Top 10 Natural Remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammation of the joints' protective coverings against trauma and abrupt pressure brought on by autoimmune immune cell activation. Although there are medications that can treat symptoms like extreme pain, swelling, and even bone loss, the majority of these pharmaceutical preparations are linked to a multitude of negative effects, which can include everything from nausea to liver problems and anemia. Unfortunately, there is now no curative method that could eliminate the unsettling signs and symptoms of joint inflammation.
Although complementary and alternative medicine cannot completely replace pharmaceuticals, it can assist to lower the dosage of medications to lower the risk of side effects. So what possible herbal treatments are there for rheumatoid arthritis?
Natural Remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis
1. Take Supplements
It is always advised to acquire nutrients from dietary sources, but there are certain supplements that may change the outcome and frequency of RA attacks. Before adding any of such supplements to your diet, make sure to consult your primary doctor, because there are a few supplements that don’t mix well with certain combinations of medicines. A few popular ones are:
Folic acid, a B vitamin is responsible for the production of red blood cells. If you’re taking methotrexate, you will be suggested to take folic acid to reduce the side effects of the drug.
Corticosteroids like prednisone may cause bone loss. If you are taking steroids to minimize the frequency of inflammatory attacks, you should consider calcium and vitamin D supplements to maintain the healthy metabolism of bones. Consult your doctor to know how much you actually require.
In some people with RA, gamma-linoleic acid minimize the need for painkillers. It is also available commercially as evening primrose oil, borage seed oil, or black currant.
2. Use Heat or Cold
Heat and cold treatments are suggested by many doctors to decrease the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. A hot compress can stimulate blood and relax the muscles. A cool compress or an ice pack may be used on the affected area during an RA flare-up to reduce swelling and pain. Cold fermentation also decreases inflammation and pain in the joints.
You should not do this treatment excessively. There should be at least a gap of 30 minutes after a 15-minute treatment.
A warm damp towel or wet heating pad may be used effectively for heat therapy. Microwavable hot packs are also preferred by some people. However, make sure to take ample caution to prevent skin burns.
Standing in a hot water shower may also be used as a source of heat therapy by letting warm water flow over the achy inflamed parts of your body. This may also help reduce the intensity of pain and inflammatory swelling.
Sitting in a hot tub is an effective way to relax muscles. (Note: Avoid using spas or hot tubs if you are suffering from moderate hypertension or cardiovascular illnesses, or if you are pregnant).
Standing in a hot water shower may also be used as a source of heat therapy by letting warm water flow over the achy inflamed parts of your body. This may also help reduce the intensity of pain and inflammatory swelling.
Sitting in a hot tub is an effective way to relax muscles. (Note: Avoid using spas or hot tubs if you are suffering from moderate hypertension or cardiovascular illnesses, or if you are pregnant).
3. Perform Exercise
Some types of exercises are proven safe for patients with RA. The types of exercise that can be performed by people with RA are stretching, strengthening, and conditioning.
Stretching is the simplest type of exercise. Regular stretching is the basis of any kind of exercise to be performed that aims at improving the stability and flexibility of the joints. It involves lengthening of muscle fibers by holding and stretching joints or muscles and holding the position for a few seconds to a couple of minutes.
Strength exercises increase the muscles' endurance and power due to healthy exposure to resistance. This may involve training with weight or other methods of increasing muscle tension. Through these exercises, the amount of pain-free work increases which eventually increases the strength of soft tissues and the muscles in long run.
Conditioning exercises (also popularly referred to as aerobic exercises) are extremely popular with RA patients as well as patients suffering from other forms of arthritis. It also helps in improving cardiovascular functions. There are uncountable benefits of these exercises, such as besides improving the health of heart and blood vessels, conditioning training also protects individuals from disability and also improves their mood. Good conditioning exercises for RA patients include walking, bicycling, swimming, yoga, etc.
Some types of exercises are proven safe for patients with RA. The types of exercise that can be performed by people with RA are stretching, strengthening, and conditioning.
Stretching is the simplest type of exercise. Regular stretching is the basis of any kind of exercise to be performed that aims at improving the stability and flexibility of the joints. It involves lengthening of muscle fibers by holding and stretching joints or muscles and holding the position for a few seconds to a couple of minutes.
Strength exercises increase the muscles' endurance and power due to healthy exposure to resistance. This may involve training with weight or other methods of increasing muscle tension. Through these exercises, the amount of pain-free work increases which eventually increases the strength of soft tissues and the muscles in long run.
Conditioning exercises (also popularly referred to as aerobic exercises) are extremely popular with RA patients as well as patients suffering from other forms of arthritis. It also helps in improving cardiovascular functions. There are uncountable benefits of these exercises, such as besides improving the health of heart and blood vessels, conditioning training also protects individuals from disability and also improves their mood. Good conditioning exercises for RA patients include walking, bicycling, swimming, yoga, etc.
