Key statistics taken from a 2017 Arthritis Research report stated that:
- Over 400,000 people in the UK have rheumatoid arthritis.
- The cost of rheumatoid arthritis to the UK economy is estimated at £3.8 – 4.8 billion.
- 1/3 of people with rheumatoid arthritis will have stopped working within 2 years of onset.
In this week’s blog we look at some of the signs, symptoms and risk factors associated with rheumatoid arthritis; including diet, lifestyle and genetics.
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease with chronic joint inflammation and destruction, and is characterised by activated T cells, persistent synovitis and the production of auto-antibodies, including rheumatoid factor (RF). (Synovitis is the medical term for inflammation of the synovial membrane. This membrane lines joints that possess cavities, known as synovial joints). Typically, RA manifests as sustained inflammation of the synovium, which leads to destruction of joints. It can cause ongoing pain, swelling, stiffness and limitations in terms of movements. For most people, RA symptoms tend to flare up at times, becoming worse when inflammation levels rise.
RA can put you at a higher risk of developing other conditions, particularly if it’s not well controlled such as:
- Joints – damage can occur to bone, cartilage and tendons. Joint deformities may also materialise.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome – the result of compression of the nerve that controls sensation and movement in the hands and can cause symptoms such as aching, numbness, tingling in the thumbs, fingers and hand.
Because RA is an inflammatory condition, this can cause inflammation to develop in other parts of your body, such as the:
- Lungs – inflammation of the lungs or lung lining can lead to pleurisy or pulmonary fibrosis, which can cause chest pain, a persistent cough and shortness of breath.
- Heart – inflammation of the tissue around the heart can lead to pericarditis, which causes chest pain.
- Eyes – inflammation of the eyes can lead to scleritis or Sjogren’s syndrome. Scleritis can cause eye redness and pain, whereas Sjogren’s syndrome can cause dry eyes.
- Blood vessels – known as vasculitis – this can lead to the thickening, weakening, narrowing and scarring of blood vessel walls.
- Spinal cord – there is an increased risk of compression on the cervical spinal cord, a condition called cervical myelopathy.
Signs and Symptoms
- Joint pain – swelling in and around certain joints lasting for six weeks or more. Any joint can become damaged due to RA, but the wrists, feet, hands, ankles and knees are most commonly affected
- Redness, heat and tenderness near inflamed joints. Pain and tenderness are usually experienced in a symmetrical pattern
- Morning stiffness – many people experience morning stiffness for several hours in the morning
- Fatigue and muscle aches
- Trouble moving normally, including bending over, climbing stairs, walking or exercising
- Possible loss of appetite or low-grade fever
Risk Factors
Lifestyle
Several lifestyle factors have been shown to play a role in RA risk, including:
- Smoking—nicotine in the bloodstream can increase rheumatoid factor levels.(1,2)
Evidence shows that cigarette smoking can cause the body to produce antibodies that are strongly associated with the development of RA.(3) In addition, it has been found that smoking may reduce the effect of RA treatments including anti-TNF agents and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs).(4,5) Smoking has been shown to worsen RA symptoms and therefore increase the overall progression and severity of the disease.(6)
- Diet – A poor diet and food sensitivities (foods that contribute to inflammation including high sugar/refined carbohydrate consumption, dairy, gluten).
- Weight – It has been proposed that recent trends of increasing rates of RA found in some studies could potentially be related, at least in part, to the dramatic increase in rates of obesity. Study results, however, have been mixed, with some showing an increased risk of RA among obese individuals and others showing no association. Adipocytokines, because of their association with adiposity and their pro-inflammatory effects, have been proposed as potential mediators. Studies to date, however, have not established adipocytokines as a direct link between obesity and the development of RA. Additionally, insulin resistance leading to increased inflammation has been proposed as another potential mechanism.(7)
Genetics
The association of a particular human leukocyte antigen (HLA) with (RA) was first noted in the late 1970s, when the frequency of individuals with the HLA-Dw4 serotype was found to be increased among RA patients compared with healthy controls.(8)
Hormones
Women are more at risk for RA than men, and many experts think this is because women are more subject to hormone fluctuations. Specifically, RA risk seems to go up when hormone levels drop, such as right after pregnancy or at menopause.
