Rheumatism in focus: exercise and nutrition as the key to improvement!

In Germany, around 20 million people suffer from rheumatism, including over 25,000 children and young people. Rheumatism is not a specific clinical picture, but rather a generic term for over 100 different diseases, which are divided into degenerative and inflammatory rheumatic diseases. The degenerative forms include, for example, osteoarthritis and gout, while rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory spinal diseases are inflammatory rheumatic diseases.

In inflammatory rheumatic diseases, the immune system attacks its own body, which makes diagnosis difficult. There are also too few rheumatologists in Germany, which often leads to delayed or inadequate treatment. According to a report by ARD media library It is very important to start appropriate therapy quickly, with exercise and an anti-inflammatory diet playing a key role.

Insights into the treatment of rheumatism

Reporter Fero Andersen spent a day at the German Center for Child and Adolescent Rheumatology in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, where young patients are diagnosed and treated. Some of those affected live there, sometimes for several months, while they receive treatments and therapies aimed at making their lives easier and improving treatment.

One example is the patient Karin Polland, who experienced a severe attack of rheumatism two years ago with pain in her wrists and ankles and a fever. She was diagnosed with chronic polyarthritis, which occurs in around 1% of the population in Germany, with women being more commonly affected. Polland received cortisone for acute pain and changed her lifestyle. Improved diet, stress avoidance and regular exercise have become part of her strategy. Loud BR It is important to eat a healthy diet to relieve symptoms.

Martin Stangl suffers from Bechterew's disease, an inflammatory form of rheumatism that causes severe back pain. In Germany, around 350,000 people are affected by Bechterew's disease, with men being affected three times more often than women. Stangl is taking part in a study at Erlangen University Hospital that is examining the influence of exercise and yoga on his illness. Exercise is recommended as the first treatment option to maintain physical function and mobility and to reduce pain.

Exercise can also reduce inflammatory factors and have positive effects on the cardiovascular system and metabolism. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends getting at least 150 minutes of exercise per week. It is also recommended to be careful when choosing sports, especially high-impact activities.

Nutritional guidelines for rheumatism patients

Choosing the right diet plays a crucial role in combating rheumatism. A Mediterranean diet rich in vegetable oils, legumes and fish is recommended. Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties, while fiber-rich foods, colorful vegetables, fruits and spices are considered anti-inflammatory. Rheumatism patients should avoid sugar, white flour, pork and processed foods to ease their symptoms. The recommended daily fiber intake should be between 30 and 50 grams, as obesity can lead to increased inflammation levels even without an acute rheumatic disease.

The combination of anti-inflammatory diet and exercise represents a promising strategy for dealing with rheumatism.