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4. Try Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an effective ancient eastern way that stimulates certain pressure points of the body. In this form of alternative care, an experienced practitioner introduce needles at certain pressure points for a few minutes to a few hours. The aim of acupuncture therapy is to promote the flow or balance of qi or life force, throughout the body.
The supporters say that acupuncture causes the body to secrete hormones like endorphins, which make the body feel good; thereby also reducing the intensity and severity of pain. While disbelievers say that the benefits are only because of the placebo effect of needle piercing. There are very few studies that say that acupuncture is useful for RA. There are no side effects of acupuncture unless you have a fear of needles or the procedure.
5. Take Massage
The massage may be beneficial depending on the intensity of the pain. It has been observed that carefully applied massage is fairly effective at relieving muscular tension, releasing joint stress, and making you feel better and relaxed. It is imperative to keep in mind that massage efficacy varies depending upon different individuals, the intensity of RA flare, and the severity of symptoms. Before making an appointment with a registered therapist, make sure that your therapist has prior experience in handling patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
6. Relax Yourself
Try to get adequate and restful sleep (at least 8 hours) every night. Additionally, you can also treat yourself to a 2-hour nap in the afternoon if you don’t get enough sleep at night. Certain people with RA need more frequent napping (especially during flares). Deep breathing and relaxation exercises may help release stress and help you in relaxing. Tension may be released by meditation also.
7. Be Smart on Diet
Studies show that the food eaten affects the inflammatory responses and reactions within the body by influencing the biochemical environment of the body. Experts believe that the intake of processed foods is associated with aggravation of inflammation that may lead to frequent flaring. A diet rich in veggies, spices, olive oil, healthy portions of whole grains, fresh organic fruits, organic beans, natural herbs, and tea may exert excellent effects on the health of patients living with RA and other inflammatory diseases. Red meat, processed flour, excessively high quantities of sugar, and saturated fats are not recommended if you have RA. Eating too much also causes inflammation as fat cells churn out different inflammatory chemicals that make RA even worse.
8. Garlic
Garlic is a tasty addition to many meals and a potential source of relief for RA as an anti-inflammatory agent. What’s thought to aid relief when bringing garlic into the picture? Garlic helps to suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and if inflammation is prevented, the progression of arthritic joints and the resultant symptoms will be reduced.
The Problem? Once cooked, garlic loses most of its punch. And, let’s face it, how many people do you know that go around eating a bunch of raw garlic?
9. Black Pepper
It’s making me sneeze just thinking about it. Black pepper has long been known to aid in pain relief and swelling reduction. You may have heard of capsaicin? Well, that’s the key ingredient in black pepper that’s thought to give RA relief. Capsaicin appears in many over-the-counter creams and lotions – most often associated with anti-inflammatory medications.
The Problem? As is typical of most creams and lotions, the relief is only temporary and needs to be used frequently to maintain pain relief.
READ MORE: 23 Incredible Health Benefits of Black Pepper
10. Ginger
Ginger has been known to be helpful for a lot of things, especially nausea. What’s the one thing your mom whipped out every time you were feeling sick to your stomach when you were little? Ginger ale. Go figure. It’s also been shown to help alleviate morning sickness in pregnant women, and it’s noted to have anti-inflammatory qualities to alleviate arthritis symptoms. Elements in ginger have been found to reduce the action of T cells, which are those cells that are going around attacking your healthy cells. The overall result is a decrease in systemic inflammation.
10. Ginger
Ginger has been known to be helpful for a lot of things, especially nausea. What’s the one thing your mom whipped out every time you were feeling sick to your stomach when you were little? Ginger ale. Go figure. It’s also been shown to help alleviate morning sickness in pregnant women, and it’s noted to have anti-inflammatory qualities to alleviate arthritis symptoms. Elements in ginger have been found to reduce the action of T cells, which are those cells that are going around attacking your healthy cells. The overall result is a decrease in systemic inflammation.
Summary
In conclusion, natural remedies for rheumatoid arthritis can be a safe and effective alternative to traditional medications. Incorporating a healthy diet, exercise, stress management techniques, and natural supplements such as ginger, turmeric, and omega-3 fatty acids into your daily routine can help reduce inflammation and improve overall joint health. It is always important to consult with a doctor before starting any new treatment regimen, especially if you are taking other medications. With the right combination of self-care and natural remedies, those living with rheumatoid arthritis can lead a more comfortable and fulfilling life.
DR. APPIAH
Dr. Appiah is a Natural Health Therapist (Naturopath) who engages the natural healing agents given by God to save lives. EAT FOOD AS MEDICINE! EAT TO LIVE, DON'T LIVE TO EAT!! FOR BOOKINGS AND MORE: WANT TO ADVERTISE YOUR PRODUCTS? WANT A PERSONAL(CERTIFIED) NATURAL MEDICINE PRACTITIONER? REACH ME DIRECTLY ON WHATSAPP +233245643615 appiahinok@gmail.com
