What RA Patients Should Know About Metabolic Syndrome

A 2025 study explores how common metabolic syndrome is among people with rheumatoid arthritis worldwide. By analyzing data from multiple countries, the researchers found that nearly one in three RA patients also has metabolic syndrome — a cluster of conditions like high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and excess belly fat that increase the risk of heart disease. 

The findings highlight the importance of routine screening and lifestyle management to reduce cardiovascular risks in this vulnerable group.

What’s the study about?

This research looked at how common metabolic syndrome is in people who have rheumatoid arthritis (RA). 

Metabolic is a group of health problems that often happen together — like high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess belly fat, and abnormal cholesterol levels. These issues raise the risk of heart disease and can make RA worse.

What did the researchers do?

They reviewed and combined results from many studies around the world to get a clearer picture. This type of research is called a systematic review and meta-analysis — basically, they crunched a lot of data from different places to find patterns.

What did they find?

• About 30 out of every 100 people with RA also have metabolic syndrome.

• Some countries had much higher rates — like Iraq (57%), Croatia (50%), and Singapore (47%).

• Others had lower rates — like Congo (12%), Algeria (14%), and South Korea (17%).

• Across continents:

  • South America had the highest rate (almost 39%)

  • Africa had the lowest (about 26%)

What increases the risk?

People with RA were more likely to have metabolic syndrome if they had:

• A larger waist size

• A higher body mass index (BMI)

• High triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood)

• High blood sugar

• Low HDL cholesterol (the “good” kind)

What does this mean for patients and doctors?

Doctors should regularly check RA patients for signs of metabolic syndrome — especially things like belly fat, blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol. Catching these early can help prevent heart problems and improve overall health.

Here’s what someone with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can do to help prevent metabolic syndrome (MetS), based on the latest research:

1. Adopt a Heart-Healthy Diet

• Focus on whole foods: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

• Limit processed foods, sugary snacks, and saturated fats.

• Mediterranean-style diets are especially beneficial for both RA and MetS.

2. Stay Physically Active

• Regular low-impact exercise (like walking, swimming, or yoga) helps reduce inflammation and improve metabolism.

• Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.

 3. Maintain a Healthy Weight

• Excess weight, especially around the waist, increases the risk of MetS.

• Weight management can also reduce joint stress and RA symptoms.

4. Monitor Medications

• Some RA treatments (like corticosteroids) can raise blood sugar and cholesterol.

• Work with your doctor to balance RA control with metabolic health.

5. Manage Stress and Sleep

• Chronic stress and poor sleep can worsen both RA and MetS.

• Try relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or gentle stretching.

6. Consider Coffee (Yes, Really!)

• A recent study suggests moderate coffee consumption may help reduce the risk of MetS in RA patients.

7. Get Regular Screenings

• Check your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and waist circumference regularly.

• Early detection means early action.

Read the research report: 

Global prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients with Rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

How Your Gut Can Help Ease Rheumatoid Arthritis

 

Graphic of short-chain fatty acids

Did you know your gut might hold the key to feeling better with RA? A new study shows that tiny substances made by good bacteria in your gut—called short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)—can help calm inflammation and rebalance your immune system.

What’s Going On in RA?

RA is an autoimmune disease, which means your immune system mistakenly attacks your joints. Two types of immune cells—Th17 and Treg—play a big role. In RA, Th17 cells go into overdrive and cause inflammation, while Treg cells (which help calm things down) don’t work as well.

Enter the Gut Microbiome

Your gut is full of helpful bacteria. When you eat fiber-rich foods (like fruits, veggies, and whole grains), these bacteria produce SCFAs—especially one called butyrate. These SCFAs help:

•  Reprogram immune cells to behave better

•  Change how genes are read (epigenetics)

•  Control the release of inflammation-causing chemicals

What the Study Found

Researchers discovered that SCFAs can:

• Reduce joint inflammation by 70%

• Boost calming Treg cells, increasing their helpful chemical IL-10 by 3 times

• Lower morning stiffness—especially when butyrate levels are higher

How Can You Get More SCFAs?

Here are some promising ways:

• High-fiber diets: Eating more fiber can raise butyrate levels by 240% and lower RA disease activity scores

• Probiotics: Certain strains like Bifidobacterium help reduce harmful immune cells

• Smart delivery systems: New treatments use tiny particles to deliver SCFAs directly to your gut

• Combination therapies: Mixing these approaches works 40% better than using just one

What This Means for You

This research opens the door to personalized RA care based on your gut health. Doctors may soon use your microbiome to guide treatment—like choosing the right diet, probiotics, or even timing your meds based on your body’s rhythm.