Vitamin D Deficiency
Epidemiological evidence has shown increased prevalence of several autoimmune diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, MS, type I diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis at Northern latitudes where sun exposure is reduced; therefore, it has been suggested that vitamin D may be protective against autoimmune conditions.(9)
This is likely to be due to anti-inflammatory and immune modulating effects that vitamin D has demonstrated, such as regulating the production of inflammatory cytokines and inhibiting the proliferation of pro-inflammatory cells, both of which are crucial for the development of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
In a recent study, both forms of vitamin D – 1,25(OH)2D3 and 25(OH)D3 exhibited anti-inflammatory actions by dose-dependently inhibiting lipopolysaccharide induced production of IL-6, and TNFα (pro-inflammatory cytokines) by human monocytes (immune cells).(10)
Microbiome and leaky gut
Research strongly suggests connections between intestinal permeability (leaky gut), dysbiosis in the gut microbiome, and arthritis.(11)
Dysbiosis impacts the innate immunological pathways and leads to the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1, IL-18, IL-17, TNFα, and others. The signalling pathways involve an array of molecules that are produced by autoreactive T cells. The autoreactive T cells also migrate to the peripheral immune compartments to activate the B cells to form antibody producing plasma cells. The antibodies and the plasma cells then migrate to the synovial tissues to initiate an inflammatory cascade. Macrophages, fibroblasts, osteoclasts, and proteinases are the key components of the synovial inflammatory processes.(12,13)
Healthy intestines are naturally permeable, allowing tiny nutrient particles to flow through their lining and enter the bloodstream. Problems arise if the intestinal lining becomes damaged. For more information, please read our blog – Leaky Gut Syndrome – The Signs and Symptoms.
It is understood that celiac disease, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s and several other autoimmune diseases have all been associated with leaky gut that allows the passage of these antigens from the intestinal flora into the bloodstream and this then challenges the immune system to produce a response that can target any organ or tissue in people that are genetically predisposed.
Helpful foods
Mediterranean Diet
Some studies have reported a decrease in pain and disease activity with Mediterranean diet in RA.(14) In a 12 week randomised trial in 51 patients with RA, Mediterranean diet intervention demonstrated reduction in inflammatory activity, an increase in physical function, and improved vitality.(15)
Gluten-Free Diet
Gluten, a food-derived antigen, is the driver of the autoimmunity seen in coeliac disease. The altered intestinal permeability found in coeliac patients, coupled with a genetic predisposition and altered immunological response, may result in a systemic immune response that is directed against sites other than the gut. Food or gut-derived antigens may have a role in the pathogenesis of other autoimmune disorders including rheumatoid arthritis.(16)
A gluten-free diet has been associated with benefits in patients with RA. A gluten-free vegan diet for 1 year was shown to significantly reduce levels of antibodies to β-lactoglobulin and gliadin and disease activity in patients with RA.(17)
Nutrient Support
Flavonoids
Flavonoids, found abundantly in foods and beverages of plant origin, such as fruits, vegetables, tea, cocoa and wine, possess antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties of these agents in atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions.
Good Dietary Sources of flavonoids:
- Red, blue, and purple berries; red and purple grapes
- Teas (particularly white, green, and oolong), cocoa-based products
- Apples
- Onions, kale, broccoli, apples, berries, teas
- Parsley, thyme, celery, hot peppers
- Citrus fruit and juices, e.g., oranges, grapefruits, lemons
- Legumes
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Long-term intake of fish and other sources of omega-3 fatty acids have been reported to be protective for development of RA. Some studies support the role of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation as a valuable therapeutic option to improve symptoms, tender joint count, duration of morning stiffness, and the requirement for non-steroidal anti-inflammatories in RA.(18)
Good Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
- Wild caught salmon (tinned or fresh)
- Sardines (tinned in olive oil)
- Herring (tinned or fresh)
- Flaxseed oil
- Hempseeds
Vitamin D
Vitamin D has widely demonstrated activities on immune system and evidence suggests that low vitamin D status may be implicated in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The relationship between vitamin D and RA is complex, also because deficient vitamin D status, which is very common in RA patients, can contribute to the increased risk of osteoporosis typical of RA.(19)
Low levels of vitamin D were associated with increased disease activity and corticosteroid dosage, and comorbidities in RA.(20)
Sources of Vitamin D
Vitamin D dietary sources include butter, eggs, oily fish and fortified foods – these sources provide only low levels of vitamin D – most is produced in the skin following sun exposure. In the UK, vitamin D can be synthesised between April and September, 10.00 am to 2.00 pm, on sunny days (i.e. without cloud cover). Production also depends on genetics, age, sunscreen, clothing, and skin colour. Although vitamin D cannot be synthesised during the winter at our latitude, it can be stored in the body. Levels are likely to be lowest around March.
Live Native Bacteria
Current evidence supports the role of probiotics as adjunctive therapy in RA. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which probiotics appear to have an immune modulating action along with decreasing the inflammatory process. In one study, probiotics lowered pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 in RA.(21) Probiotics are an appealing therapeutic strategy in RA due to potential interactions with the microbiome.
