As part of a healthy, well-balanced diet, getting adequate potassium can have an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving impact. The management of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms may be improved due to these features.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a condition for which the precise etiology is unknown, and there is also no recognized treatment or cure. Those who suffer from RA may find that changing their food and way of life helps them better control their symptoms.

Potassium is an essential component of a balanced and healthy diet, and it possesses qualities that may aid in the treatment of RA symptoms. Nevertheless, research on potassium's direct benefit on RA has not yet shown solid results. The potential health advantages of potassium for rheumatoid arthritis are investigated in this article.

Is There Any Benefit to Using Potassium Supplements?

There is a lack of information that can be considered conclusive about the benefits of potassium in the therapy of RA. Despite this, the little study that has been done on the subject seems promising.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

A study conducted in 2018 concluded that potassium's general anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving characteristics could be useful in managing RA. As potential RA therapy tools, the researchers also mentioned potassium's benefits on cardiovascular and bone health.

Pain Alleviation

Supplementing with high potassium levels was shown in research conducted in 2008 to have a significant "anti-pain impact." When participants took 6,000 milligrams (mg) of potassium every day for 28 days, they reported an average 33% reduction in the discomfort they experienced from arthritis.

An additional one-third of the individuals reported feeling only moderate discomfort. Potassium compounds used in particular topical applications have also demonstrated promise as potential anti-inflammatory medications. Researchers observed that using a combination potassium rub might help lessen local joint pain in their trial that was conducted in 2007.

Blood Pressure

Blood pressure can be raised by several conditions that are related to RA. An increase in blood pressure over a prolonged period, known medically as hypertension, can result in significant cardiovascular disease. Research conducted in 2015 found that persons who had RA had reduced blood pressure if they increased their potassium consumption for even one day.

Supplement Dangers

The use of supplements is not always recommended. Potassium is one of those elements that, when consumed excessively, can have adverse health consequences. Potassium supplements have been linked to various gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. At larger dosages, the drug can cause a weakening of the muscles, paralysis, and cardiac difficulties. Before making any alterations to your food or supplement routine, consult a doctor first.

Rheumatoid Arthritis And Potassium

According to several studies, patients who suffer from RA typically have reduced potassium concentrations in their blood.

Medications

People with RA may have low potassium levels due to the drugs they take. Individuals who require steroid drugs to treat their condition are at risk of having low potassium levels. Source You Can Rely On. In addition, many nonsteroidal drugs may impair the body's capacity to metabolize potassium and produce diarrhea, both of which expel the nutrient from the body. This can happen if the medication also causes diarrhea.

Nutrition

Nutrition is another significant element that should be considered as a potential cause of low potassium. Individuals who suffer from RA might not have much of an appetite. When a person reduces the amount of food they consume, there is a greater risk of not obtaining enough vital vitamins and minerals, such as potassium.

Dietary Potassium

Altering your foods to include more potassium-rich foods is one option, but you should also discuss the possibility of taking potassium supplements with your primary care physician. The following are some options for nutritious foods that are high in potassium:

• cantaloupe
• potatoes
• bananas
• orange juice
• raw spinach

Summary

A diet that is adequate in potassium is essential to good health. The mineral can help decrease inflammation and discomfort when consumed as part of a healthy and well-balanced diet. Those with RA may find that these two activities help manage their symptoms. Yet, there is a shortage of study regarding potassium's impact on RA. Some studies provide encouraging recommendations for courses of action but offer little evidence of a clear link between the two.