If you’re living with RA, talk to your doctor about ways to support your gut—like adding more fiber or trying probiotics. Your gut and your joints might just be better friends than you think!

Read the full study results

Frequently Asked Questions About Joints & Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

 What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

RA is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints. This causes inflammation, pain, swelling, and eventually joint damage.

Common Questions

1. How is RA different from osteoarthritis?

• Osteoarthritis is wear-and-tear on cartilage, often age-related.

• RA begins with inflammation of the synovial lining and can affect multiple joints symmetrically (e.g., both hands).

2. Is RA hereditary?

• There’s a genetic component, but RA isn’t directly inherited. Most people with RA don’t have first-degree relatives with the condition.

3. What joints are usually affected?

• RA typically targets smaller joints first—hands, feet, wrists—but can also affect knees, hips, elbows, and shoulders. More about joints and RA here. 

4. What are the early symptoms?

• Morning stiffness lasting over an hour

• Swollen, tender joints

• Fatigue and low-grade fever

• Symmetrical joint pain (both sides of the body)

5. Can RA affect other parts of the body?

Yes. RA can also impact the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and kidneys due to systemic inflammation.

6. Is there a cure?

There’s no cure yet, but early diagnosis and treatment can slow progression and reduce joint damage.

7. Do I need lifelong medication?

In most cases, yes. Disease-modifying drugs (DMARDs) and biologics help control symptoms and prevent joint damage.

8. Can I get pregnant if I have RA?

Yes. Many people with RA have healthy pregnancies. However, some medications need to be stopped before conception, and flares may occur postpartum.

9. What triggers flares?

Flares can happen without a clear cause, but stress, infections, and overexertion may contribute. Tracking patterns can help manage them.

10. Is all arthritis rheumatoid arthritis?

No. Other types include:

• Osteoarthritis

• Psoriatic arthritis

• Gout

• Lupus-related arthritis

• Juvenile arthritis

I hope you found some of your questions about RA and the joints answered here. If not just pop your question in the comments section below. 

What to do if your pain is from osteoarthritis?

 

If your pain is due to osteoarthritis, there are several effective strategies—both medical and lifestyle-based—that can help manage symptoms and improve mobility. Here's a breakdown tailored to your situation:

Medications That Help

• Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) Often the first-line treatment for mild to moderate pain. Safe for long-term use if taken as directed.

• NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) Examples include ibuprofen and naproxen. These reduce pain and inflammation but should be used cautiously if you have stomach, kidney, or heart issues.

• Topical NSAIDs or Capsaicin Creams Applied directly to painful joints like wrists or ankles. They’re great for localized relief with fewer systemic side effects.

• Corticosteroid Injections These can be injected into affected joints for temporary relief. Not recommended frequently due to potential joint damage.

• Duloxetine (Cymbalta) Originally an antidepressant, it’s also approved for chronic pain including OA. May help if pain is widespread or affecting mood.

Lifestyle and Physical Therapies

• Low-Impact Exercise Swimming, walking, and water aerobics help maintain joint flexibility and reduce stiffness.

• Weight Management Every kilo lost reduces pressure on weight-bearing joints like ankles. Even modest weight loss can significantly ease symptoms.

• Physical Therapy A therapist can guide you through wrist and ankle-specific exercises to improve strength and mobility.

• Supportive Devices Wrist braces or ankle supports can stabilize joints and reduce strain during daily activities.

Natural Remedies

• Warm Compresses or Baths Help loosen stiff joints, especially in the morning or after rest.

• Anti-inflammatory Diet Foods rich in omega-3s (like salmon, walnuts) and antioxidants (berries, leafy greens) may reduce inflammation.

• Glucosamine and chondroitin are popular supplements for osteoarthritis, but their effectiveness varies widely from person to person.

When to See a Doctor

• If pain persists despite over-the-counter treatments

• If swelling, redness, or warmth increases

• If joint function worsens or interferes with daily tasks

A GP or rheumatologist can confirm the diagnosis and tailor a treatment plan. Would you like help finding a specialist near Gold Coast or exploring natural therapies in your area?

While osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can cause similar symptoms like joint pain and stiffness, their underlying causes are very different, which means their treatments diverge in key ways.

This post contains some links to Amazon. I am an Amazon affiliate which means if you end up purchasing any products through my link I receive a small % at no extra cost to you. 

New Hope for RA Patients with Cancer: Combining Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and DMARDs

Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is challenging enough—but what happens when cancer enters the picture? 

