Risk factors
There are a few modifiable risk factors that can contribute to the development of Rheumatoid Arthritis. They have been listed down below;
- Smoking-As mentioned below, cigarette smoking has been strongly linked to the development of rheumatoid arthritis. The many toxins present in cigarette smoke can end up causing the production of many free radicals. These free radicals can easily attach to the genetic model and create mutations. These mutations can trigger the autoimmune reaction responsible for the development of Rheumatoid Arthritis.
- Diet and Nutrition-It is a well-established fact that all we consume eventually is responsible for making our entire body function. Therefore, the ones who consume a lot of fatty food with high caloric and low fiber diet have an increased risk of developing Rheumatoid Arthritis. Moreover, people seen to consume the good fats (long-chain omega 3 polyunsaturated fats) are associated with a decreased risk of developing Rheumatoid Arthritis in their older age.
- Obesity– Studies have shown that individuals with a BMI of 30 kg/m^2 or more have an increased risk of developing Rheumatoid Arthritis. The inflammatory processes increase in an obese individual, which can directly influence the incidence of this disease in such people.
