Rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory disorder, affects the lining of the joints causing a painful swelling that can lead to deformity explains the MayoClinic.com. Typically the small joints in the hands and feet are most affected. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include, morning stiffness, tender points, joint swelling, fatigue and joint pain. Some supplements may be helpful for rheumatoid arthritis although patients should always consult a doctor before starting any supplement program.
Borage Seed Oil
Borage oil contains the omegas 6 essential fatty acid, gamma-linolenic acid, commonly called GLA. GLA can't be produced in the body but must be obtained from supplements or food. In a study published in a 1990 issue of "Arthritis and Rheumatism," researchers studied the affect of borage seed oil on patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The team comment in the background to their study that previous studies have shown that GLA has anti-inflammatory effects. The researchers found that 1.1g daily of GLA for 12 weeks helped to improved the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis sufferers should always consult a doctor before taking any borage seed oil supplements.
Cat's Claw
Cat's claw, also known as Uncaria tomentosa, is native to the Amazon rainforest.
According to the University of Maryland, cats claw contains chemicals such as sterols and tannins, which help to reduce inflammation and therefore may be helpful for rheumatoid arthritis patients.
In a study published in a 2002 issue of the "The Journal of Rheumatology," researchers studied the affect of cat's claw on patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, who where also taking the medications sulfasalazine or hydroxychloroquine.
The team found that after 28 weeks, patients who where taking cat's claw as well as their medication reported a reduction in the number of painful joints. The University of Maryland recommends 100mg daily of a cat's claw standardized extract. Rheumatoid arthritis patients should consult a doctor before taking any cat's claw supplements.
Fish Oil
Fish oil contains the anti-inflammatory, omega 3 essential fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA and docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA. Like omega-6 essential fatty acids, the omega-3 essential fatty acids must be obtained from food or supplements.
In a study published in a 1995 issue of the "The Journal of Clinical Epidemiology," researchers found that taking a fish oil supplement for 3 months significantly reduced morning stiffness and tender joints in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation recommends 2,000mg of fish oil containing both EPA and DHA twice a day to help with rheumatoid arthritis. A health care professional should always be consulted before taking a fish oil supplement.
References
- The Mayo Clinic: Rheumatoid Arthritis
- "Arthritis and Rheumatism": Alteration of the cellular fatty acid profile and the production of eicosanoids in human monocytes by gamma-linolenic acid: Pullman-Mooar S, Laposata M, Lem D: 1990
- The University of Maryland: Cats Claw
- "The Journal of Rheumatology": Randomized double blind trial of an extract from the pentacyclic alkaloid-chemotype of uncaria tomentosa for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: Mur E, Hartig F, Eibl G, Schirmer M.: 2002
- "The Journal of Clinical Epidemiology": Validation of a meta-analysis: the effects of fish oil in rheumatoid arthritis; Fortin PR, Lew RA, Liang MH, et al: 1995
- Arthritis Foundation: Supplement Relief.
