Gut Misery: How The Link With Periodontal Disease Is Impacting Rheumatoid Arthritis

To some of us, our gut feels like home. Research points to our guts’ lining or mucosal mucosa as the biggest immune organ. 51% of our body’s immune cells reside there, and 70 different strains of bacteria make their homes inside it. Living by performing a complicated dance together, these bacteria can signal for help when we develop an infection, suffer from allergies, or are exposed to an allergen too many conditions that may be linked to both stress and illness.

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the joints. It typically leads to warm, swollen, and painful joints. RA can also affect other tissues and organs and often leads to fatigue. In some cases, it can be challenging to distinguish RA from different types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis or gout.

A combination of environmental and genetic factors causes RA. The exact cause is unknown, but it is believed to involve an autoimmune reaction in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. It leads to inflammation, swelling, and pain in the affected joints.

RA is more common in women than men and usually begins after age 40. It is also more common in people with a family history of the condition. RA can vary in severity from mild to disabling. There is no cure for RA, but treatments can help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

How the Connection Between Psoriasis and GERD Lead to Poor Digestion

It’s no secret that poor gut health can lead to several problems throughout the body, especially concerning digestive disorders. For example, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is when the stomach contents come back up into the esophagus, causing heartburn, coughing, and even vomiting.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that causes red, scaly patches on the skin. It is thought to be linked to inflammation in the body, and research has shown that people with psoriasis are more likely to have GERD. While GERD is uncomfortable and sometimes even painful, it can lead to severe complications like psoriasis.

This link between psoriasis and GERD may be because both conditions are associated with inflammation. When the stomach contents are brought up into the esophagus, it can cause inflammation in the esophagus lining. This inflammation may trigger an immune response in people predisposed to psoriasis, leading to flare-ups of the skin condition.

Similarly, people with psoriasis may be more likely to develop GERD because of the inflammation caused by their condition. The red, scaly patches characteristic of psoriasis can also affect other areas of the body, like the gut, which can lead to digestive problems.

Early Detection of Periodontal Disease in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Periodontal disease is a severe infection of the gums and bones supporting teeth. It is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults and has been linked to other extreme health conditions, including heart disease and stroke.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at an increased risk for developing periodontal disease. RA is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the joints and can cause inflammation in other tissues throughout the body. This inflammation can damage the gum tissue and make it more susceptible to infection.

Several factors contribute to the increased risk of periodontal disease in patients with RA, including reduced saliva production, impaired immune function, and medications that can cause dry mouth or reduce immunity. Early detection of periodontal disease is vital for all patients, but it is especially critical for those with RA.

The first step in early detection is understanding the risk factors. If you have RA, talk to your dentist about your risks and what you can do to reduce them. Regular dental checkups are essential for everyone, but they are even more critical for patients with RA. Your dentist can spot early signs of periodontal disease and take steps to prevent it from progressing.

Diet Strategies for Gut Misery

If you’re one of the many people suffering from gut misery, you may wonder what you can do to ease your symptoms. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for gut problems, some diet strategies may help.

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your gut health. They can help restore the balance of bacteria in your gut and relieve digestive issues. Look for probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir. You can also take probiotic supplements.

Sorghum is a gluten-free grain that is easy to digest. It contains prebiotic fiber, which feeds the good bacteria in your gut. Sorghum can be cooked and eaten like rice or used in gluten-free baking recipes.

Sauerkraut and kimchi are fermented foods that are rich in probiotics. They can add flavor and nutrition to your diet while promoting good gut health. Add them to sandwiches or salads, or enjoy them as a side dish.

If you’re struggling with gut misery, talk to your doctor about dietary strategies that may help you find relief.

Antibiotic Risk: What Precautions Can You Take?

Regarding antibiotics, there are a few key things to keep in mind to minimize the risk of gut misery. First, take them exactly as your doctor prescribes, and do not skip any doses. Second, avoid alcohol while taking antibiotics, as it can increase the risk of gut side effects. Finally, take probiotics while taking antibiotics and for a few weeks after completing the course of antibiotics, as this can help replenish good bacteria in the gut.

Final Words

In conclusion, the link between gut misery and periodontal disease is becoming increasingly apparent. This connection is having a significant impact on those who have rheumatoid arthritis, as well as other autoimmune diseases. If you or someone you know is struggling with gut health, it may be time to seek professional help. With the right treatment plan, it is possible to improve gut health and ease the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.