while.
4 foods that are surprisingly bad foods for diabetics
Health

4 foods that are surprisingly bad foods for diabetics

Many foods are portrayed to be the best for diabetics, but it would be surprising to know that even wholesome foods could cause a spike in sugar levels if the portion size is not moderated. Food choices truly matter when a person has diabetes. Under normal circumstances, one would think that these foods aid in better health and maintain sugar levels, but they don’t. Here are four surprisingly bad foods for those with diabetes: Brown rice While brown rice certainly has more fiber than white rice, a single cup of brown rice contains nearly 50 grams of carbohydrates. This can easily be broken into glucose which could spike the sugar levels. The alternative would be to cut down on rice and add more green leafy vegetables. Fresh fruit juice It does not matter if one opts for seasonal juice or those that claim that they have no extra sugar added. If we take an orange as fruit and look at its nutrient content, it has about 15 grams of carbohydrates, vitamins, and fiber. An orange juice, on the contrary, has 45 grams of carbohydrates and less of other nutrients. Therefore, drinking juice is not the same thing as eating fruit.   Dried fruits If one thinks having a raisin is healthier than a chocolate cookie, think again. Raisins contain 1 gram of carb more than what is available in a chocolate cookie. That said, they are undoubtedly wholesome compared to a cookie. However, both of them would result in a spike in blood sugar. The same holds good for cranberries and apricots. Yogurt Yogurt offers a plethora of health benefits, including probiotics for gut health. However, they are heavily processed and contain a wallop of 30 grams of sugar, even in the best of the brands. Ensure to read the ingredient before buying one.