Posted on July 2, 2008 in Latest News
The link between heavy babies and rheumatoid arthritis was pointed out by a study that appears in the journal Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. The researchers analysed data from nurses’ health study from 1976 onwards which shows that heavy birth weight can escalate the chance of Rheumatoid Arthritis in future. Babies weighing more than 10 pounds are vulnerable to Rheumatoid Arthritis.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease which results from a process called “autoimmune” –that is, when the body’s immune system attacks itself. It affects our joints and causes pain, swelling and deformity. Rheumatoid arthritis also affects our heart, lungs, blood vessels, nerves, eyes and muscles. Generally, it takes many years to cure the condition completely. It is possible to predict the arthritis by assessing the Bone Mineral Density of the patient.
This study hints the connection between foetal nutrition and the chances of rheumatoid arthritis in the future. Dr. Lisa Mandl who led the research team says that keeping the newborn less than 10 pounds is a way to prevent arthritis in their adulthood. Earlier, many researchers pointed out the relationship between birth weight and onset of chronic diseases in the adulthood, like coronary heart diseases, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, wheezing etc.
How Important is Pregnancy Diet?
The present study underlines the importance of keeping the weight of a new born child under control. It is dependant upon the foetal environment and nutrition. The foetal environment is related to what one eats during the pregnancy. It is advised that pregnant women should live a healthy and balanced life. A healthy diet would ensure the healthy birth weight of the baby.
Tips for Mom and New Born Baby’s Health
Here are some tips which would help you to keep you and your baby healthy
- Eat variety of food to ensure the basic nutrients
- Avoid junk foods which is high in calorie
- Eat more fruits and vegetables
- Use diary products which is low in fat
- Avoid caffeinated drinks
- Engage in moderate exercise
- Avoid alcohol beverages
At last, good news for moms, feed your baby for more than a year. Breast feeding reduces the chance of rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic diseases in the future by half.
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