Other anti-inflammatory nutrients
Herbs such as Boswellia serrrata and turmeric have been shown to inhibit pro-inflammatory processes through effects on inflammatory enzymes (such as the cyclooxygenase enzymes), suppression of NF-KB activation and the reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Key takeaways
- Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition which can cause inflammation to develop in other tissues such as lungs, heart, blood vessels, eyes and spinal cord.
- Symptoms may present as swelling in and around joints, redness, heat and tenderness, morning stiffness, fatigue and muscle aches.
- Risk factors include smoking, poor diet and food sensitivities, obesity, genetics, hormone imbalance, vitamin D deficiency and imbalance of gut bacteria.
- For autoimmunity to develop 3 factors are necessary – a genetic predisposition, an environmental trigger, and increased intestinal permeability (also called leaky gut)
- The Mediterranean diet has been found to be helpful in decreasing pain and disease activity as has a vegan, gluten-free diet
- Supporting gut health is important, including repair of leaky gut. See our blog Leaky Gut Syndrome – The Signs and Symptoms
- Other nutrients to consider include flavonoids (found in brightly coloured vegetables and fruit), omega-3 fatty acids (found in oily fish), vitamin D, live native bacteria, turmeric (curcumin) and Boswellia.
If you have any questions regarding the health topics that have been raised, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Jackie via phone; 01684 310099 or e-mail jackie@cytoplan.co.uk
References
- Chang, K. et al. (2014) ‘Smoking and rheumatoid arthritis’, International journal of molecular sciences. Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 15(12), pp. 22279–95.
- Heliövaara, M. et al. (1993) ‘Smoking and risk of rheumatoid arthritis’, The Journal of rheumatology, 20(11), pp. 1830–5.
- Klareskog L. et al. (2006) A New Model for an Etiology of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Arthritis & Rheumatism, 54;38-46
- Saevarsdottir et al. (2011) Patients with early rheumatoid arthritis who smoke are less likely to respond to treatment with methotrexate and tumour necrosis factor inhibitors: Observations from the epidemiological investigation of rheumatoid arthritis and the Swedish rheumatology register cohorts: Arthritis & Rheumatism,63:26-36.
- Abhishek et al. (2010) Anti-TNF-[alpha] agents are less effective for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in current smokers: Journal of Clinical Rheumatology, 16:15-18.
- Masdottir B. et al. (2000) Smoking, rheumatoid factor isotypes and severity of rheumatoid arthritis Rheumatology, 39:1202-1205.
- George, M. D. and Baker, J. F. (2016) ‘The Obesity Epidemic and Consequences for Rheumatoid Arthritis Care.’, Current rheumatology reports. NIH Public Access, 18(1), p. 6.
- McMichael, A. J. et al. (1977) ‘Increased frequency of HLA-Cw3 and HLA-Dw4 in rheumatoid arthritis’, Arthritis and rheumatism, 20(5), pp. 1037–42.
- Yin, K. and Agrawal, D. K. (2014) ‘Vitamin D and inflammatory diseases’, Journal of inflammation research. Dove Press, 7, pp. 69–87.
- Calton EK, Keane KN, Newsholme P, Soares MJ. (2015) The Impact of Vitamin D Levels on Inflammatory Status: A Systematic Review of Immune Cell Studies, 10(11):e0141770.
- Campbell, A. W. (2014) ‘Autoimmunity and the gut’, Autoimmune diseases. Hindawi Limited, p. 152428.
- Scher J.U., Abramson S.B. (2011) The microbiome and rheumatoid arthritis. Nat. Rev. Rheumatol. 7(10):569–578.
- Badsha, H. (2018) ‘Role of Diet in Influencing Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity.’, The open rheumatology journal. Bentham Science Publishers, 12, pp. 19–28.
- González Cernadas, L., Rodríguez-Romero, B. and Carballo-Costa, L. (2014) ‘[Importance of nutritional treatment in the inflammatory process of rheumatoid arthritis patients; a review].’, Nutricion hospitalaria, 29(2), pp. 237–45.
- Sköldstam, L., Hagfors, L. and Johansson, G. (2003) ‘An experimental study of a Mediterranean diet intervention for patients with rheumatoid arthritis’, Annals of the rheumatic diseases. BMJ Publishing Group, 62(3), pp. 208–14.
- Warjri, S. B. et al. (2015) ‘Coeliac Disease With Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Unusual Association.’, Gastroenterology research. Elmer Press, 8(1), pp. 167–168.
- (El-Chammas and Danner, 2011) El-Chammas, K. and Danner, E. (2011) ‘Gluten-Free Diet in Nonceliac Disease’, Nutrition in Clinical Practice, 26(3), pp. 294–299.
