How Arthritis Medications Can Impact Kidneys
Generally, medications used to treat inflammatory conditions like RA have little effect on your kidneys when taken as prescribed, says Justin Owensby, PharmD, PhD, research pharmacist with the department of clinical immunology and rheumatology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
However, if your kidney function is already reduced, your doctor may need to adjust the dosage of a certain medication, or stop it completely. The role of our kidneys is to help remove waste products from the bloodstream. Kidneys perform this same role with many RA medications, explains Jared J. Vanderbleek, PharmD, pharmacist at the Kirklin Clinic at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. If the kidneys are not working properly, more medication stays in your bloodstream longer, which increases the chance of unwanted side effects.
Potential negative effects on kidney function may occur with specific RA meds, such as:
NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen may worsen kidney function by affecting blood flow within the kidneys, explains Dr. Vanderbleek. Any patient with chronic kidney disease should avoid long-term use of NSAIDs, says Dr. Rovin. Even patients with good kidney function can develop an allergic response to NSAIDs that can be centered in the kidney and cause inflammation, he adds.
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Arthritis And The Inflammatory Process
Inflammation occurs in the joints due to the damage associated with cartilage breakdown or from the immune system attacking the thin membrane that lines the joints, causing a buildup of fluid and inflammation. Symptoms vary from person to person but may include swelling, pain or a decreased range of motion in the affected joints. Depending on the type of arthritis, inflammation may not be limited to the joint itself. It can affect the body as a whole, which can lead to systemic side effects like fatigue and a decreased appetite.
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Foods High In Unhealthy Fats Are Linked To Inflammation
You may have heard that eating a well-balanced diet could help ease symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis such as joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.
But did you know there are also certain foods you should avoid? These foods can worsen your symptoms, increase the risk of complications, and affect the amount and type of RA medication you need to take.
Research backs up the power of food when it comes to managing your RA. In a study exploring the effects of the Mediterranean diet published in December 2020 in the journal Microorganisms, researchers conclude that certain foods can lessen or increase RA symptoms. This backs up the belief that the right diet can be effective in helping to provide long-term RA relief.
You can use food choices to try to help control RA-related inflammation in your body that can cause pain and swelling in your joints as well as damage to your heart and other organs.
On one hand, you want to increase your intake of healthy anti-inflammatory foods like fish, fruits, nuts, and vegetables. At the same time, you want to avoid foods that promote inflammation when putting together a healthy diet.
Consider how many RA-aggravating foods youre eating and find a healthy balance, says Joan Salge Blake, EdD, RDN, a clinical professor at Boston Universitys Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences.
Steer clear of these foods to help reduce inflammation and improve your RA.
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Artificial Sweetener & Joint Pain
Fact Checked
If you have arthritis, youre well aware of the pain, inflammation and swelling it causes in your joints. Pain-reducing medication is the primary method of treating arthritis. In addition, making changes to your diet to avoid inflammatory foods in favor of foods that reduce inflammation may help ease your symptoms. In some people with arthritis, artificial sweeteners may be a culprit that requires avoiding. No reports exist of artificial sweeteners causing joint pain in healthy individuals.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
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How Added Sugar May Worsen Arthritis Symptoms
Consuming too much processed sugar causes the body to release pro-inflammatory proteins called cytokines, says Bruning. Cytokine levels are already high when you have inflammatory arthritis that chronic inflammation is what causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in your joints.
Overindulging in high-sugar foods also stokes your appetite and can cause weight gain. Added sugar contributes calories with no nutritional value, explains Joy Dubost PhD, RDN, registered dietitian nutritionist and food scientist in the New York City area. When youre overweight or obese, that fatty tissue produces hormones that can put you into more of an inflammatory state.
In fact, a review of research found obesity can lead to more active and severe rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis. Extra weight also puts more pressure and stress on the joints, which can worsen the pain and stiffness associated with inflammatory arthritis, say experts.
Another effect of too much sugar in your diet: too many harmful compounds called AGEs form in the blood, which also contribute to chronic inflammation.
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Five Reasons Why Sugar Worsens Arthritis
Sugar worsens arthritis symptoms such as pain.
This is due to the increased inflammation caused by sugars and by giving rise to an oxidation-reduction imbalance in the body.
Sugar is also found to increase the weight which is not recommended in arthritis as it can worsen the pain and disease control.
Lastly, sugar also raises cholesterol levels in the body that causes more inflammation and pain.
When To See A Doctor About A Flare
If youre experiencing joint pain that flares up from time to time, Dr. Alam recommends being evaluated.
For many people, arthritis starts as a flare-up, and its important to seek a diagnosis. Remember, you need to know the specific type of arthritis youre suffering from to be able to prevent or alleviate future flare-ups, says Dr. Alam.
For instance, you wont know whether to use ice or heat to relieve your joint pain unless you know if its rheumatoid arthritis or gout as opposed to osteoarthritis.
