Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common chronic autoimmune disease, characterised by excruciating pain, & inflammation amongst other symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis, is a debilitating condition that affects a large number of the world's population, symptoms of RA normally start over the age of thirty, women tend to be far more likely to suffer with RA than men. A version of RA is known to affect children, known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.



Rheumatoid arthritis is not restricted to race or gender and can be prevalent in all ethnic groups. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory illness that affects the joints and surrounding tissue, the condition is also "systemic", which means it can effect the entire body, including organs.

Common rheumatoid arthritis medications can include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying anti rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biological response modifiers, and corticosteroids. Non-drug treatments include lifestyle changes,such as balancing activity with rest, and diet, reducing stress and professionally designed exercise programmes.

Also used are medicines that manage the immune system called Immunosuppressants, these drugs are only used when the immune system goes completely out of control.

An autoimmune diseases is the description given to a condition which causes the body's own antibodies mistakenly attack their own body tissues (in RA the area normally attacked is the joint synovium), this causes the pain and inflammation.

The hands, wrists, feet, ankles, elbows, shoulders, hips, and knees are the most commonly effected joint areas . Rheumatoid arthritis is not the same for everyone, however almost all cases are chronic, meaning they are reoccurring. Some people have mild condition, with only occasional flare up, while others may have very few remissions.

Arthritics should always advise from their doctor regarding suitable medication and and pain relief. As with all medicines, arthritis drugs must be used with caution, patients should inform their doctors about any changes which may occur while using the medication.

Studies indicate the benefits and indeed the damaging effect of some foods in relation rheumatoid arthritis. Some foods are known to help one's RA, while others will actually make things worse.

Rheumatoid Arthritis linked to food allergy & intolerance's

Foods which contain a chemical called inflammatory prostaglandin are known to be bad for sufferers of RA, these natural chemicals can be directly responsible for triggering attacks of arthritis. Many sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis have shown a marked improvement when removing certain foods from their diet.

Foods all Arthritics should avoid;

1.Processed foods

2.Fat & all fatty foods

3.Fried food

4.White flour

5.Cheese

Foods which should shown caution by anyone suffering with rheumatoid arthritis

The following foods cause much confusion amongst nutritionists and professionals alike, these foods are referred to as nightshade foods'

1.Potatoes (except for sweet potatoes)

2.Tomatoes (especially the smaller variety or when green)

3.Hot peppers

4.Paprika

5.Paprika

Good and beneficial foods for those suffering with arthritis;

1.Beans

2.Pulses

3.Onions

4.Nuts

5.Celery

6.Salmon

This is only a small list of some of the foods which have a link to RA (good or bad). Diet and natural programmes used to treat arthritis may not be quickest rout to pain relief because they first have to tackle the underlying contributing factors, this may take a few weeks, however natural practices do actually address the disease and not just the symptoms.

Natural, alternative and complimentary practices all play a part in the road to arthritis relief, and shouldn't be discounted.