A recent study explores a promising treatment approach that could help manage RA symptoms in cancer patients: combining immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) with conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

What Are ICIs and DMARDs?

• Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are powerful cancer therapies that help the immune system attack tumors by blocking proteins like PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4.

• DMARDs are medications used to slow the progression of RA and reduce inflammation. Common types include methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, leflunomide, and sulfasalazine.

While ICIs are effective against cancer, they can sometimes trigger immune-related side effects—including inflammatory arthritis. That’s where DMARDs come in.

The Study at a Glance

Researchers followed 50 cancer patients with RA who were treated with ICIs and conventional DMARDs. Most had advanced cancers like melanoma or renal carcinoma, and many experienced severe arthritis symptoms.

Key findings:

• 62% of patients showed improvement in arthritis symptoms within 60 days of starting DMARDs.

• The most common side effect was inflammatory arthritis (26%), followed by dermatitis and colitis.

• DMARDs helped control arthritis without significantly interfering with cancer treatment.

What This Means for You

If you’re living with RA and undergoing cancer treatment, this study offers hope. It suggests that:

• RA symptoms can be managed effectively—even during cancer therapy.

• DMARDs may help reduce inflammation without compromising cancer outcomes.

• Personalized treatment plans are essential, especially for those who don’t respond to standard therapies.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Not all patients responded to the combined treatment—38% saw no improvement.

• Immune-related side effects are common and require close monitoring.

• More research is needed to refine treatment protocols and explore long-term outcomes.

Final Thoughts

This study opens the door to a more integrated approach for managing RA in cancer patients. If you’re facing both conditions, talk to your rheumatologist and oncologist about whether this combination therapy might be right for you.

You can read the full study in a pdf here 

What Is Gout?

 Understanding a painful but treatable form of arthritis

Gout is a type of arthritis that causes sudden, intense pain in the joints—most commonly the big toe. It’s caused by a buildup of uric acid in the blood. When uric acid levels get too high, sharp crystals can form in the joints, triggering inflammation, swelling, and severe discomfort

What Does a Gout Attack Feel Like?

• Sudden, stabbing joint pain—often at night

• Swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected area

• The joint may feel so tender that even a bedsheet hurts

• Attacks usually last a few days to a week, but can return if untreated

What Causes It?

Uric acid is a natural waste product from breaking down purines—found in certain foods and drinks. Normally, the kidneys flush it out. But if your body makes too much or can’t get rid of it fast enough, uric acid builds up and forms crystals.

Common triggers include:

• Red meat, seafood, and organ meats

• Alcohol (especially beer)

• Sugary drinks with high fructose corn syrup

• Dehydration, stress, or certain medications

Who’s at Risk for Gout?

Gout is more common in men, people over 40, and those with conditions like:

• High blood pressure

• Diabetes

• Kidney disease

• Obesity

• Family history of gout

Can It Be Treated?

Yes. Doctors often prescribe medications to reduce pain and inflammation during attacks, and long-term treatments to lower uric acid levels. Lifestyle changes—like adjusting diet, staying hydrated, and managing weight—can also help prevent future flares. There are even over the counter medications you can take if you feel a flare coming on. 

How is Gout Different than Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Gout and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are both forms of arthritis, but they have very different causes and patterns. 

Gout is triggered by a buildup of uric acid, which forms sharp crystals in the joints and causes sudden, intense pain—often in the big toe. 

RA, on the other hand, is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, leading to chronic inflammation, stiffness, and joint damage over time. 

While gout tends to come in painful flare-ups, RA usually develops gradually and affects joints symmetrically, like both hands or wrists.

Can you have Gout and Rheumatoid Arthritis?

It’s absolutely possible to have both gout and rheumatoid arthritis (RA)—though it was once thought to be rare. Newer research shows that around 4% to 6% of people with RA also experience gout, and some studies suggest even higher rates

• Gout causes sudden, sharp pain due to uric acid crystals in the joints.

• RA causes chronic, symmetrical joint inflammation due to an autoimmune response.

Because both conditions involve joint pain and swelling, they can sometimes be confused with each other. But they require very different treatments, so accurate diagnosis is key. If someone with RA starts having sudden, intense flares—especially in one joint like the big toe—it’s worth checking for gout as well.

Understanding RA Blood Tests: What Anti-CCP and Anti-MCV Antibodies Can Tell Us

Living with rheumatoid arthritis means navigating a world that often misunderstands invisible pain. For many of us, diagnosis wasn’t a moment of clarity—it was a slow unraveling of symptoms, questions, and uncertainty. 

