Some scientific studies have shown that as many as 76 percent of people who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) also have low levels of vitamin D. Given the important role that vitamin D plays in regulating the immune system, as well as its anti-inflammatory properties, it makes sense that there would be a correlation between the two.

The following article takes a closer look at the connection between vitamin D and RA as well as how to increase your intake of this important nutrient to potentially reduce the severity of your RA symptoms.

Why is Vitamin D Important to Our Health?

Vitamin D plays an important role in our overall health. Adequate levels of this nutrient contribute to:

• Bone health by promoting calcium absorption, which helps maintain bone density;
• Reduced inflammation by regulating the production of inflammatory proteins in our cells (cytokines) and limiting the reproduction of inflammatory cells; and
• Strengthened immune system by activating antiviral T cells that help detect and fight against pathogens in the body.

Why is Vitamin D Important for People With RA?

As in other autoimmune diseases, RA causes the immune system to mistakenly attack healthy tissues, leading to inflammation and chronic pain. With RA specifically, inflammation in the joints often leads to stiffness, pain, and reduced range of motion. Appropriate levels of vitamin D can help regulate your immune system response and reduce inflammation naturally, potentially leading to a reduction in the severity of your symptoms. 

Because chronic inflammation increases bone absorption, individuals with RA are also at a higher risk for developing osteoporosis. To offset this risk, increasing bone density is vital, and vitamin D can help.

How to Boost Your Levels of Vitamin D

Although vitamin D supplements are helpful, you should not rely on them completely to meet your nutritional needs. One of the easiest ways to increase your vitamin D is by incorporating foods that help fight inflammation into your diet, including fatty fish, egg yolks, leafy greens, nuts and berries or by taking cod liver oil.

Getting outside (or at least sitting near an open window during the day) to expose your skin to direct sunlight allows your body to produce its own vitamin D. Of course, you should balance the benefits of sun exposure with protecting against the harmful effects of too much sun like sunburn, eye damage, and skin cancer. To get the most benefit in the least amount of time, aim for sun exposure in the middle of the day when ultraviolet rays are the most intense and try to expose at least a third of your skin.

Develop a Treatment Plan for Your RA

Although there is currently no cure for RA, working with a rheumatologist to develop a treatment plan can help reduce the severity of your symptoms, provide pain relief, and enhance your overall quality of life. Call the specialists at Advanced Rheumatology of Houston at (281) 766-7886 to schedule a consultation today. In addition to diagnosing and treating RA and other rheumatologic conditions, we also offer massage therapy and vitamin infusions to help manage your symptoms. Get started on the road to a more comfortable life today!