Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the membrane between the joints becomes inflamed. Enzymes produced by the inflammation digest tissue adjacent to the joints, and the eventual formation of scar tissue twists and disfigures the joints. Expensive prescription drugs carry many side effects. Holistic remedies to manage rheumatoid arthritis's symptoms offer a more natural and less expensive approach to live with this disease. Anyone wanting to use these remedies should do so in consultation with a health care provider.
Diet
Fresh fruits and vegetables, high in antioxidants and enzymes, do not irritate the joints as would a diet high in saturated fat. Patients should avoid "white" food such as white sugar and flour. Oily fish, including salmon and tuna, lubricate the joints and keep swelling under control. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that some rheumatoid arthritis patients have reduced their dependence on prescription medications by increasing their intake of fish. Foods containing trans-fats such as store-bought bakery items and some fried food increase inflammation, as do caffeinated beverages. Daily intake of 6 to 8 glasses of water also flushes inflammation-producing toxins from the body.
Supplements
Borage oil, evening primrose oil and black currant seed oil, taken in dosages up to 2.6 g daily, as recommended by the University of Maryland Medical Center, may reduce stiffness and welling by lubricating the joints. Eating three servings of fish per week may eliminates the need for these supplements.
Bromelain is the same enzyme found in pineapples. Phyllis A. Balch, certified nutrition consultant, states in her book "Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing" that her experience is that bromelain reduces swelling and inflammation when taken it in small amounts and on an empty stomach.
Balch also suggests that chondroitin sulfate provides nutritional support to strengthen joints and may be taken in 500 to 1,000 mg doses daily.
Hot and Cold Therapy
Inflamed and swollen joints may benefit from cold packs, alternated with heat packs. Hot tubs and baths may provide relief. Sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis find that a hot morning shower helps alleviate morning joint stiffness, Balch wrote.
Exercise
Exercise requiring repetitive movements such as aerobics may be too harsh for sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis. To keep joints mobile, activities such as water therapy performed in a swimming pool, or yoga, gentle stretching, light yard work, gardening and walking might be preferable to any activity that pounds or strains the joints.
References
- "Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2006
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Rheumatoid Arthritis
