Obesity and Smoking May Hinder Treatment Success in Early Stages of Rheumatoid Arthritis

(Newswire.net — March 7, 2017) Orlando, FL — There are many things in this world that people should avoid to stay healthy, such as smoking and becoming obese. These are also the same things individuals who suffer from certain conditions should avoid to improve their overall health.

Obesity and smoking may hinder treatment success in the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an arthritic condition that impacts millions of people worldwide. It doesn’t just cause pain and physical limitations, but may also reduce the quality of life of sufferers.

In a study which was presented at the European League Against Rheumatism Annual Congress (EULAR 2016), it was found that achieving sustained remission in early rheumatoid arthritis is dramatically lower in individuals who smoke and are obese.

The findings of the study suggest that RA sufferers should be encouraged to quit smoking as well as maintain a healthy body weight. This will help them increase their chance of being free from symptoms after treatment.

According to EULAR recommendations, remission or the absence of disease activity is usually the very target of RA treatment. However, it is important to note that many RA sufferers are unable to achieve or maintain remission within 10 years of onset.

Dr. Susan Bartlett from McGill University in Montreal, Canada, study investigator, reveals that even if the high prevalence of individuals with RA who smoke and have excess body weight has already been known, it is still uncertain as to whether some modifiable lifestyle factors may increase the chance of achieving sustained remission and to what extent.

This chronic, disabling condition may not just impact the joints, but also the tendons, muscles, fibrous tissue, and connective tissues. It causes pain and deformity and subjects sufferers to a reduced quality of life. According to statistics, 50% of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis in developed countries fail to maintain a full-time job.

Inflammation and pain are common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. There are sufferers who take pharmaceutical drugs such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to help improve their overall condition.

However, there are also those who choose safer alternatives such as glucosamine, which is an all-natural ingredient. Glucosamine is believed to be one of the most powerful joint health enhancement supplements today.

This natural alternative is believed to be effective in repairing cartilage damage. It also has the potential to improve overall joint health.  One of its most popular attributes is the that it does not cause side effects, such as those that may be linked with the use of pain medications.

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