Wednesday, June 10, 2009

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

It is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the entire body, but especially synovial membranes of joints. Mostly involved joints are knees, ankles, and wrists. Generally affected joints are warm, tender and swollen. There is also fatigue, low grade fever, weakness, weight loss, joint stiffness, nodules.

Facts


1) Females outnumber males 3:1
2) Pain seems to be moving from one joint to other
3) Joint deformities in hands and feet show disease progression

Causes


1) Genetic factors – occurrence rate in first degree relatives is 4 times more
2) Abnormal bowel permeability- RA patients have increased intestinal permeability due tofood allergies, NSAIDs
3) Dysbiosis and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth – disbiosis due to abuse of antibiotics, laxatives causes altered microbial flora and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
4) Microbial theory- some viruses and bacterias are considered to start autoimmune imbalance
5) Decreased DHEA levels – occurs more in postmenopausal women

Investigations


1) X-ray findings shows soft tissue swelling erosion of cartilage and subtle joint space narrowing
2) Positive agglutination test – Rheumatoid factor tested by acceptable method
3) Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) – those are found in 20-60% of RA patients
4) Other lab abnormalities include increased ESR and less hemoglobin

Therapeutic approach


1) Diet – diet rich in whole foods, vegetables, fiber and low in sugar, meat, refined carbohydrates and saturated fat is protective against Rheumatoid arthritis
2) Dietary fats – fatty acids are precursors of inflammatory prostaglandin, omega-3 fatty acids are useful*
3) Dietary antioxidants should be preferred in the form of fresh fruits and vegetables
4) Vit-E*
5) Vit-C*
6) Pantothenic acid*
7) Niacinamide*
8) Turmeric – Indian spice
9) Ginger
10) Physiotherapy
11) Steam bath

Ayurved approach


Ayurveda is perhaps the most ancient text in the world which defines this disease and its difference from other types of arthritis. Ayurveda is the first science in the history of medicines to describe extra articular symptoms in this disease.

The treatment runs a long course, but ultimately controls the disease without any complication and unwanted effects. Treatment consists of strict diet regime, medicines and special type of exercise. So, ayurvedic treatment is strongly recommended in this disease.

Contact - Dr. Rahul Saraf at rahsaraf@gmail.com, +919422309088 to discuss your health problem or ayurvedic guidance on the same.


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Contact - Dr. Rahul Saraf at rahsaraf@gmail.com, +919850053462 to discuss your health problem or ayurvedic guidance on the same.