Believed to be an incurable, auto-immune disease, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects the body's joints, especially the hands and wrists. The disease can also find its way to other bodily tissue such as organs. Inflammation, redness, swelling and extreme pain are the key symptoms of this disease.
Severe joint damage and deformity are the long term results of RA, reports Johns Hopkins University in their Health Alert. The symptoms are periodic, with alternating painful episodes and times of total remission. A sampling of the best treatments to relive pain and swelling are common supplements and remedies available in grocery stores, pharmacies and health food stores.
Baking Soda
Baking soda and water help alkalize the blood, reducing inflammation and any acidosis that has formed in the system, suggests Dr. Theodore A. Baroody, in his book "Alkalize or Die." When the body becomes acidic, pain increases. The goal is to keep the body slightly alkaline to reduce symptoms. Mix ½ tsp. baking soda in 8 oz. of water and drink several glasses a day for relief, up to a total of 2 tsp. daily, according to Drugs.com.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
The Arthritis Alternative website discusses the positive effects of consuming fish oil as an anti-inflammatory treatment and relief of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. They recommend using pharmaceutical grade fish oil, high in omega 3 fatty acids and available with no impurities at local pharmacies.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin
Two supplements often sold together for relief of arthritis pain are glucosamine and chondroitin, reports YourOrthopaedicConneciton.com. Both have the ability to increase mobility in arthritis patients and reduce tenderness and pain. They can be purchased from grocery stores and pharmacies. Joint-pain.com mentions that both glucosamine and chondroitin are found in the body naturally and assist in the repair of damaged joints.
MSM
Joint-pain.com goes on to mention MSM which is a sulfur compound that is naturally occurring and has been known to help reduce joint inflammation in arthritis cases.
Tumeric
Holistic Online reports that the yellow herb used in many curries known as tumeric has been shown to have powerful anti-oxidant qualities reducing the pain and swelling of rheumatoid arthritis. They recommend a dose of 400-600 mg three times a day. Capsules are available in health food stores.
Ginger
Holistic Dr. Andrew Weil suggests using the anti-inflammatory herb ginger to relieve rheumatoid pain. Ginger is a traditional remedy with healing qualities that can be taken as a tea or used raw or in powder form. Weil suggests ginger with tumeric for maximum effectiveness for pain relief.
