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We all know that smoking increases our risk of heart disease and lung cancer. But did you know that it also increases the risk of rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes the joints and tissues around the joints to become inflamed. More than 2 million people in the United States suffer from this debilitating disease.

A study found a distinct correlation between the number of cigarettes smoked per day and rheumatoid arthritis onset, has been established that the risk of developing arthritis doubles in women who are smokers.

Why the risk increases has not been determined. One theory is that smoking affects the immune system and lowers estrogen levels. Smoking also increases the rheumatoid factor in the body. There will be many more studies.

Osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear over time in the joints such as rheumatoid arthritis is a condition in which there is inflammation. Why this occurs is not fully understood, but it is believed that the outcome of the immune system short-circuits.

There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but there are strategies to reduce pain and protect the joint. Symptoms that may be affected by this disease include:
1. Joints that are swollen - especially in the feet and hands.
2. Aching and stiffness of muscles and joints after sleeping for short periods
3. Loss motion
4. Loss strength
5. Fatigue
6. Low grade fever
7. Joint deformity

Osteoarthritis affects only the bones as rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation in other areas, such as the back of the scallop, feet, hands, knees, and lungs. Its severity can vary and can come and go.

Your risk of osteoporosis increases if you smoke, but there are other risks factors:
1. Thin, small frame.
2. Family history of fractures under the age of 50.
3. Postmenopausal
4. Early menopause.
5. Use of certain drugs.
6. Lack of calcium

Was 20 years ago when smoking was first identified as a factor for low bone density. She is not sure whether smoking alone or characteristics that go with smoking, which are the source of increased risk.

But what is known is slower and smokers heal fractures take longer to heal. Smoking is significant bone loss and quitting smoking can reverse the damage. Remember to second hand smoke is dangerous.

So why not quit smoking? Even if you give up smoking has always proven to be very beneficial. There are many excellent programs and smoking cessation, there is also an excellent online support groups.

Combine your program to stop smoking with eating well. Eating a diet rich in vitamin D and calcium, low fat milk, filled with plenty of dark green leafy vegetables and foods rich in calcium.

Finally, do not forget the importance of exercising regularly. Walking, running, or weight bearing exercises. They are all an excellent preventative treatment.

Arthritis and smoking a combo. One that deserves elimination:
Herbal supplements. Many people choose to avoid the risks associated with drugs. In this case, herbal remedies can be used as a means of arthritis pain relief.

Ayurveda. Many people who are in search of a comprehensive approach to arthritis pain relief using this treatment method, which originated in India.

There are many ways in which a person can prevent, reduce or treat the effects of arthritis. The most important thing to determine the best course of action for arthritis pain relief is to learn as much as possible so you can make an informed decision - one that is right for you.

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