anemia and depression, both of which can cause you to feel fatigued.
Because RA may interfere with your body’s ability to use iron, using iron supplementation can help with the anemia. However, the best solution is to keep inflammation under control with DMARD medication.
8. Kidneys
Suppose you are in the later stages of RA and not in control of your medication. In that case, you are at risk of developing amyloidosis (a condition caused by the abnormal buildup of certain proteins that can impair kidney function).
You can maintain healthy kidneys by not overusing nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen and naproxen, which can damage your kidneys.
9. Brain
Understandably, the fear of living with a chronic condition can take a toll on your emotional wellness and lead to depression. If you are feeling depressed, help is available in the form of therapy and medication.
10. Bones
RA can increase your risk of osteoporosis, a disease in which bones become less dense and more fragile. This increases the likelihood that your bones will break.
The best way to protect your bones is through lifestyle changes. Not sure where to start? Try eating calcium-rich and vitamin D–rich foods like eggs and fish, as well as D-fortified foods. Exercise is also good for your bones. Try weight-bearing exercises such as walking and stair-stepping, with your doctor’s approval of course. Lastly, if you smoke, quit.
You can also get a bone mineral density test, which will help your doctor determine whether you need medication.
Although rheumatoid arthritis can affect your body in several ways, most of these conditions can be prevented by keeping your RA under control and keeping up with your yearly physicals and exams.