In addition, and particularly for rheumatoid arthritis, seeking a diagnosis early on gives you a better chance of avoiding the permanent joint damage this condition can cause, explains Dr. Alam.
And even if youve been diagnosed, there are still times you may need to see your doctor about a flare-up.
Its very important to call your doctor if youre experiencing pain in a new joint or if your flare-up is severe, since this could be a sign of arthritic infection, warns Dr. Alam.
If youre experiencing a mild flare-up in a joint youre used to experiencing pain, your doctor may be able to help you manage that pain by prescribing medications over the phone but only if he or she is already familiar with you and your condition.
Lastly, Dr. Alam recommends approaching supplements with skepticism.
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Sugary Drinks And Arthritis
Sugary drinks can also be a problem if you have arthritis. Studies have shown that there is a strong association between gout and sugar-sweetened soft drinks containing fructose. Research also shows that there is evidence that fructose has a specific effect in promoting obesity in the U.S.
Other studies have concluded that regular consumption of sugar-sweetened soda can cause an increased risk of RAhowever, that doesnt include diet soda. Sugary drinks are known to increase inflammation in the body.
Soda is another source of sugar to avoid if you have arthritis. An average can of soda is 150 calories and the majority of the calories is from added sugar. There is an average of 10 teaspoons of sugar in an average can of soda. In addition, soda tends to have high amounts of phosphate. If phosphate is not properly balanced with calcium it can cause damage to the bones.
Ra Medicines That Affect Blood Sugar
Talk with your doctor about how your RA medication may be affecting your blood sugar. Corticosteroidssuch as , prednisolone and methylprednisolone can cause increased blood sugar levels as a side effect. To minimize side effects, corticosteroids are usually prescribed for the shortest possible time at the lowest effective dose.
In contrast, certain other RA drugs may actually reduce the risk of developing insulin resistance or diabetes. They include:
- Hydroxychloroquine , which modifies the course of RA
- TNF inhibitorssuch as adalimumab , certolizumab , etanercept , golimumab and infliximab which block the inflammatory protein TNF
- Tocilizumab , which blocks the inflammatory protein IL-6
-
Abatacept is an elective T-cell costimulation blocker
Working with your doctor to take care of your RA can really pay offyou could be helping your blood sugar stay in check, as well.
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How Sugar Affects Rheumatoid Arthritis
Its not news that sugary sweet soda is associated with an increased risk of diabetes and heart disease, but a 2014 study suggests that it also ups rheumatoid arthritis risk in women. And, if you already have rheumatoid arthritis, sugar isnt so sweet on your joints.
While scientists do not know for sure how sugar harms your joints, they think it could come down to inflammation. That slow-burning fire is how rheumatoid arthritis attacks your joints and brings on the pain, swelling and stiffness you feel. Excess sugars are thought to add more fuel to the flame. And, of course, too much soda can pile on the pounds, which further adds to RA risk.
It gets worse: Sugar also ups your risk of other dangerous diseases that often tag along with RA, such as hypertension, heart disease and diabetes. According to some studies, RA sufferers have up to twice the risk of cardiovascular disease and a 50% increased risk of diabetes. So cutting back on sugar is especially smart for people with RA.
The good news is that you dont have to completely neglect your sweet tooth when you cut back on sugar. Try these five alternatives to satisfy your sweet cravings and keep RA inflammation and other diseases at bay.
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Joint Pain With Diabetes
Diabetes does not cause arthritis, but if you have diabetes, you are more likely to develop arthritis. The ends of the bones are padded with cartilage, a gel made from collagen, protein and water. Cartilage allows bones to move on each other without being damaged. Joint cartilage can be damaged by injuries or by wear and tear with hard use. Having diabetes can potentially speed up the damage to joint surfaces. Extra glucose can sometimes stick to joint surfaces, which limits their movement.
This interferes with movement and leads to wear and tear injury. High glucose levels can thicken and degrade the collagen, which is a problem because tendons and ligaments are made from collagen.
Reduced flexibility of the joints can lead to stiffness, and you can have a greater risk for physical injury. People with joint damage may reduce their physical activity due to discomfort or pain. Reduced activity promotes heart disease and insulin resistance.
Here are ways to prevent and treat joint problems and to keep active:
- Stretching: Keeping muscles and tendons relaxed and aligned so they will move as needed.
- Aerobic exercises: Walking or swimming can improve knee and hip function. Water exercise classes are good for people with painful joints because the water carries some of the weight.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking causes stress on connective tissues, which will lead to joint pain.
- Rest joints: When your joints hurt, rest to allow them to heal properly.
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Inflammatory Arthritis And Kidney Disease
Learning about kidney disease so you can understand how to maintain your health and advocate for yourself while living with this condition.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which persistent inflammatory changes occur in multiple synovial joints and many extra-.
