Women who drink one or more sugar-sweetened sodas a day are significantly more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis (RA) than those who drink less than one soda month or none, according to a recent study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The risk appears to be even higher for older women.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic, autoimmune disease that causes inflammation leading to joint pain and damage, fatigue and other symptoms. It's believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors, possibly including diet.

Because many studies have shown that sugar-sweetened soda is linked to obesity as well as type 2 diabetes and heart disease – all of which are more common in people with RA – the researchers wondered whether sugary beverages might play a role in the development of rheumatoid arthritis, too.

Ring in the New Year with these healthy lifestyle changes and say hello to less pain in 2020.

The start of a new year is always a great time to think about making positive lifestyle changes — including those that can help you better manage your arthritis.

If you can make them part of your everyday life, these simple steps can be very effective in reducing joint pain, and they'll boost your overall health as a bonus.

They may even make it possible to cut back on your arthritis medication.

Here are the resolutions that will give the most bang for your buck.

Vitamin D deficiency and autoimmune disorders.

A study has linked vitamin D deficiency with an increased risk for cancer and autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis MS, and lupus. Researchers found, through mapping vitamin D receptors binding throughout the human genome, that vitamin D deficiency is a major environmental factor in increasing the risk of developing these disorders.

Are you aware that cucumber juice helps bring down body temperature, is highly alkalizing and effective for removing uric acid crystalization in joints, like with gout. There may be a slight pain when drinking this juice – a sign of healing – it is the stirring of the old toxins to be eliminated. The celery and ginger will help reduce inflammation during the cleansing. Perfect combo!

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease of inflammation, so adding anti-inflammatory herbs and spices to your diet might sound like a good idea. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), there's not enough evidence to support the use of particular herbs or spices as effective treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. That being said, a number of herbs and spices do have anti-inflammatory properties however, and, at the very least, adding them to your recipes will liven up your meals. Here are 6 herbs and spices worthy of your consideration.

Aside from the holistic health community, Western medical practitioners have only recently come on board in recognizing the benefits of turmeric.

Turmeric, an orange-colored spice imported from India, is part the ginger family and has been a staple in Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian cooking for thousands of years.