Rheumatoid arthritis or commonly referred to as RA is a chronic rheumatology condition that affects different parts of your body, majorly joints. RA is a condition that cannot be cured completely, but medications and lifestyle modifications can help you manage RA symptoms and can have a positive impact on your well-being.
Adequate hydration is essential for the proper functioning of all your body systems. Keeping your body well hydrated might not have any direct impact on RA flares, but it can make your joints work smoothly, manage inflammation, and make you feel better. Dehydration can only make your condition worse, so avoid it. Put an effort into drinking water at regular intervals.
In this article, we are explaining the effect of dehydration on RA. Read below to know more about it.
Rheumatoid Arthritis And Dehydration
As you may know, more than 90% of the human body is made of water. Just looking at this stat, you can understand the importance of water in your body. All body systems including all organs need water for their functioning. Dehydration or lack of water content in the body can lead to many body difficulties.
When you have joint-related conditions like RA, your ability to move is hindered and it can induce severe pain. When moving, load acts mainly on joints. If your body is properly hydrated, water will be used to cushion your joints, resulting in reduced stress on your joints. If you have RA, this cushioning effect can be highly beneficial for you to move more effortlessly.
Moreover, water plays a crucial role in flushing down the toxins in your body. This can help to reduce inflammation in joints and the discomforts associated with RA.
Does drinking Water Make A Difference In Rheumatology Symptoms?
Even though there are no conclusive links between dehydration and RA, a good lifestyle that can promote your overall health including joint health can highly benefit you to manage RA symptoms.
In addition to having an effect on joints, hydration also helps to maintain energy levels and control body temperature. RA flare-up symptoms like fever and fatigue can be avoided partially by staying well hydrated. You may not get completely relieved from these symptoms, but hydration might reduce the intensity of these symptoms.
This doesn’t mean that you can stop your RA prescription medicines one day and depend on hydration for managing your condition. Along with all your medications, drink enough water and stay hydrated to manage your RA symptoms.
