Sunlight may lower the risk of rheumatoid arthritis in women

On arrival at Arthritis Supermarket this morning it was great to hear that we had all managed to get out and spend some time in the early Spring sunshine. Although it was only last week that the UK was recovering from its second bout of snow, you may just have noticed that the mornings are beginning to get a little lighter even if it’s just a minute or so each day. 

                                            

It may also surprise you to know that as well as making us feel like the dark days of winter are behind us, the sunshine is actually good for us! A recent article in the BMJ suggested that there may be a link between sunlight and rheumatoid arthritis.The researchers speculated that Vitamin D, which is produced within the body as a result of the skin’s exposure to sunlight may also help to protect the body.

 Leading medical research charity Arthritis Research UK  hi-light the benefits that adequate Vitamin D levels can bring. The action of ultraviolet light  from the sun on the skin  aids the absorption of calcium, which in turn helps to build strong bones. Vitamin D may also help prevent bone loss and muscle weakness.

Some studies have also shown that by getting adequate amounts of Vitamin D this may help to slow down the progress of osteoarthritis in the hip. In another larger study begun in 1986 it was found that those who had less than 200 IU of vitamin D each day had a 33% greater risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis ,although researchers were unsure as to why this should occur- perhaps  because of the effects upon the immune system. If you are concerned about your Vitamin D levels visit your GP.

Arthritis Research UK advise that by exposing your arms and face to  15 minutes  of sunshine a day (making sure of course that you don’t allow your skin to redden and taking care not to burn)  can help the body manufacture  an adequate supply of Vitamin D.

Experts suggest that generally the best time for your body to manufacture Vitamin D is during the sunny(!) months from about the end of March through to September

In the less sunny months, you can help yourself by topping up your vitamin D levels through a varied diet by eating more oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, pilchards and sardines. Other sources include egg yolks, butter and cheese and foods fortified with Vitamin D including breakfast cereals and milk.You might also consider taking a dietary supplement, but always check with your doctor before taking them.

As we well know, the British weather cannot always be relied upon, and when you factor in concerns over skin cancer and our increasingly indoor lifestyles, taking a supplement may help you to store the Vitamin D your body needs to sustain you throughout the year.

 Here at the Arthritis Supermarket our Vitamin D supplement contains 1000 IU (international units) per tablet, which gives you your recommended daily allowance.

We hope that the sun continues to shine in your part of the world.

Rheumatoid Arthritis and the Seignalet Diet

I recently received a Facebook message from a friend in Spain who is suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.  She had been on medication including regular doses of painkillers, but had made a discovery which, in her own case, had enabled her to come off them within three weeks.

She had discovered the Seignalet Diet, so called after Jean Seignalet a doctor and professor from France.

The philosophy of this diet is that some foods have changed in their original protein structure due to modern farming methods. However, our digestive system has not and thus the proteins we eat may not be digested completely.  The theory is that the undigested protein alters the balance of the intestinal flora which in turn creates toxins that are absorbed and disturb the body balance.

The diet excludes certain food groups and as my friend readily admits the first two weeks were a bit tricky but the fact that her pain had reduced considerably made it worth sacrificing a cheese sandwich or two!

For more information visit http://seignaletdiet.wordpress.com/

Following her message I checked out the website and saw a number of testimonials advocating the benefits of the diet. The idea that diet plays an important role in managing arthritis symptoms is not new. Two hundred years ago, doctors were prescribing cod liver oil to treat rheumatism and gout and there are many scientific studies that show the benefits of good nutrition in the battle against arthritis.

People with arthritis may often wonder which way to turn when deciding the best way to manage their symptoms. Scientific data may often seem conflicting as to what works and what doesn’t.

Here at the Arthritis Supermarket, we believe that it is the individual who is important and that if they find a treatment or therapy (alternative or conventional) that works for them, then all to the good.

If you have any comments about the Seignalet Diet or your own experience with it, please do post a comment.