Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

🦴 What is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a long-term illness where your immune system attacks your own joints, thinking they’re harmful—even though they’re not.

It causes:

• Joint pain and swelling

• Redness and stiffness

• Fatigue and weakness

• Pain on both sides (like both hands, both knees)
  
  

🧠 Why Does This Happen?

RA is an autoimmune disease.

Normally, your immune system fights off bacteria and viruses. But in RA, it mistakenly attacks your joints, causing pain and inflammation.

There’s no one clear cause, but here are some risk factors:

You're at higher risk if:

• You smoke or drink alcohol

• You eat a lot of red meat, sugar, or salt

• Someone in your family has RA

🔍 Symptoms to Watch Out For

• Joint pain and morning stiffness

• Swollen, red, warm joints

• Tiredness and weakness

• Mild fever or loss of appetite

• Fingers or wrists feeling tight or bent
  
  

• Pain that affects both sides equally
  
  

🧪 How is RA Diagnosed?

Visit your doctor if symptoms persist.

They might suggest:

• Blood tests like RA Factor, ESR, and CRP

• A clinical joint exam
  
  

🔄 Flare-ups vs. Remission

RA works in phases:

1. Flare-Up Phase

Symptoms suddenly get worse—triggers may include:

• Sour foods

• Cold or rainy weather

• Stress or unknown factors
  
  

2. Remission Phase

Pain reduces, you feel better—but symptoms may return later.

🥗 Diet Tips for Managing RA

Your food can make a big difference in how your joints feel.

Helpful Foods:

• Omega-3-rich foods: Chia seeds, flaxseeds, walnuts, almonds, peanuts, ghee, coconut oil

• Vitamin D: Sunshine, supplements (after testing)

• Balanced meals: Include legumes, roti, rice, vegetables, fruits, protein, healthy fats

• Probiotics & prebiotics (only if tolerated): Curd, buttermilk, fermented foods—but avoid if they trigger your pain

Work with a doctor or nutritionist to personalise your diet.

🚫 Avoid or Limit:

• Red meat

• Sugary food and drinks

• Salty snacks or high-sodium food

• Smoking and alcohol

• Sour pickles or fermented items if they trigger pain

🏃 Movement Matters

Exercise helps, but choose gentle movement:

• Stretching or yoga under supervision

• Physiotherapy for joint flexibility

• Don’t overdo it during pain flare-ups

“Motion is lotion for the joints – but do it wisely!”

✅ Take-away

• RA is not fully curable, but it can be managed with care

• Early diagnosis = better outcomes

• Food and movement are key players

• Stay positive and seek support when needed
  
  

📞 Take the Next Step

If you're concerned about your bone health, RA and autoimmune conditions. Consider scheduling a consultation with Dr. Umesh Wadhawani and his team.

What to Expect from the Consultation:

• Personalized assessment of your health status

• Tailored dietary and lifestyle recommendations

• Support and guidance on implementing changes

• Ongoing monitoring and adjustments as needed
  
  

📅Click here to Book your free 30-minute consultation

🎥 Learn More

For a deeper understanding, watch Dr. Umesh Wadhawani’s detailed explanation on 

Rheumatoid Arthritis Complete Guide | Doctor Explains 🚨