- (Navarini et al., 2017) Navarini, L. et al. (2017) ‘Polyunsaturated fatty acids: any role in rheumatoid arthritis?’, Lipids in health and disease. BioMed Central, 16(1), p. 197.
- Bellan, M., Sainaghi, P. P. and Pirisi, M. (2017) ‘Role of Vitamin D in Rheumatoid Arthritis’, in Advances in experimental medicine and biology, pp. 155–168.
- Hajjaj-Hassouni, N. et al. (2017) ‘Evaluation of Vitamin D Status in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Its Association with Disease Activity across 15 Countries: "The COMORA Study".’, International journal of rheumatology. Hindawi Limited, 2017, p. 5491676.
- Mohammed, A. T. et al. (2017) ‘The therapeutic effect of probiotics on rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials’, Clinical Rheumatology, 36(12), pp. 2697–2707.
Last updated on 16th August 2021 by cytoffice
Hello
I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and do not take medication but a whole lot of supplements prescribed by my nutritionist and am doing relatively well. I am interested to know if any research has been done into the use of bicarbonate of soda in general and in particular for RA. I have recently started taking 1t dissolved in a glass of water every day and feel that it is helping.
Thanks,
Judy
Hi Judy,
Many thanks for your comment on our blog. There is indeed some research that has been done in this area, I will send you some links to read up on these via e-mail today.
All the best,
Jackie
My daughter 41 yrs, was diagnosed with RA with bloods showing several very high levels of Rheumatoid factor 2 years ago. 12 yrs before she had 2 sets of twins with 3 survivors; this followed by a divorce and major work changes. Stress levels were sky high but her coping mechanisms appeared good. Joint issues appeared quite early on – e.g. RST in both hands; but then she was on keyboards most of time… aching joints – but then she’d been running/lifting/carrying: always an answer. Sleep poor, Living as a vegetarian since she was 18 she was really a “fast food veggie” with lots of dairy, processed soya etc rubbish tho quite good range of veg. Long story short after RA diagnosis she asked for my help and I put on her a semi-vegan diet but including eggs & fish oil caps, no wheat. Good improvements and no methotrexate. UNKNOWN MAJOR GUT ISSUES DEALT WITH. Listening to her body, she discovered Om 3 &/or EP oils made her WORSE & she reacted to eggs even if blind. Wheat doesn’t affect her. Totally healthy eating vegan now for about a year, 3 weeks ago the doc can now find, to his total amazement, no evidence whatsoever in either her blood of RA or physical symptoms whatsoever. This was the doc who said she’s be in a wheel chair within 2 yrs if she didnt take methotrexate. ….
I know shes not the only ‘recoverer’ from RA/A-I conditions on whole foods but, as a naturopath treating my own daughter who’s been thru so much, I’m ever grateful for the sharing of research which facilitated me to help her & trust “the instinct”. She gets married next week and her 3 surviving children (now 13 and 2 x 12) are happy, healthy and gorgeous grandchildren !
Thank you for your story.My niece has just been diagnosed with RA. I will pass this article o. To her. It gives us hope Blessings
Hey my name is Dee i am 53 yes old i have rheumatoid arthritis my hands ,feet, and my lower back is paining me .i have this lower back pain for so long and fingers . So now i need some help on what food i should be eating . Thanks
Hi Dee – I am glad it was helpful. Yes dietary interventions that aim to reduce inflammation are useful for arthritis.
Hi my name is ejaz ahmed i am from pakistan i also have the same problem felling pain in all joints of my body and my serum crp is 1.98 high can you guide me
Hi Ejaz – in order for us to support you closely, please complete our FREE health questionnaire here.
Hi,one year ago I sprain my ankle and now going to take covid vaccine next month ,can I still take covid vaccine?
I have went to physiotherapy fee sections n stopped last year, however last week my ankle hurts due to I repeatedly exercise with walking on tread mill and cycling .
Please advise as now feel stiffness at my ankle
Hi Patricia – There are a few supplements than can help with stiffness and pain in the joints including anti-inflammatory products such as Boswellia or Cell Active Curcumin Plus, or our Cytoprotect Joints which is designed to support overall joint health, particularly in those with an active lifestyle. If you would like to discuss the most relevant products for you, please contact our Nutritional Therapists on nutrition@cytoplan.co.uk
My sister is 35years having rheumatoid arthritis for 20years now she been under Medication for all those years but no improvement now using Diclofenac as pain reliever how can she get help pliz
Hi Cindy – I am sorry to hear of your sister’s problem. As this is a chronic and complex condition we do need more information to help her safely and effectively. Please can you complete a health questionnaire which is available on or website under the tab Nutrition advice and once we have full information we will be able to help her.