Researchers claimed drinking a lot of tea increases the risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Their study found that four or more cups a day caused the highest risk. It made the women 78 % more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than those who drank no tea. Drinking any amount of tea increased the chance by 40 %, compared with those who abstained entirely. No similar effect was found with coffee. Moderate drinkers have a lower risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis and the disease progresses slower, according to a new study. Swiss researchers followed 2,900 adults with rheumatoid arthritis and found that light to moderate drinkers showed slower progression in their joint damage compared with non-drinkers. But heavy drinkers showed a greater progression of the disease.

Research shows a definite link between the food you eat and the severity of your symptoms.

Like the heart, the joints thrive best on plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Fruit and vegetables provide an array of antioxidants that reduce the rate at which cartilage breaks down, helping to slow the process of osteoarthritis. Antioxidants can also reduce inflammation and help combat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and gout. Apples and avocados are anti-inflammatory superfoods.

 Don't peel your apples - the skin contains five times more antioxidants than the flesh. Also, women who breastfeed for more than a year, reduce their chance of rheumatoid arthritis by half, research suggests. Sweden's Malmo University Hospital compared 136 women with the condition to 544 without for the Annals of Rheumatic Diseases study. They found women who had breastfed for 13 months or more were half as likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis as those who had never breastfed. Those who breastfed for between one and 12 months had a 25% decreased risk. The study notes that women have more than a two-fold higher incidence of than men. It is known that breastfeeding is linked to raise levels of a hormone called Oxytocin, which can reduce stress hormone levels, lower blood pressure and induce well-being. However, breastfeeding also raises levels of another hormone - prolactin - which is known to stimulate the immune system, and may actually raise the risk of rheumatoid arthritis.

Source:  http://www.complementarytherapynews.co.uk /2010/06