While a couple of drinks a week is associated with about a 20% decreased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, if those drinks are beer, the risk is lowered even more to about a third less likely.
What makes beer so special? There are probably numerous mechanisms at work, and it isn’t absolute that it’s beer reducing the risk, and not people with a decreased risk craving beer. In favor of beer being the cause?—it contains antioxidants, which could help fight the inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that leads to chronic inflammation around the joints, which can be both painful and debilitating. A high antioxidant diet may be helpful in slowing rheumatoid arthritis.
Pain relief will also be an important issue. While doctors will prescribe a cocktail of medications, natural solutions include heat and cold treatments (baths, heat packs, or for the fastest solutions, a swipe of Dakota Muscle Rub), and possible massage to help stimulate the immune system and keep systems flowing.
You should also do gentle stretches and exercise to preserve use of your joints. A physical therapist can give you a tailor made workout, or if you have mild rheumatoid arthritis you can try gentle yoga or water aerobics.
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