5 Underlying Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common type of autoimmune arthritis. It causes pain, stiffness, and inflammation that usually hits the joints, but can also affect the organs and body systems including the eye, skin, lungs, heart, respiratory system, among others. 

Currently, there is no known cure for this condition. Rheumatologists prescribe treatments for rheumatoid arthritis aiming to improve the symptoms and the patient’s quality of life. 

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis in Singapore is a progressive autoimmune and inflammatory disorder that attacks the joints and beyond. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s healthy tissues instead of defending it resulting in pain and swelling. 

What are the 5 underlying causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Treating rheumatoid arthritis can be easier if you know what causes it. The following are the possible underlying causes of rheumatoid arthritis.

1. Infections 

A strong connection between gut bacteria overgrowth and the rheumatoid arthritis onset were found in recent studies. Although not proven as the sole cause yet, gut bacteria like Prevotella copri and Proteus mirabilis is suspected as the culprit in the onset of the condition. Such bacteria can cause leaky gut that usually causes dysfunction in the immune system and body inflammation. 

2. Mercury

Exposure to high levels of mercury harms your health and damages the cells in the body. Once the body cells are damaged, the immune system may be unable to determine which cells are healthy or harmful. Thus, attacks on healthy tissues arise. Studies suggest that people with high mercury exposure are more prone to autoimmune disease, like rheumatoid arthritis. 

3. Gluten

Gluten is a family of proteins found in grains, and it is everywhere. It can create confusion in your immune system when it set your gut leaky. As a result, molecular mimicry can happen, where the immune system is confused between the building blocks of gluten and the building blocks of body tissue which share similar molecular structure. Therefore, healthy joints and other organs are consequentially attacked by the immune system. 

4. Mycotoxins

Research findings say that mycotoxins can trigger autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis. Mycotoxins are toxic elements that are produced by particular types of moulds or fungi. It can grow in dirty, old places and foods like cereals, dried fruits, nuts, and spices. This may especially affect people who are genetically susceptible. 

5. Leaky gut

A healthy gut permits only nutrients to pass through the bloodstream. When the gut is leaky, it can allow harmful substances to go directly into your bloodstream including toxins, undigested food particles, proteins, among others. When this happens, systemic inflammation may arise that can result in autoimmunity. Be wary of the things that can damage your gut such as gluten, certain medications, and stress.  

Rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive disease that may get worse when left untreated. Aside from pain and inflammation, this may lead to bone erosion and joint deformity over time, since it affects the joint linings. 

To keep the condition from getting worse, consult your rheumatologist for arthritis treatment that works best for your condition.