The vitamin that protects your heart if you’re living with rheumatoid arthritis

If you’re living with rheumatoid arthritis, it probably seems like you already have to suffer far more than anyone should, thanks to the severe joint pain, swelling, and decreased quality of life that go hand-in-hand with the disease.

Yet, to add insult to injury, rheumatoid arthritis also puts you at higher risk for heart and blood vessel disease and death.

In fact, people with rheumatoid arthritis are a whopping 60 percent more likely to die from a heart problem than those without the often debilitating condition.

Why?

Well, unfortunately, it’s been found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis can have high levels of an amino acid known as homocysteine in their blood.

And, scientific studies have proven that high homocysteine levels are linked to a high risk of cardiovascular disease.

While this may seem like an un-winnable battle, it’s not…

Researchers in Texas discovered why homocysteine levels can go up when you have rheumatoid arthritis — and identified a natural solution to help…

Peak DIM

Helps Support Healthy Hormone Balance for Both Men and Women by Keeping Excess Estrogen in Check!

«SPONSORED»

Overcoming homocysteine imbalance

The study, performed by experts at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, followed 683 rheumatoid arthritis patients over 17 years, measuring their folate levels.

Folate is a B vitamin that is essential in the creation of new cells and has a known homocysteine-lowering effect. Because of this, the researchers theorized that it could be behind the connection between rheumatoid arthritis and heart disease.

And, they were right!

The team found that patients with the lowest levels of folate (below 4.3 nanograms per milliliter) had a 50 percent higher risk of dying from heart or blood vessel disease than patients with higher folate levels.

In fact, the researchers say these results shed light on why having rheumatoid arthritis makes you more susceptible to heart and vascular disease and cardiovascular death.

“Our study is the first to show an association between serum folate and increased cardiovascular mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis,” said Kalyani Sonawane, Ph.D., an assistant professor at UT Health School of Public Health and the lead author. “It’s particularly important for patients taking disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs to understand this increased risk.”

Why is it more important that you pay attention to your folate levels if you’re taking anti-rheumatic drugs?

Well, the team says that increasing homocysteine levels may be caused by those medications since drugs like methotrexate deplete your folate levels.

Peak Organic Alkalizing Greens

At birth your body’s pH is balanced. But starting immediately acid waste builds up and starts to shift your pH level from healthy alkaline to unhealthy acid. If your body is too acidic it provides the right terrain for germs to thrive. To add insult to injury… MORE⟩⟩

«SPONSORED»

Upping your folate for heart protection

If you have rheumatoid arthritis, especially if you take disease-modifying drugs, it’s vital that you increase your folate levels to protect your heart and blood vessels.

You can find folic acid in numerous foods, including:

  • Eggs
  • Broccoli
  • Citrus fruits
  • Leafy greens

However, the researchers say that people with rheumatoid arthritis shouldn’t rely on folate-rich food alone since too many parts of the average American diet also raise homocysteine levels (like red meat and coffee).

Their advice?

In addition to lowering your intake of these homocysteine-linked foods and eating plenty of fruits and veggies, you should take a daily folic acid supplement for increased protection.

So, don’t let rheumatoid arthritis steal your heart health as well as your joint health. Start adding folate to your diet today.

Editor’s note: There are perfectly safe and natural ways to decrease your risk of blood clots including the 25-cent vitamin, the nutrient that acts as a natural blood thinner and the powerful herb that helps clear plaque. To discover these and other secrets of long-lived hearts, click here for Hushed Up Natural Heart Cures and Common Misconceptions of Popular Heart Treatments!

Sources:

  1. Adequate folate levels linked to lower cardiovascular mortality risk in RA patients — EurekAlert
Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

By Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst is a board-certified Doctor of Chiropractic, with more than 20 years of experience. She has dedicated herself to helping others enjoy life at every age through the use of alternative medicine and natural wellness options. Dr. Schmedthorst enjoys sharing her knowledge with the alternative healthcare community, providing solutions for men and women who are ready to take control of their health the natural way.

«SPONSORED»