Five warning signs of rheumatoid arthritis
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Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition, which means it’s caused by the immune system attacking healthy body tissue. However, it’s not yet known what triggers this. Research actively investigating the onset of arthritis has found an association to red meat.
Several studies exploring the relationship between red meat consumption and rheumatoid arthritis have yielded diverging results.
In an attempt to provide a more conclusive verdict, a study published in the journal Nature explored the association between red meat and rheumatoid arthritis in a large-scale, cross-sectional study.
From June to December 2016, a total of 733 patients were investigated, from which 707 participants were included in the analysis.
These patients were divided into two groups according to their consumption of red meat (less than 100 g/day; more than 100 g/day).
The intake of red meat was assessed via a doctor-administered questionnaire.
Potential factors that could influence the results, such as demographic, clinical, laboratory, and other dietary factors, were taken into account.
Compared with a low-intake of red meat, rheumatoid arthritis patients who had a high-intake of red meat had an earlier onset age and had higher body mass index (BMI)
BMI is a measure of whether you’re a healthy weight for your height.
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The age at disease onset for the high-intake patients was 6.46 years earlier than for low-intake patients, after adjustment for demographic and other possible confounders.
A confounder is something, other than the thing being studied, that could be causing the results seen in a study.
Upon further analyses, the researchers found the association of red meat intake with rheumatoid arthritis onset age was especially evident in smokers and overweight patients.
“In conclusion, high-intake red meat is associated with early onset of RA [rheumatoid arthritis], especially in smokers or overweight patients,” the researchers wrote.
“The findings indicate that eating less red meat could be a recommendation given to patients at risk for RA development.”
Other key dietary tips
Certain dietary components have been proven to have a remedial impact on rheumatoid arthritis.
Many of these components are found in a Mediterranean-style diet.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, a Mediterranean-style diet helps arthritis “by curbing inflammation”.
What to eat
The Mediterranean diet varies by country and region, so it has a range of definitions.
“But in general, it’s high in vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, beans, cereals, grains, fish, and unsaturated fats such as olive oil,” explains the NHS.
According to the health body, it usually includes a low intake of meat and dairy foods.
“The Mediterranean diet has been linked with good health, including a healthier heart.”
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