My Rheumatoid Arthritis Journey With Tea
As I am writing this article, it is a very cold winter day. I am inside as the wind is howling and snow is blowing with zero visibility. My city is under a state of emergency. I am sitting with a warm cup of tea, in my home, experiencing a historic, once-in-a-generation blizzard.
"Health storms" complicate our lives
I really had time to reflect on a lot of things during this storm. Honestly, I realized how much I drink tea. It really has provided such comfort to me through the years.
In life, nothing is ever guaranteed. However, when you live with a chronic illness like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), life becomes more complicated. "Health storms" in our lives are very much like weather storms. They come into our lives and wreak havoc.
The uncertainty RA brings
Tea for me, I realized as I reflected, was always a constant in my life. No matter what type of storm, be it weather, health, financial, or career storms that stir in my life, I usually have a cup of tea in my hand. I literally have been brewing a pot of tea to weather through whatever storm has come my way.
Living with rheumatoid arthritis has brought so much added uncertainty to my life, as a disease that affects every aspect of your life will do. Tea has helped bring a little certainty to my life, and am so grateful for it.
The potential benefits of tea in RA
During the storm, I started to research more about tea. I ran across a large-scale clinical research study. The study investigated if drinking tea could help decrease disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis.
In this study, RA disease activity was measured by monitoring inflammation levels through blood work. Additionally, study participants reported the amounts and types of teas they consumed through a questionnaire. The study revealed a potential link between drinking tea with decreased disease activity in people with rheumatoid arthritis.1
Honestly, all of these years I drank tea because it was a source of comfort to me. I have never met a tea that I did not enjoy. However, this study made me realize that something that has brought me such joy and comfort all these years may also be beneficial to my overall health.
The joy of tea and the calm after the storm
After this weather storm subsides, I am planning a trip to my favorite local specialty tea shop. I am imagining how amazing it is going to smell as I walk through those doors. Equally excited to pick out and taste my next cup of tea. Just let the smells and taste of it transport me to whatever exotic location it originates from.
Tea has been such a constant source of joy for me in life. Especially on those days when my rheumatoid arthritis affects my ability to move or causes excruciating pain and fatigue. I am curious about those of you reading this article. What brings you a little comfort and joy as you journey along life with rheumatoid arthritis? Also, if you are walking alongside a loved one who battles with rheumatoid arthritis, what in your life helps brings a little comfort and joy to the journey?
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