Skip to main content

Can Your Diet Impact Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk?



A recent study explored the connection between what we eat and the likelihood of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

The research, based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

The study suggests that higher consumption of three essential minerals—magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), and potassium (K)—is linked to a reduced risk of RA.

People who get more of these minerals in their diets might be less likely to develop this autoimmune condition.

What’s good about the study is that it involved a large and diverse group of U.S. adults, making the results more relevant to the general population.

The researchers also analyzed other factors that could influence the results, which adds credibility to their findings. The study also examined how the risk of RA changes with different levels of mineral intake, which provides a more nuanced understanding.

However, there are some limitations to keep in mind.

First, this research is a “cross-sectional” study, which means it can’t prove that a higher intake of these minerals directly prevents RA. It’s possible that people with RA change their diets becuase of their condition.

Second, the data on what people ate was collected through self-reports, which can be unreliable.

People may not always remember or accurately report their dietary habits.

The study only assessed the relationship between these minerals and RA, not considering other dietary and lifestyle factors that could also play a role in RA development.

So, while it’s intriguing that eating more magnesium, copper, and potassium might be associated with a lower risk of RA, you can’t say for sure that changing your diet will prevent or treat the condition.

Further research, especially larger and longer-term studies, is needed to confirm these findings.

In conclusion, what you eat can impact on your risk of developing RA, but there’s not a final word on the matter.

So, it’s always a good idea to maintain a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, but if you’re concerned about RA, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional for guidance and advice.

See “Association between magnesium, copper, and potassium intakes with risk of rheumatoid arthritis” 

Fang, J., Cao, T., Liu, C. et al. Association between magnesium, copper, and potassium intakes with risk of rheumatoid arthritis: a cross-sectional study from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). BMC Public Health 23, 2085 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-16906-y
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Guilt-Free Biscuits: A Step-by-Step Guide to Sweetener-Reformulated Treats

Sweetener Reformulated Biscuits: Step-by-Step Recipe Discover a healthier twist on your favorite biscuits with our sweetener reformulated recipe. Perfect for those looking to reduce sugar intake without compromising on taste! Ingredients: Dry Ingredients: 2 cups whole wheat flour 1 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt Wet Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce 1/4 cup vegetable oil 1/2 cup Stevia or preferred sweetener 1 tsp vanilla extract Instructions: Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Blend Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix applesauce, oil, sweetener, and vanilla until smooth. Combine: Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Shape Dough: Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into desired shapes. Bake: Place on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Cool and Enjoy: Let the biscuits cool before serving. More info: ...
Post a Comment
See more...

Brain health. Promising prebiotics and probiotics combination

According to new research, the bacteria in our gut, known as gut microbiota, play an important role in brain injury and healing after a stroke. Taking particular types of prebiotics and probiotics can help with brain injury, inflammation, gut bacteria imbalances, and intestinal health. However, we still don't know whether prebiotics, probiotics, or synbiotics (a combination of both) perform best for particular conditions, or how they operate. In this study, scientists tested a new synbiotic formulation containing multiple strains of probiotics Lactobacillus reuteri UBLRu-87 Lactobacillus plantarum UBLP-40 Lactobacillus rhamnosus UBLR-58 Lactobacillus salivarius UBLS-22 Bifidobacterium breve UBBr-01 and prebiotic fructooligosaccharides (FOS)  FOS are extracted from the blue agave plant and fruits and vegetables such as bananas, onions, chicory root, garlic, asparagus, jícama, and leeks. Some grains and cereals, such as wheat and barley, also contain FOS. The Jerusalem artichoke and ...
Post a Comment
See more...

Catch of the Day: Hypnosis, Fibromyalgia, IBD, Gut Microbiota, Aging

Hypnosis as a Tool for Managing Fibromyalgia Pain "Harnessing Hypnosis: A Promising Approach to Tackle Fibromyalgia Pain" Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a complex condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and emotional challenges. The exact cause of FMS is not fully understood, but there's evidence suggesting a link between childhood/adulthood abuse or neglect and its development. Treating FMS can be difficult due to its resistance to most treatments. However, a recent review suggests that hypnotherapy, a psychological intervention, could be effective in managing FMS pain. This technique aims to reduce pain, fatigue, sleep problems, anxiety, and depression by using hypnosis to address emotional conflicts and unresolved traumas associated with FMS. This non-invasive approach might offer relief to those struggling with fibromyalgia. De Benedittis G. The Challenge of Fibromyalgia Efficacy of Hypnosis in Alleviating the Invisibl...
Post a Comment
See more...