RHEUMATISM: SYMPTOMS, TREATMENT & NUTRITION TIPS FOR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Reading time: 04:04 minutes
Table of contents
- How does rheumatism manifest itself?
- What forms of rheumatism are there?
- Therapy: What really helps with rheumatism?
- Nutrition tips for people with rheumatism
1. HOW DOES RHEUMATISM MANIFEST ITSELF?
When people talk about rheumatism, they are usually referring to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) - a chronic inflammation of the joints that occurs in episodes. In Germany alone, over half a million people suffer from it1. Although both older and younger people are affected, the majority are between 50 and 70 years old. Researchers believe that genetic, hormonal and immunological factors play a role in the disease, which interact with other risk factors such as infections, allergies, smoking and obesity2.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease: the body's own immune system turns against the mucous membrane of its own joints. The inflammation of the synovial membrane turns into joint inflammation, which is accompanied by bursitis and tendonitis. The course of the disease can be slow and mild, but it can also be rapid and severe. In the long term, the disease leads to stiffening and destruction of the joints. Typical symptoms of rheumatism are:
- tiredness and fatigue
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease: the body's own immune system turns against the mucous membrane of its own joints. The inflammation of the synovial membrane turns into joint inflammation, which is accompanied by bursitis and tendonitis. The course of the disease can be slow and mild, but it can also be rapid and severe. In the long term, the disease leads to stiffening and destruction of the joints. Typical symptoms of rheumatism are:
- tiredness and fatigue
- General feeling of illness
- aching limbs
- loss of appetite
- Mood swings
- warm, swollen joints
- joint pain at night
- stiff and weak joints in the morning
2. WHAT FORMS OF RHEUMATISM ARE THERE?
In total, there are over 100 different diseases that fall under the collective term rheumatism. There are four different forms of rheumatic diseases:
Inflammatory rheumatic diseases:
These include rheumatoid arthritis, but also spondyloarthritides, autoimmune diseases such as lupus erythematosus or inflammation of the blood vessels.
Degenerative rheumatic diseases:
Osteoarthritis should be mentioned here in particular. While arthritis causes constant pain in the joints, degenerative arthrosis is often more noticeable under stress.
Soft tissue rheumatism:
This form includes fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), which causes episodic pain throughout the body.
Metabolic diseases:
These diseases include osteoporosis, which is caused by impaired bone metabolism and makes bones brittle. Disorders of uric acid and purine metabolism can lead to gout.
Inflammatory rheumatic diseases:
These include rheumatoid arthritis, but also spondyloarthritides, autoimmune diseases such as lupus erythematosus or inflammation of the blood vessels.
Degenerative rheumatic diseases:
Osteoarthritis should be mentioned here in particular. While arthritis causes constant pain in the joints, degenerative arthrosis is often more noticeable under stress.
Soft tissue rheumatism:
This form includes fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), which causes episodic pain throughout the body.
Metabolic diseases:
These diseases include osteoporosis, which is caused by impaired bone metabolism and makes bones brittle. Disorders of uric acid and purine metabolism can lead to gout.
3. THERAPY: WHAT REALLY HELPS WITH RHEUMATISM?
The earlier rheumatoid arthritis is treated, the better the prognosis. The aim is to prevent irreversible destruction of the joints. The following forms of therapy are used, as required:
Medication:
The doctor prescribes special medication such as methrotrexate, cortisone or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The therapy is tailored to the individual course of the disease.
Surgery:
In some cases, surgical interventions may be appropriate, for example joint prostheses, removal of the joint lining or joint fusion.
Physiotherapy and occupational therapy:
Exercise is important in the treatment of rheumatism. The muscles are relaxed and trained, the mobility of the joints is optimized, pain is reduced and everyday movement sequences are practiced.
Alternative medicine:
Drug and physiotherapy treatment is often supplemented by alternative medical approaches. In naturopathy, for example, willow bark and devil's claw are used to treat rheumatism.
Nutritional supplements:
Frankincenseis often used as a dietary supplement for bone and joint function. Zinc, calcium and magnesium are also good for the bones.
In addition, relaxation techniques for stress management and practical aids such as orthopaedic insoles and walking aids often provide valuable support.
Medication:
The doctor prescribes special medication such as methrotrexate, cortisone or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The therapy is tailored to the individual course of the disease.
Surgery:
In some cases, surgical interventions may be appropriate, for example joint prostheses, removal of the joint lining or joint fusion.
Physiotherapy and occupational therapy:
Exercise is important in the treatment of rheumatism. The muscles are relaxed and trained, the mobility of the joints is optimized, pain is reduced and everyday movement sequences are practiced.
Alternative medicine:
Drug and physiotherapy treatment is often supplemented by alternative medical approaches. In naturopathy, for example, willow bark and devil's claw are used to treat rheumatism.
Nutritional supplements:
Frankincenseis often used as a dietary supplement for bone and joint function. Zinc, calcium and magnesium are also good for the bones.
In addition, relaxation techniques for stress management and practical aids such as orthopaedic insoles and walking aids often provide valuable support.
