Autoimmune diseases have been on the rise over the last few years.

Did you know there are over 100 identified autoimmune diseases today?

These diseases are caused by the body attacking itself due to an overactive immune system.

There are more women than men suffering from autoimmune diseases around the world.

One of these autoimmune diseases affecting numerous people worldwide is rheumatoid arthritis.

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What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

For most patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, their first question to their doctor is, "what is rheumatoid arthritis?"

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease affecting the bones, cartilage, and other body parts.

The condition is chronic and affects joints on both sides of the body.

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Who Gets Rheumatoid Arthritis?

According to the CDC, arthritis limits the activities of 25.7 million US adults today.

In addition, the World Health Organisation identified 18 million people worldwide living with rheumatoid arthritis.

People who excessively consume cigarettes, have a genetic predisposition to the condition, or are obese are at a higher risk of getting rheumatoid arthritis.

Other risk factors include:

Age – older people tend to have a higher risk of rheumatoid arthritis.

Gender- More women than men are diagnosed with RA

History of live births - Women who have never given birth have a higher chance of getting Rheumatoid arthritis.

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How Do You Check for Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Certified doctors will use a variety of imaging options at their disposal to check the health of your joints.

In a simple setting, you may get X-rays taken, while an advanced hospital may use Magnetic resonance imaging to catch RA at its early stages.

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How is Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosed?

Most diagnoses are made by a rheumatologist, a specialist dealing with arthritis.

They use the images taken of your joints to identify any potential problems.

You may be asked to provide a family medical history and undergo a physical examination.

What Are the Seven Signs of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Here are seven signs you might have rheumatoid arthritis.

1. Painful joints- One of the most common and early signs of rheumatoid arthritis is painful joints.

2. Soft and swollen joints- One of the most common rheumatoid arthritis symptoms is tender, warm, swollen joints.

In the earlier stages, patients will have problems with the smaller joints, like those on the hands and feet.

Patients will have problems with knees, wrists, and even elbows as the disease progresses.

3. Stiff joints- Joint stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis patients often worsens in the morning and late at night.

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4. Excessive fatigue- Patients with rheumatoid arthritis tend to experience unnatural levels of fatigue

5. Loss of appetite- There are many reasons you lack appetite, so do not take it as a sign of rheumatoid arthritis if these symptoms present themselves alone.

6. Dry eyes- Dry eyes may be a sign of rheumatoid arthritis caused by inflammation.

7. Sweating- Rheumatoid arthritis patients might find themselves sweating excessively.

What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis?

The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis, like any other autoimmune disease, is unknown.

Because the condition is autoimmune, the pain and inflammation are primarily caused by the body attacking healthy tissue.

Left untreated, rheumatoid arthritis can destroy your joints, leaving them misaligned and deformed.

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How is Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated?

People with RA have found relief after using Magnesium Chloride USP, MSM Powder, and Magnesium Oil Spray.

To learn more about our personal care products that can help with rheumatoid arthritis, you can check out our collection here.