Lifestyle, Hormonal, and Metabolic Environmental Risks for Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Although there is a substantial body of literature focused on understanding noninhalational risk-factors for rheumatoid arthritis, the data are mixed and often conflicting. Given the other health benefits for certain lifestyle modifications, it seems reasonable for clinicians to promote healthy lifestyle habits related to diet, exercise, maintenance of health weight, and maintenance of good dental hygiene. Overall, however, these lifestyle modifications may be expected to have modest benefit, and other strategies to prevent rheumatoid arthritis in high-risk patients are needed.