Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes pain and inflammation when the body attacks its cells. While RA can affect various tissues and organs, including the heart, it is most commonly associated with joints. The exact cause of RA has not been determined; however, multiple risk factors and lifestyle decisions may play a role.
Although there is currently no cure for RA, there are a number of things you may do to delay the onset of the condition and lessen its effects on your quality of life.
- Failure to comply with treatment
When you are diagnosed with RA, your doctor will recommend a treatment plan to assist you in managing your symptoms and disease activity. There is an increased risk of worsening symptoms and disease activity if you do not adhere to the treatment schedule, such as not filling prescriptions, taking medication as advised, exercising, or skipping visits. That is true even when it is unintended, as when you forget.
While your reasons for not adhering to your treatment plan may be justified, you should address them with your doctor before altering the prescribed regimen. A medication modification or the addition of treatment may be beneficial to you.
- Limit your alcohol consumption
Alcohol does not have to be entirely avoided by persons with RA, although it is preferable to limit your use. Long-term alcohol moderation has been associated with a decreased incidence of RA in women.
The biggest worry with alcohol is that it may interfere with the drugs you take to manage the condition when you have RA. Some RA drugs, such as methotrexate, might be harmful to the liver. Alcohol consumption, which can also be toxic to the liver, may enhance that risk.
Discuss with your healthcare practitioner how much alcohol you can consume, and find out if any drugs you are taking fully prohibit you from drinking alcohol.
- Sedentism as a way of life
Regular physical activity is essential for everyone, including persons with RA, because it has various health advantages. Muscle strength, as well as bone and joint health, are critical for persons with RA. Rest is also required to help the body recover from the episodes of acute pain and tiredness typical of RA.
On the other hand, rest cannot become a way of life; establishing a balance between rest and activity is ideal. Sedentism has the opposite effect of what you want, resulting in increased discomfort, exhaustion, and weakness.
- Increase your fish consumption
Fish is high in various nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A and D. Eating fish daily is a good idea for anyone, but fish oil has been incredibly beneficial for patients suffering from inflammatory disorders and arthritis, including RA. Eating fish many times per week may protect against RA.
- Stressed Out
You don’t need to be taught that stress aggravates your RA. You understand because you live it. Surprisingly, many RA patients can recall a stressful or distressing event that occurred soon before the commencement of a flare.