If you weren't born a platinum blonde (but are now), you may
be interested to hear about the recently discovered association
between hair dyes and rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis
is
a disabling condition in which the immune system attacks the
body's cartilage, bone, and joints - leading to tissue damage
and severe pain.
Rheumatoid arthritis is known to have multiple origins, including
insulin use and psychological stress, and is more likely in
women than in men. A Swedish study recently published in the
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases compared more than
400 rheumatoid arthritis patients with nearly 900 healthy
individuals from 1980 to 1995.
Using hair dyes for more than 20 years doubled the risk of
rheumatoid arthritis in women. Other significant (and unusual)
risk factors for women having the condition included matrimonial
quarrels; tick-borne infections; regular exposure to horses;
and smoking. In men, using a private water well and exposure
to indoor mold were factors previously unknown to be linked
to rheumatoid arthritis.
Many women use hair dyes regularly throughout their lives.
Although researchers are unsure why dyes are linked to rheumatoid
arthritis, until more information is available, you should
consider showing off your natural hair color. Talk to your
doctor of chiropractic about any health concerns you have,
and visit https://www.chiroweb.com/tyh/women.html.
Reference:
Reckner Olsson A, Skogh T, Wingren G. Comorbidity and lifestyle,
reproductive factors, and environmental exposures associated
with rheumatoid arthritis. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
2001:60, pp. 934-939.
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