Everything you want to know about Rheumatoid Factor
You might have heard the term “Rheumatoid Factor” quite often, especially if you or anyone in your family has Rheumatoid arthritis, commonly called gathiya. But do you know what exactly RF is? What does it mean, and what’s its normal range?
We are sure 90% of you do not know this. But that’s okay, as we are here to help you. This blog will provide the necessary information regarding the term Rheumatoid factor. All you require is to stay tuned with the blog till the end.
So what’s the delay for? Let’s start
What is the Rheumatoid factor?
Rheumatoid factor is a type of protein, or antibody that is produced by your immune system. The normal body functioning antibodies are being produced by the immune system in order to fight against the harmful toxins that have entered into the body. Right?
But here the condition is the contrary. These antibodies (Rheumatoid factor) start harming healthy cells in the body, instead of harmful substances and make the body weak from the inside. As a result of this malfunctioning, several auto-immune conditions start to arise.
The higher the count of RF, the more likely the chances of you having auto-immune diseases such as Rheumatoid arthritis, and vice-versa. However, we can not rely merely upon RF in order to detect any auto-immune disorder. RF can also be found in healthy people, and sometimes people who are suffering from an auto-immune condition, may not have rheumatoid factors in their body.
Importance of Rheumatoid arthritis factor test
The only significance that the RA factor has is its assistance in detecting auto-immune conditions such as Rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, Sjogren’s syndrome, Cryoglobulinemia, and pulmonary concerns like interstitial fibrosis and silicosis.
The presence of Rheumatoid factor in the body is neither good, and not even bad (if it is less than 20). These are just the antibodies that if increased in the system may support the development of multiple health concerns by weakening the overall system.
Normal Range for Rheumatoid Arthritis Factor
RF test is done from the serum which is taken out of the blood. In general, the RF factor ranges between 0-20 units per millilitre (U/ml). Any increase to the maximum limit of 20 U/ml. will indicate aggravated RF levels, and the eventual presence of auto-immune disorders.
Range (U/ml.) |
Presence of auto-immune conditions |
| 0-20 | No Chances |
| More than 20 | High Chances |
Effects of Rheumatoid Arthritis Factor
As discussed earlier, the presence and absence of RF are of no significance unless such Rheumatoid factor is more than 20 U/ml. An abnormal, or aggravated RF may influence your routine life in multiple ways. Below are some major possible effects that may arise out of aggravated rheumatoid factor;
- Swollen, and red joints
- Painful joints and whole body aches
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Chronic infections like viral hepatitis B & C
- Lung inflammatory disorders such as sarcoidosis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Cancer
Apart from such physical complications, it can also affect your mental health. In patients, a direct connection has been seen between the RF (rheumatoid factor) and psychic conditions like anxiety, stress, and depression.
How to Reduce Rheumatoid Arthritis Factor
A large number of methods are available through which you can reduce your RF factor. Thousands of patients have already gotten relief by incorporating these natural measures. It mainly includes:
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Work on diet
For RA, a Sattvik (healthy and wholesome) diet is advised for the patients. Whereas the exclusion of certain food items is also prescribed to reduce/control the RF factor.
|
EAT |
AVOID |
|
Juicy fruits such as Avocados, berries, Pomegranate, Grapes, & Raspberries. |
Dairy products include milk, curd, sweets, cheese, ice cream, and sweets. |
|
Fresh vegetables like Bitter gourd, Turnip, Pigweed, Fenugreek, Lotus Cucumber, mushroom, broccoli, sweet potatoes, beetroot, etc. |
Non-vegetarian food like eggs, red meat, seafood, etc. |
|
Herbal drinks such as ginger tea, basil tea, cardamom, or Saffron tea. |
Wheat as it contains gluten |
|
Dry fruits- Almonds, raisins, cashews, dates, dates, figs, pistachios, manuka (soaked). |
Everything that is fried, processed, frozen, or stale. |
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Use herbs
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Proper medication
A list of different types of medications are available that may help you deal with increased RA factor. You may try allopathic medications, homoeopathy, Ayurveda, or Naturopathy. Although Western medications may be effective we can’t rely on them in the long run, because when consumed for a long time period, they may also cause multiple side effects. Whereas on the other hand, Ayurveda, Naturopathy, and Homeopathy are natural pathies that may take some time to work but always ensure long-term and effective results.
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Quit your sedentary lifestyle
Such activities will strengthen your overall immune system, and on the other hand, it will also ease the complications of auto-immune conditions such as joint immobility, pain, stiffness, and fatigue. One thing more- Strictly exclude smoking, and alcohol from your lifestyle, as they can aggravate your RF levels to a great extent.
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Mind-calming therapies
There are high chances of having an aggravated rheumatoid factor in your body, if you are dealing with distress, anxiety, depression, or any other neurological difficulty. In order to overcome such bothering, it is highly advised to add stress-managing techniques to your routine regimen.
For such purposes, you can do meditation on a routine basis. Daily meditation will not only help you with mental peace and clarity but also with the production of healthy antibodies in the body.
Takeaway
Remember, Rheumatoid factor is just a type of protein that is found among patients with auto-immune conditions. But we can not rely merely upon RF in order to detect any disease like RA, or SLE.
There might also be certain patients that have no RF, or if having it but are within the limits and experiencing auto-immune disease, and also those who are having it and are still absolutely fine.
