A study shows the chemical compounds in the smell of cooking meat are associated with the development of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

We discuss in this podcast episode:

• Grilling meat at high temperatures can lead to higher levels of PAH’s which have been associated with the development of rheumatoid arthritis
• PAH’s are found in many places, such as car exhaust fumes, cigarette smoke, and charred food, and have also been linked to cancer and respiratory issues
• Choosing alternative cooking methods such as baking, boiling, or steaming, and opting for plant-based meals can help to reduce exposure to PAH’s and improve overall health

Today we’re going to chat about something that might surprise you, how a meat barbecue could be linked to arthritis.

An interesting study has just been published which examined data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, and this looked at information from 2007 to 2016. Interestingly, the researchers discovered a possible connection between something called PAH’s or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. They found that individuals with higher levels of PAH’s in their blood were more likely to have rheumatoid arthritis. And this suggests that avoiding exposure to these chemicals which are produced when meat is cooked at high temperatures, may help to reduce the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.

The study suggests that exposure to PAH’s might play a role in the development of RA, and that means we should be mindful of where these PAH are coming from. So let’s think about our barbecue sessions for a moment. Grilling meat has been linked to higher levels of PAH’s, and while we can’t say for sure it directly causes rheumatoid arthritis, it’s always good to be aware of the potential risks.

Now, PAH’s are the sneaky little things that can be found in our environment and even within our bodies. And they’re formed during the incomplete burning of coal, oil, gas, wood and other organic substances. They can be found in many places, and these include car exhaust fumes, cigarette smoke, and also in grilled or charred food. Interestingly, exposure to PAH’s has been linked to other health problems, so including cancer and respiratory issues. PAH’s are known to be carcinogenic and to cause DNA damage, and when inhaled or ingested, can also cause inflammation in the body. And this can and is thought to contribute to the development of chronic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

So what can we do to reduce our exposure to PAH’s. One way is to choose alternative cooking methods such as baking, boiling or steaming rather than grilling or charring our food. If you do choose to grill your food, consider pre cooking the meat in the oven or microwave to reduce the time that it spends on the grill. Also, make sure to avoid inhaling smoke from the grilling or smoking process. Another option is to opt for plant-based meals, which are generally lower in PAH’s, and not only can they be very tasty and nutritious, but they can also help us to lower our intake of PAH’s. In addition to reducing our exposure, adopting a healthy lifestyle can help to reduce our risk of rheumatoid arthritis as well. So by increasing our exercise and activities and managing stress levels and eating a varied and balanced diet.

So, in summary, while more research is needed to understand this link between PAH’s and rheumatoid arthritis fully, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks associated with exposure to these chemicals. And by making simple changes to our cooking habits and adopting a generally healthy lifestyle, we can help to reduce our exposure to PAH’s and improve our overall health. If someone you know or yourself is living with rheumatoid arthritis, consider exploring the benefits of adopting a plant-based lifestyle. So head on over to RheumatoidSolutions.com to find out more. And remember, this study is just one piece of the puzzle, and many factors contribute to the development of rheumatoid arthritis. But staying informed and making small changes to our lifestyle can be a step in the right direction. So take care of yourselves and keep an eye out for more exciting research that helps us unravel the mysteries of our health.