4. NUTRITIONAL TIPS FOR PEOPLE WITH RHEUMATISM
A healthy diet plays a major role in the successful fight against rheumatism3 and can alleviate inflammatory processes and pain4. It should therefore complement medical therapy wherever possible. Those affected should pay particular attention to the following:
Animal fats only in moderation:
Meat and sausage products, cheese, dairy products and eggs contain high levels of arachidonic acid. This acid forms the basis for inflammation-promoting messenger substances, which can further fuel rheumatoid arthritis. Animal products should therefore be largely avoided.
Plenty of plant-based foods:
A balanced diet of vegetables, salads with bitter substances, pulses, fruit, nuts and seeds provides many vitamins, minerals and trace elements. Cereal products should consist of whole grains wherever possible.
Lots of fish:
Unlike other animal foods, fish contains very little arachidonic acid, but is high in omega-3 fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).
Spices:
Various tubers and herbs are said to be able to inhibit the conversion of arachidonic acid into inflammatory substances. These include curry, caraway, garlic and ginger.
Due to the chronic inflammation in the body, people with rheumatism have a high demand for energy and nutrients, which usually cannot be adequately covered byfood4. It therefore makes sense to supplement vitamin E, vitamin B, magnesium, copper and selenium. Particularly important: vitamin D, which can inhibit the formation of inflammation-promoting messenger substances3. Studies have also shown that long-chain omega-3 fatty acids can alleviate inflammatory jointcomplaints5. Calcium also plays an important role due to the risk of osteoporosis and hyaluronic acid is the main component of synovial fluid.
Animal fats only in moderation:
Meat and sausage products, cheese, dairy products and eggs contain high levels of arachidonic acid. This acid forms the basis for inflammation-promoting messenger substances, which can further fuel rheumatoid arthritis. Animal products should therefore be largely avoided.
Plenty of plant-based foods:
A balanced diet of vegetables, salads with bitter substances, pulses, fruit, nuts and seeds provides many vitamins, minerals and trace elements. Cereal products should consist of whole grains wherever possible.
Lots of fish:
Unlike other animal foods, fish contains very little arachidonic acid, but is high in omega-3 fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).
Spices:
Various tubers and herbs are said to be able to inhibit the conversion of arachidonic acid into inflammatory substances. These include curry, caraway, garlic and ginger.
Due to the chronic inflammation in the body, people with rheumatism have a high demand for energy and nutrients, which usually cannot be adequately covered byfood4. It therefore makes sense to supplement vitamin E, vitamin B, magnesium, copper and selenium. Particularly important: vitamin D, which can inhibit the formation of inflammation-promoting messenger substances3. Studies have also shown that long-chain omega-3 fatty acids can alleviate inflammatory jointcomplaints5. Calcium also plays an important role due to the risk of osteoporosis and hyaluronic acid is the main component of synovial fluid.
CONCLUSION
Rheumatoid arthritis is a common form of rheumatic disease and manifests itself in painful, hot and swollen joints. Consistent treatment is important to counteract the stiffening and destruction of the joints. In addition to drug therapy, physiotherapy and the right diet also help to alleviate the symptoms and prevent progression. Naturopathic remedies can support the treatment. Due to the increased nutrient requirements, supplementation of certain vitamins and trace elements is recommended.
Sources:
1GermanRheumatism League and German Society for Rheumatology e.V., Link: https://www.rheuma-liga.de
2Inflammatory rheumaticdiseases, Federal Health Reporting, Robert Koch Institute, Link: https://www.rki.de/DE/Home/homepage_node.html
3Study: Steinwachs M. Diseases of the skeletal system: rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. In: Ernährungsmedizin: Nach dem Curriculum Ernährungsmedizin der Bundesärztekammer, in the article "Ernährung für gesunde Gelenke", Deutsche ApothekerZeitung, Link: https://www.deutsche-apotheker-zeitung.de/daz-az/2012/daz-44-2012/ernaehrung-fuer-gesunde-gelenke
4DeutscheRheuma-Liga: Nutritional supplements: A little plus for your health, Link: https://www.rheuma-liga.de/rheuma/alltag-mit-rheuma/ernaehrung/nahrungsergaenzungsmittel
5Technical information: Rheumatism diet, German Nutrition Society, Link: https://www.dge.de/wissenschaft/weitere-publikationen/fachinformationen/rheumadiaet/
Sources:
1GermanRheumatism League and German Society for Rheumatology e.V., Link: https://www.rheuma-liga.de
2Inflammatory rheumaticdiseases, Federal Health Reporting, Robert Koch Institute, Link: https://www.rki.de/DE/Home/homepage_node.html
3Study: Steinwachs M. Diseases of the skeletal system: rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. In: Ernährungsmedizin: Nach dem Curriculum Ernährungsmedizin der Bundesärztekammer, in the article "Ernährung für gesunde Gelenke", Deutsche ApothekerZeitung, Link: https://www.deutsche-apotheker-zeitung.de/daz-az/2012/daz-44-2012/ernaehrung-fuer-gesunde-gelenke
4DeutscheRheuma-Liga: Nutritional supplements: A little plus for your health, Link: https://www.rheuma-liga.de/rheuma/alltag-mit-rheuma/ernaehrung/nahrungsergaenzungsmittel
5Technical information: Rheumatism diet, German Nutrition Society, Link: https://www.dge.de/wissenschaft/weitere-publikationen/fachinformationen/rheumadiaet/