Rheumatoid arthritis is a relatively common health complaint. Approximately 0.6 percent of the United States adult population--about 1.3 million people--have this joint problem, reports the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which your body attacks your own joints. Nutritional therapies have long been used in treating rheumatoid arthritis, although you should always consult your doctor before using these natural healing methods.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease that causes joint inflammation and inflammation in the tissues surrounding your joints. In some cases, this condition may also affect your organs. Rheumatoid arthritis can manifest at any age, including during childhood. This condition is more common in women than in men. Some of the most commonly experienced symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis include joint pain on both sides of your body, fatigue, reduced appetite and mild fever.
Dietary Approach
Several dietary approaches may be helpful in treating your rheumatoid arthritis. Naturopathic physician and licensed acupuncturist Russell B. Marz, author of "Medical Nutrition From Marz," states that consuming a vegetarian or vegan diet may be helpful in treating the joint stiffness and swelling associated with this condition. Lowering your fat intake to 20 percent of your total daily calories may also help, as could avoiding foods to which you are sensitive and fasting periodically.
Nutritional Supplements
Nutritional supplements are a commonly used nutritional therapy in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Some supplements may require more scientific scrutiny to help validate their purported health benefits. According to Dr. Joseph E. Pizzorno Jr., a naturopathic physician and author of "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine," the following supplements may be helpful in treating your rheumatoid arthritis: sulfur, copper, Asian ginseng, ginger, borage oil, vitamin C, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids.
Warning
Rheumatoid arthritis is a serious health condition that may cause significant health complications, including decreased red blood cell count, lung damage, cervical spine instability, inflammation of your blood vessels, and swelling and inflammation of your heart muscle and the outer lining of your heart. Before using nutritional approaches in treating your rheumatoid arthritis, review the risks and benefits associated with these natural healing therapies. Not all nutritional supplements may be right for you or your health problem.
References
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Rheumatoid Arthritis
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Rheumatoid Arthritis
- "Medical Nutrition From Marz"; Russell B. Marz; 1999
- "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine"; Joseph E. Pizzorno Jr.; 2002