I’ve spent years learning how to advocate for myself and others with chronic illness, and one thing I’ve come to value deeply is accessible, accurate information—especially when it comes to the tests that shape our care.

This post is for anyone who’s ever stared at their blood test results wondering what it all means. It’s for the newly diagnosed, the long-haulers, and the quietly courageous. I’ve broken down a recent study on RA biomarkers—anti-CCP and anti-MCV antibodies—into plain language, so you can feel more informed and empowered in your next conversation with your doctor.

Because understanding your body shouldn’t require a medical degree. It should start with validation, clarity, and care.

If you live with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you’ve probably heard your doctor mention blood tests like anti-CCP or rheumatoid factor (RF). These tests aren’t just medical jargon—they’re part of the puzzle that helps diagnose RA and track how it’s progressing. But there’s another player in the mix that’s gaining attention: the anti-MCV antibody.

A recent study by Feng Dong and Limin Wang (2025) sheds light on how these antibodies work together—and what they can reveal about your RA journey.

What Are These Antibodies Anyway?

• Anti-CCP (cyclic citrullinated peptide): Highly specific to RA. If this test is positive, it’s a strong indicator of the disease.

• Anti-MCV (mutated citrullinated vimentin): A newer marker that may reflect disease activity and symptoms like morning stiffness.

• Rheumatoid Factor (RF): Commonly used, but less specific—can show up in other conditions too.

What Did the Study Find?

Researchers looked at 257 people with RA and tested their blood for all three antibodies. Here’s what stood out:

Antibody	Specificity (How well it identifies RA)
Anti-CCP	94.2% ✅ Very high
Anti-MCV	84.4% 👍 Good
Rheumatoid Factor	84.8% 👍 Good

But it’s not just about numbers. Anti-MCV levels were linked to how long someone had RA and how severe their morning stiffness was. That means it might help track how the disease is affecting your daily life—not just whether you have it.

Why This Matters for You

• Early diagnosis: Anti-CCP is still the gold standard, but anti-MCV might catch things anti-CCP misses.

• Monitoring symptoms: Anti-MCV could help doctors understand how your RA is progressing, especially if you’re experiencing fatigue, stiffness, or extra-articular symptoms (like eye or lung involvement).

• Personalized care: Using both markers together might give a fuller picture of your RA—helping tailor treatment to your unique experience.

What You Can Ask Your Doctor

If you’re navigating diagnosis or wondering why your symptoms don’t match your bloodwork, consider asking:

• “Have I been tested for anti-MCV as well as anti-CCP?”

• “Could anti-MCV levels help explain my morning stiffness or fatigue?”

• “Would tracking both markers help us adjust my treatment plan?”

Final Thoughts

RA is complex, and so is the science behind it. But studies like this one remind us that the medical community is still learning, still listening, and still working toward better tools to support your journey. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or years into managing RA, understanding your bloodwork is one more way to reclaim clarity and control.

Ferroptosis in RA: What Patients Should Know

This study looks at a special type of cell damage called ferroptosis, which may play a role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA)—a condition where the immune system attacks the joints, causing pain, swelling, and damage over time.

What Is Ferroptosis?

Ferroptosis is a kind of cell death that happens when:

• There's too much iron in certain tissues

• And fat molecules in cells get damaged by stress (called lipid peroxidation)

This can lead to inflammation and tissue breakdown—especially in joints.

 What Did Researchers Find?

People with RA often have:

• Low iron levels in the blood, but too much iron in their joints

• This iron buildup can trigger ferroptosis, making joint inflammation worse

Other key findings:

• Ferroptosis affects different immune cells in different ways, which may explain why RA symptoms vary

• A natural antioxidant in the body (called GPX4) doesn’t work properly in RA, making it harder to protect cells

• Some RA medications (like leflunomide and sulfasalazine) might help regulate ferroptosis

 Why Does This Matter?

Ferroptosis may be one of the reasons RA gets worse over time. If doctors can find ways to control this process, it could lead to better treatments that protect joints and reduce inflammation.

Not everyone with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) will experience ferroptosis in the same way—or even at all. The study suggests that ferroptosis may be one of several processes contributing to joint damage and inflammation in RA, especially in people who have unusual patterns of iron buildup in their joints.

Here’s a gentler way to think about it:

RA is complex, and different people have different immune responses, symptoms, and triggers. Ferroptosis is just one possible piece of the puzzle.

Iron imbalance—low in the blood but high in the joints—seems to make some people more vulnerable to this kind of cell damage. But not every RA patient has this pattern.

