Rheumatoid Arthritis And Anaemia – Is There A Link?

Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis is a challenge. The pain, stiffness and swelling make even simple everyday activities difficult to accomplish. Even sleep becomes an arduous task. Most of the symptoms associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis arise due to the strong inflammatory response of the immune system, leading to damage of joint tissue and structure. 

Now, researchers have found that people with Rheumatoid Arthritis are at risk of Anaemia.

What is Anaemia?

It is a condition when your body is unable to produce adequate red blood cells. In some cases, Anaemia may arise in spite of having enough red blood cells. In such a condition, the blood cells tend to have insufficient haemoglobin, which is a protein that carries oxygen to the cells of the body. 

The primary symptoms of Anaemia are: 
• Constant fatigue and weakness
• Pale skin
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid heartbeat
• Headache
• Decreased capacity for work

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Anaemia

Researchers have found that 60% of people with Rheumatoid Arthritis suffer from some degree of Anaemia. This type of Anaemia is called Anaemia of Chronic Disease (ACD). This condition usually accompanies chronic problems like Rheumatoid Arthritis, Crohn’s disease and cancer. 

But why?

While the reason behind the high risk of Anaemia is not completely clear, researchers say that the intense inflammation that occurs in the body due to Rheumatoid Arthritis is one of the primary factors. The adverse immune reaction causes the joint tissue to become inflamed. This induces the body to release proteins which end up interfering with how cells use iron. The inflammation also hampers the production of red blood cells. 

What you need to do

If you have Rheumatoid Arthritis, then firstly you need to inform your doctor about the risk of Anaemia that you face. To keep Anaemia at bay, you should take your medicines on time. Moreover, you need to consume iron-rich foods like spinach, tomato, beans, almonds, carrots, poultry meat, sardines, pumpkin and raisins. This will help maintain the haemoglobin content in your blood and keep your red blood cells healthy. 
     
By Dr. Shabtab Khalid
Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution

Note: Through the synergistic combination of Classical Homoeopathy, Ayurvedic-Unani Formulations and Internationally Acclaimed Advanced Physiotherapy, Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution aims to eradicate joint pain, counter the process of degeneration and promote bone health. The protocol is at once scientific, effective as well as safe. To avail treatment at Zilaxo, call on 1800 419 6607 (Toll free) or WhatsApp at +91 98304 26607.

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