Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects the body's joints and surrounding tissues, where the body attacks itself, wreaking havoc with the sinovial tissue surrounding the joints and, eventually, the cartilage and bones themselves, according to Dr. Andrew Weil, respected holistic health care practitioner. In time, the healthy tissue becomes distorted, bent and stiff, with swelling, redness, inflammation, sensitivity and pain, with the result leaving some people partially or completely disabled. Science does not yet know what causes rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but there are some things you can do to potentially slow its advancement down or stop it in its tracks.
Step 1
Include turmeric supplements in your dietary regimen. The active ingredient, curcumin, found in the Asian spice has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. The Senior Journal.com discusses reports made by the University of Arizona College of Medicine regarding its National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded study on the effects of curcumin (turmeric) on RA. Their findings indicated that one of the extracts tested and most closely resembling dietary supplements of turmeric, completely stopped the onset of RA. This was the first study of its kind on living animals where conclusive evidence was obtained regarding the anti-arthritic effects of turmeric.
Step 2
Drink green tea daily to help with rheumatoid arthritis. Science Daily discusses the effects of green tea on RA noting that polyphenols, high in antioxidants may work to protect the body from free radicals that cause the disease. The Science Daily report notes that scientific evidence points to green tea's ability to prevent or lessen the development of rheumatoid arthritis. Anecdotal evidence indicates a lower incidence of arthritis in countries where green tea is regularly used, notes Science Daily.
Step 3
Add fish oil from cold water, oily fish or in the form of supplements to your daily food intake. "Epidemiology" reported in an abstract reviewing a study between the relationship of oily fish and fish oil, to rheumatoid arthritis, that fish oil has some effect on reducing the risk of developing RA. Jack Challem, of The Nutrition Reporter, explains that the consumption of omega-3 fatty acids is greatly lacking in our diets, and at the same time an overabundance of omega-6 oils and saturated fats is present, contributing to the cause of excessive inflammation in the body. He goes on to explain that increasing omega-3 fatty acids through the consumption of fish oil will, over time, help to reduce inflammation and pain throughout the system.
Tips and Warnings
- All three of these supplements may be taken spread out, throughout the day to reduce the prevalence of RA.
- The information offered here is for educational purposes and is not meant to replace medical advice.
Things You'll Need
- Turmeric
- Green tea
- Fish oil
