Rheumatoid arthritis is not only a painful and debilitating condition, but it can also decrease your life expectancy. Fortunately, there are a number of lifestyle adjustments you can make to reduce your risk of developing this crippling disease. In this article, we’ll explore some key factors that can significantly impact your likelihood of experiencing rheumatoid arthritis and provide tips on how to modify your lifestyle to minimize your chances of developing the condition.
Smoking and Rheumatoid Arthritis
One of the most significant risk factors for the development of rheumatoid arthritis is smoking. A study conducted by the Arthritis Research UK Epidemiology research group found that smokers are at a substantially higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis compared to non-smokers. This increased risk is due in part to the fact that smoking triggers inflammation throughout the entire body, including the joints, which can ultimately lead to rheumatoid arthritis.
If you’re a smoker, quitting immediately can significantly decrease your risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Quitting smoking not only improves your lung function and cardiovascular health, but also reduces inflammation in the body, making it an essential action to prevent rheumatoid arthritis. If you find it challenging to quit smoking, consider seeking help through support groups, medication, or counseling.
Obesity and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Being overweight or obese also increases the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Carrying extra weight puts additional stress on joints, particularly the knees, hips, and spine, which can cause inflammation and the development of rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, fat cells produce inflammatory substances known as cytokines that can contribute to the development of arthritis.
To minimize your risk, it’s important to maintain a healthy weight. To achieve and maintain weight loss, consider implementing a balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains while minimizing the consumption of processed foods, refined sugar, and unhealthy fats. Furthermore, it’s crucial to stay active and incorporate regular physical activity into your daily routine. Exercise not only helps you shed excess weight but also strengthens muscles, which can provide additional support for your joints.
Alcohol Consumption and Rheumatoid Arthritis
While excessive alcohol consumption can lead to many health problems, moderate alcohol intake has been found to decrease the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. In the aforementioned study conducted by the Arthritis Research UK Epidemiology research group, they discovered that consuming a small amount of alcohol, like a glass of wine daily, can help reduce the risk of rheumatoid arthritis.
Moderate alcohol consumption may have anti-inflammatory effects on the body, which can, in turn, lower your chances of developing arthritis. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that moderation is key – excessive alcohol consumption can lead to a myriad of health issues. If you don’t currently consume alcohol, there’s no need to start for the sake of arthritis prevention, as other lifestyle factors can have a similar protective effect.
Breastfeeding and Rheumatoid Arthritis
For women, one preventative action against rheumatoid arthritis that may come as a surprise is breastfeeding. The study by the Arthritis Research UK Epidemiology research group found that mothers who breast-fed their children for a prolonged period of time had a lower risk of developing arthritis. Breastfeeding may offer this protective effect because it suppresses certain hormones that can contribute to the development of rheumatoid arthritis.
However, it’s essential to remember that breastfeeding isn’t the only factor that can reduce a woman’s risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Other lifestyle modifications, such as maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and drinking alcohol in moderation, are still crucial in minimizing the risk of arthritis.
In Conclusion
While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent rheumatoid arthritis, making lifestyle modifications can greatly decrease your risk of developing this painful and debilitating condition. By quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, consuming alcohol in moderation, and (for women) breastfeeding, you can significantly reduce your chances of experiencing rheumatoid arthritis. By prioritizing your health and making these lifestyle changes, you’ll not only minimize your risk of arthritis but also improve your overall well-being.
