How to Prevent Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis or RA is an autoimmune disease that is genetic; if a close relative had RA, you have a higher risk than the general population. You can choose a healthy lifestyle, which can help to delay or even make your symptoms milder, but there is not a single way to prevent RA since because of the genetic disposition.

Keep Your Weight Ideal

While losing weight or keeping your weight down is not the key to preventing RA, your weight does add additional pressure to your joints. Since the joints are what RA affects and damages, keeping your weight ideal, will help you feel less pain since you will not be carrying around excess weight. In addition, an exercise plan that includes a cardiovascular program will also help to keep your muscles and joints strong. Choose an exercise program that is easy on the joints, such as pool exercises and avoid jogging since this is hard on the knees, where RA is often present.

Eat a Healthy Diet and Don't Smoke

Eating healthy with lots of fruits and vegetables along with whole grains and lean meats not only keeps your weight in check, but your body receives the needed nutrients. As your body receives these nutrients over the years, you are in a better place health-wise to deal with RA if it should strike. Moreover, if you have a history of RA in your family and you smoke, you need to quit. Smoking is bad for every organ of your body not just your lungs. 

Green Tea

Green tea has been shown to help with RA pain. Therefore, if you have already been diagnosed with RA, you might want to incorporate green tea into your diet daily. It is also a very powerful antioxidant that can help keep you healthier.