Some people may have stronger antioxidant defenses, or respond well to medications that help regulate these processes, so ferroptosis might not play a major role for them.

If you're wondering whether this applies to you or someone you care for, it’s something to explore gently with a rheumatologist—especially if symptoms aren’t improving or feel unusually aggressive.

Natural Arthritis and Bone Loss Treatment? A Citrus Compound Shows Promise

Arthritis and Bone Loss – Why They Go Together

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other autoimmune conditions don’t just cause joint pain — they can also lead to bone loss (osteoporosis).

• Ongoing inflammation damages the joints and speeds up bone breakdown.

• That’s why many people with arthritis also face a higher risk of fractures.

What Is Narirutin?

• Narirutin is a natural plant compound (a flavonoid) found in citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits.

• Flavonoids are known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and heart-protective benefits.

• Researchers are now asking: Can narirutin also help as a natural remedy for arthritis and osteoporosis?

Key Findings from New Research

In recent lab and animal studies, narirutin:

•  Shifted immune cells (macrophages) away from the damaging, inflammation-driving type and toward the healing type.

•  Lowered harmful inflammatory chemicals linked to joint pain and swelling.

•  Boosted anti-inflammatory signals that calm the immune system.

•  Slowed down osteoclasts, the bone-breaking cells that worsen osteoporosis.

•  Reduced joint inflammation and bone erosion in arthritis models.

•  Showed no serious safety problems in animals.

Why This Is Important

• Narirutin may offer a two-in-one benefit: calming inflammation and protecting bone strength.

• This makes it a potential natural treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and a way to lower the risk of osteoporosis naturally.

• It’s still early research — human clinical trials are needed before it becomes an approved therapy.

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 Take-Home Message

A natural citrus compound called narirutin could one day become part of a gentle, plant-based approach to arthritis and osteoporosis treatment. While it’s not yet available as a medicine, this research adds to the growing evidence that natural remedies for arthritis and flavonoids for bone health deserve more attention.

Roles of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products in Rheumatoid Arthritis

What is this study about?

This study explores how problems with mitochondria (tiny energy-producing parts of your cells) contribute to rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic autoimmune disease that causes joint pain, swelling, and damage. It also looks at how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and natural products (like herbs) can help treat RA by fixing these mitochondrial issues.

What’s the problem with mitochondria in RA?
In RA, mitochondria in your joint cells and immune cells don’t work properly. This leads to:

• Too much oxidative stress: Harmful molecules (reactive oxygen species, or ROS) build up, causing inflammation and joint damage.
• Energy problems: Mitochondria can’t produce energy efficiently, which affects cell function.
• Immune system overactivity: Faulty mitochondria make immune cells attack your joints, worsening RA.
• Cell death issues: Damaged mitochondria prevent cells from dying when they should, leading to more inflammation and joint destruction.

How can TCM and natural products help?
TCM and natural products, like herbs and their active ingredients (e.g., baicalin or paeoniflorin), can improve RA by targeting mitochondria in several ways:

• Reducing oxidative stress: They help clear harmful ROS to calm inflammation.
• Boosting energy production: They improve how mitochondria make energy for cells.
• Balancing the immune system: They calm overactive immune cells that attack joints.
• Protecting joints: They help repair joint cells and prevent further damage.
• Restoring cell balance: They support processes like mitophagy (clearing out damaged mitochondria) to keep cells healthy.

Unlike some RA drugs (like methotrexate or biologics), which can have side effects or be expensive, TCM and natural products often work on multiple problems at once and may have fewer side effects.

What did the researchers find?
The researchers reviewed 128 studies (out of 297) from 2005 to 2025. They found strong evidence that TCM and natural products can:

• Lower inflammation by reducing harmful molecules.
• Improve mitochondrial function to support healthier cells.
• Protect joints by balancing immune responses and supporting cartilage and bone health.

What’s next?
While TCM and natural products show promise, more research is needed to:

• Understand how these treatments work in the body (pharmacokinetics).
• Standardize herbal formulas for consistent results.
• Conduct clinical trials to confirm they work well and are safe for RA patients.

Why does this matter to you?
If you have RA, this research suggests that TCM or natural products could be a helpful addition to your treatment plan. They may reduce joint pain and inflammation by fixing problems in your cells’ mitochondria, potentially with fewer side effects than some standard treatments. Talk to your doctor about whether these options might be right for you, and keep an eye out for future studies that test these treatments further.

Where can you learn more?
For details on TCM or natural products, you can ask your healthcare provider or look into reputable sources on integrative medicine. If you’re interested in the original study, it’s available online at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2025.157106.