Some symptoms of kidney disease include edema in the lower legs, fatigue, nausea, muscle cramps and loss of appetite, states Mayo Clinic. Other symptoms can include vomiting, muscle twitches, weakness
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the joints but also involves extra-articular organs .
Could your joint pain be due to arthritis? Swollen, tender joints could be cause for concern. Heres what you need to know about the causes of arthritis and possible treatment options.
Background: Rheumatoid arthritis , a prototypic systemic autoimmune inflammatory condition, confers an increased risk of cardiovascular disease . Recently, chronic kidney disease was suggested to increase the risk of CVD in RA patients, and inflammation was identified as a critical, nontraditional CKD-associated risk factor for CVD.
Roughly 20% of people with rheumatoid arthritis also suffer from chronic kidney disease , though no clear explanation exists as to.
People with rheumatoid arthritis have a slightly higher risk of developing kidney disease. It is one of the facts about RA which.
May 7, 2018.
Or Scan The Ingredients List
Ingredients in a given food are listed by weight if theres sugar in the top three, says Dubost, you know the product contains a lot. There are at least 61 different names for sugar listed on food labels. Some common ones include sucrose and high-fructose corn syrup, as well as cane sugar, dextrose, invert sugar, maltose, and rice syrup, among others. Honey and molasses may be more natural, but they still count as added sugar, says Dubost.
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Pain Relief At Twin Cities Pain Clinic
The tips mentioned above can certainly go a long way in helping you manage chronic pain. But there are cases where they still may not be enough on their own. Everyone experiences pain a bit differently after all. If you find yourself experiencing chronic pain, even with a healthier diet and lifestyle, contact Twin Cities Pain Clinic and let us help you find relief.
The 7 Best Foods For Arthritis
I am frequently asked what foods someone should eat to help a particular condition, and it usually comes back to the basics: fruit, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean protein sources, says McInerney. She also notes that the best diet depends on the type of arthritis, weight status, and any medications that the patient takes that may affect certain foods.
Hinkley agrees: Overall, eating a heart-healthy or Mediterranean type of diet will have the biggest impact on arthritis symptoms, but learning how to incorporate more possibly anti-inflammatory foods and spices in your diet may help you discover new nutritious meals that you enjoy. In fact, this type of diet is often recommended by a registered dietitian for those who want to improve their overall health and wellness.
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How To Fight Chronic Inflammation
While not all chronic inflammation is avoidable , you can prevent sugar-induced inflammation. The first step? Yep: Stop eating as much added sugar.
You dont have to swear off dessert for good just stick to those guidelines from the American Heart Association .
Here are some other ways to keep chronic inflammation low:
Look For Added Sugars On Food Labels
You never really know how much sugar a given food has until you read the nutrition facts label and ingredients list. Seemingly non-sugary foods like crackers, nut butters, or frozen dinners can have a lot more hidden added sugar than you might realize. Reading labels can give you a sense of whats in the foods you eat regularly so you can start comparing.
Youll start to see the new FDA-mandated nutrition facts panels on more packaged foods, which includes a separate line for grams of added sugar per serving. Companies have until January 1, 2020 to change their labels, though. If your favorite foods havent made the switch yet, you can check the manufacturers website for the info, suggest Dubost or look for a SmartLabel, where you can scan a QR or digital code on the package and get detailed information on the product.
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Should You Eat Avocado If You Have Gout
Gout is an inflammatory arthritis condition that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness of a joint. It usually occurs in one joint at a time and most often affects your big toe, although it can also occur in your wrists, knees, and ankles.
Gout can develop due to high levels of uric acid in your bloodstream, known as hyperuricemia.
Your body creates uric acid when it breaks down purines . It produces these naturally but also gets them from certain foods.
The buildup of uric acid crystals in your joints, fluids, and tissues can lead to gout.
Treating gout involves taking action to lower the uric acid levels in your bloodstream, which can prevent flare-ups. Although theres no cure for gout, you can experience periods of remission when no symptoms are present.
Following a diet that includes plenty of low purine foods and limits high purine foods can help control gout.
A 2017 study found that men who ate a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, low fat dairy, and whole grains reduced their risk of gout. Limiting the consumption of foods like red meats, fried foods, refined grains, and sweets also contributed to decreased gout risk.
Avocados are a beneficial addition to any healthy diet, including one that can help manage gout.
Theyre naturally low in purines and contain large amounts of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. A
High Levels Of Uric Acid
People with gout tend to have high levels of uric acid . And some large-scale studies, including the Framingham Heart Study, which followed several thousand people over many years, have found that patients with high uric acid levels have a higher chance of developing type 2 diabetes as well as metabolic syndrome. This is especially true for women.
But a 2021 study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology didnt find this relationship in fact, researchers speculated that insulin resistance led to high uric acid levels and not the other way around.
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