Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) - Top 10 Natural Remedies !!

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: OVERVIEW

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder which chiefly affects the joints of the body. It is an autoimmune condition, in which the immune system of the sufferer's body attacks the 'synovium' --- the lining of the membranes, surrounding the joints.

Rheumatoid Arthritis leads to the thickening of the 'synovium,' because of which the cartilage and bone within the joint eventually get destroyed. Over a period of time, the joint loses its shape and alignment due to the weakening and stretching of the tendons and ligaments, that hold the joint together.

In early stages of its occurrence, Rheumatoid Arthritis generally affects the smaller joints first, especially the joints which attach the fingers to the hands and the toes to the feet. As the condition progresses, the joints of the wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, hips and shoulders also get affected.

With the increase in the severity of Rheumatoid Arthritis, the disorder can also cause damage to some non-joint structures, including the skin, eyes, blood vessels, lungs, kidneys, heart, salivary glands, nerve tissue, and bone marrow.

CAUSES OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

The exact causes, triggering the occurrence of Rheumatoid Arthritis are not yet known clearly to the medical practitioners. Nonetheless, it is believed that this autoimmune condition seemingly has a genetic component. Though the genes cannot actually cause Rheumatoid Arthritis, they can potentially increase the risk of the condition, by making people susceptible to certain environmental triggers.

Some common environmental factors that can cause Rheumatoid Arthritis are:

• Viral infections, such as those associated with the Epstein-Barr virus 
• Exposure to certain types of bacteria, like those linked to periodontal disease
• Obesity
• Trauma or injury, such as fracture of bone, bone breakage, ligament damage, or joint dislocation
• Environmental exposures (to substances like asbestos or silica)
• Cigarette smoking.

Rheumatoid Arthritis can occur at any age, though it commonly starts in middle age. Women are usually at a higher risk of developing the condition as compared to men. Moreover, a person with a family history of Rheumatoid Arthritis is also at an increased risk of this disorder.

SYMPTOMS OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

The symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis can have different levels of severity for different patients. In some cases, the symptoms are not persistent; they may come and go. However, over a period of time, Rheumatoid Arthritis can result in the deformation of joints, causing them to shift out of place.

The symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis generally include:

• Inflammation in the joints
• Joint pain
• Tender and warm joints
• Joint stiffness which is usually worse in the morning and after inactivity
• Loss of joint function
• Extreme fatigue
• Feverish feeling
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss.

10 NATURAL REMEDIES TO FIGHT RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Natural Remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis are excellent alternative treatment option for managing the disorder in a safe and effective manner. In modern medicine, Rheumatoid Arthritis is typically treated with the help of a class of medications called anti-rheumatic drugs. However, the natural remedies pertain to some time-tested methods, involving diet and lifestyle changes, for managing Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Ten remedies which comprise a beneficial Natural Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis have been listed below.

1. An Anti-inflammatory, Vegan Diet

People suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis should consume an anti-inflammatory, vegan diet to reduce systemic inflammation. Such diet ideally includes fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, legumes, nuts, seeds, beans, spices, and green tea. In addition, foods with abundance of Omega-3 fatty acids -- including chia seeds, flaxseeds, walnuts, and fatty fishes like tuna, salmon, herring, and mackerel -- are also beneficial in managing Rheumatoid Arthritis.

2. Foods Rich In Antioxidants

Another useful natural remedy for managing Rheumatoid Arthritis is foods that contain plenty of antioxidants, like Vitamins A, C, and E, and selenium, because they can reduce inflammation. Antioxidant-rich foods chiefly include spinach, kidney beans, dark chocolate, and berries such as blueberries, cranberries, strawberries, and goji berries.

3. Eating Sufficient Amounts Of Fiber

Rheumatoid Arthritis can be managed naturally by consuming a diet rich in fibres. The intake of fibre-rich foods can be helpful in reducing inflammatory responses that can lead to a drop in C-reactive protein levels. For ensuring an adequate fibre amount in diet, Rheumatoid Arthritis patients should consume whole grain foods, soy products, fresh vegetables, and fruits like strawberries and grapes.

4. Turmeric

The common household spice 'Turmeric' can also provide relief from the painful and inflammatory symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis. One of the key active components of turmeric is 'Curcumin' which has proven anti-inflammatory properties.

5. Cinnamon

The use of Cinnamon can also alleviate the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis in a natural manner. The bark of Cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory qualities and its ability to manage aches and pains, especially when they deteriorate due to cold weather conditions.

6. Black Pepper

Black pepper has been known since ancient times for its ability to manage pain and swelling. The use of black pepper can be beneficial for Rheumatoid Arthritis patients because the 'Capsaicin' ingredient of black pepper is commonly associated with anti-inflammatory medications -- particularly creams and lotions -- for relieving pain and inflammation.

7. Garlic

Garlic is also one of the effective Natural Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis because it is considered an anti-inflammatory agent. The use of garlic in the daily diet can help in managing inflammation because of its ability to suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and reduce the progression of arthritic joints.

8. Ginger

Ginger can alleviate the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis because it contains certain elements that reduce the action of T cells, which attack the healthy cells of the body. Adding ginger to the diet of Rheumatoid Arthritis patient's can result in decreased systemic inflammation.

9. Rest And Relaxation

Rheumatoid Arthritis patients can also benefit from rest and relaxation, and getting enough sleep at night and even a nap during the afternoon. Sleep, massage, deep breathing exercises, and muscle relaxation exercises can reduce stress and tension, and ease the Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms.

10. Exercise

Exercises like gentle stretching, walking, cycling and swimming can help Rheumatoid Arthritis patients in fighting fatigue, as well as strengthening their muscles and increasing the joint range of motion. Moreover, exercise can also reduce swelling in the joints and pain.

CONCLUSION

Natural Remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis can be helpful in managing the chronic condition and controlling its symptoms like pain, inflammation, and bone loss. However, it is advisable to use the remedies under the guidance of a doctor because Rheumatoid Arthritis occurs and progresses differently in each patient.