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 by Dr. Rita Louise
The immune system is designed to seek out invaders to our body’s internal systems, especially infections. At times, instead of targeting pathogens, our bodies mistakenly attack the healthy tissue it is supposed to protect. When this occurs, we are said to have an autoimmune disorder.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is such an autoimmune disorder that causes chronic inflammation of the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis should not be confused with other forms of arthritis such as osteoarthritis. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis is caused by the wearing down of the cartilage that covers and cushions the joints.
The inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis causes pain, warmth, stiffness and redness in the joints. Damage to the joints can create issues with performing simple tasks such as turning door knobs, buttoning buttons, or opening jars. Over time, it can lead to the destruction of the cartilage, bones and ligaments of the joints, causing them to deform. This is because the inflamed cells of the joints release an enzyme that digests the joint’s cartilage and bones, causing them to lose shape. As this destructive process continues, additional pain and loss of mobility is experienced.
Rheumatoid arthritis most often affects the smaller joints in the body such as the hands, feet, wrists, elbows and knees. Symptoms include muscle and joint stiffness that is usually worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity, or joints that feel warm or appear swollen. Some individuals may also experience some additional symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, weight loss or fever.
Rheumatoid arthritis is classified as a systemic disorder. This means that in addition to affecting the joints, if not stopped, it can also damage the tendons and muscles that surround the joints. As it progresses, it has been known to affect the organs of the body, such as the lungs, heart, kidneys, blood vessels, the nervous system and even the eyes as well. Sufferers may develop nodules on or near the joints (Rheumatic Nodules) or discover dark, purplish areas on the skin that are caused by damaged blood vessels that bleed into the skin (Vasculitis).
Thankfully, there are a number of natural remedies and alternative therapies one may employ to slow down, stop and even reverse the effects of rheumatoid arthritis.
Recommendations For Wellness
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Eat a diet filled with fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Eliminate processed foods or foods that contain chemicals, preservatives and additives.
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Fasting, followed by a 12-month vegetarian diet, has been shown to improve the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
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Talk to your health care provider about the possibility that you may have leaky gut syndrome, a condition where food proteins cross through the intestinal barrier, causing an inappropriate allergic response (inflammatory response) in the body.
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Avoid coffee. Drinking over 3 cups of coffee a day has been linked to an increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Coffee consumption can also aggravate inflamed tissues in the body.
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Eliminate foods from the nightshade family such as potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, paprika, cayenne and tobacco.
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Begin an exercise program. While exercising may initially increase feelings of pain, gentle exercise can help strengthen the body and actually help people with this condition. Lack of exercise, on the other hand, can cause the muscles around the joints to deteriorate, thus causing more pain.
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Try having some acupuncture done. It is known to help with many inflammatory diseases by reducing pain and swelling.
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In a double blind study, the use of vitamin E was found to help reduce the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
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In another study, 68% of the participants found significant improvement in their symptoms after supplementing with New Zealand green-lipped mussels.
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Boswellia, a traditional herb used in Ayurvedic medicine, has historically been used to treat arthritis.
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Rub a cream that contains capsaicin (cayenne pepper) on the joints to help relieve pain.
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White willow bark is thought to last longer than its cousin the modern aspirin, while still providing the same level of pain relief.
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This information is provided for educational purposes only.
The descriptions of nurtritional supplements are based on the historical usage of the various ingredients. They are not intended to promote any direct or implied health claims, and actual results of usage can vary.
The statements on this Web site have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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