Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease that mainly affects the cartilage of the joints in our body. There are several issues that increase the chances of developing Rheumatoid Arthritis and some regular habits of having a healthy diet, taking good care of hygiene, taking probiotics and avoiding substance abuse can bring down the chances of developing Rheumatoid Arthritis. Here are seven factors that can increase the risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis.
- Age
Rheumatoid Arthritis can occur at any age but the risk of developing the condition increases with more age and is more likely to develop when a person is of 50-60 years of age. The older one gets, the more he/she is prone to joint inflammation and pain. With age, one’s immune responses become more dysfunctional and this immune-aging is responsible for chronic inflammation which causes pain in the joints.
- Hormones
In women and men, hormone levels of Estrogen and Testosterone play a major role in the onset and progression of Rheumatoid Arthritis, respectively. According to the Centre for Disease Control and Management, women are more likely to develop Rheumatoid Arthritis than men. Several cases of hormone replacement therapies have been reportedly linked with the risk of developing the disease condition. Moreover, women are at a higher risk of developing Rheumatoid Arthritis after menopause.
- Genetic Factors
The risk of developing Rheumatoid Arthritis can be inherited and are thought to be mysteriously hidden in genes involved with immune functions. But it is not necessary that if the mother is suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis, the child will face the same. Genetic factors solely are not responsible for the disease. The genetic factors are mostly triggered by environmental and health conditions like smoking, obesity, occupational exposure to pollutants and infections.
- Previous Infections
Several reports indicate that prior infections by bacteria or viruses may contribute to an increased risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis by hampering the natural immune system response of the body. Generally, reports suggest that infections due to Porphyromonas gingivalis, Proteus mirabilis, Epstein–Barr virus, and mycoplasma are more commonly associated with the risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis in patients. A good hygiene always helps!
- Stress
Stress and Fatigue are some of the early symptoms of developing Rheumatoid Arthritis and reports suggest that the conditions become worse with more stress and anxiety. All the patients who are diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis complain of getting tired even with normal day-to-day activities and this causes more stress on the body and the mind. Stress and Depression give an easy pass to Rheumatoid Arthritis for taking over the body. Meditation can play a major role in reducing stress.
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- Smoking
You have all read the two-word tag in every cigarette pack: smoking kills. Rheumatoid Arthritis has a higher risk of development in regular smokers. Smoking, being one of the most important external risk factors, makes the prognosis worse. The risk of rheumatoid arthritis is far reduced by avoiding the habit of smoking. A cigarette away can increase a day!
- Diet
A lifestyle based on junk food habits and a lack of exercise deteriorates the body’s metabolism and makes it prone to infections and diseases. Every doctor suggests that exercise is one of the best natural therapies available for preventing Rheumatoid Arthritis risk. A healthy diet rich in vegetables and fruits can benefit people by reducing the risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis due to the anti-oxidant properties. Probiotics and anti-inflammatory foods like tomatoes, salmon, almonds etc. can also help patients with their symptoms.
Although these factors can help one in reducing the risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis, conventional treatment procedures using analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs do not help the patient in regaining his natural active self. A recent treatment procedure for Rheumatoid Arthritis is Regenerative medicine using stem cell therapy which promises the prevention of the tissue-damage besides natural healing. Advancells helps you gain more insight into it with the support of experienced medical practitioners.