This “Perfect Storm” CAUSES Rheumatoid Arthritis
There’s likely no single cause of an autoimmune disease like rheumatoid arthritis.
Instead, scientists think it’s likely a perfect storm of factors that trigger this painful condition in which the body attacks its own joints.
Some of these include factors you can control like smoking and obesity. Others you can’t, like age and genetics.
Recently, researchers recently identified another BIG risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis. And the good news is you have a LOT of control over this one.
If there’s something happening in your body that ISN’T impacted by your gut health I haven’t found it yet.
And now, the latest evidence has also linked gut bacteria to the development of rheumatoid arthritis.
Past studies have shown that one particular strain of bacteria—called Prevotella copri—is associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
In the most recent study researchers found that people with RA generate higher levels of immune antibodies that target a protein expressed by Prevotella copri.
Plus, folks with established RA had higher levels of these antibodies than those who developed the disease more recently. Which, of course, implies that there could be a causal relationship.
The new findings add to the evidence that suggests Prevotella copri can trigger autoimmune activity that leads to arthritic inflammation.
There’s no “one thing” that’s necessary for good gut health. But here are a few tips to set you firmly on the right track:
- Eat a seasonal, local, whole food diet.
- Eat more probiotic foods like yogurt and kimchi.
- Eat more prebiotic foods like legumes and bananas.
- Get plenty of sleep.
- Reduce stress.
And, of course, when you improve your gut-bug balance the benefits are far reaching. They range from potentially reducing your rheumatoid arthritis risk to better brain health.
P.S. Researchers believe they’re finally zeroing on the secret to stopping Alzheimer’s disease. And strangely, the answer isn’t in your brain… it’s in your gut.
SOURCE:
“Association of antibodies to Prevotella copri in anti-CCP-positive individuals at-risk for developing rheumatoid arthritis and in those with early or established rheumatoid arthritis,” Arthritis & Rheumatology, First published: 19 October 2022, https://doi.org/10.1002/art.42370
