Natural Remedies For Rheumatoid ArthritisNatural Remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis In addition to prescribed medications, there are a number of natural remedies that can be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Before taking any type of alternative treatment, discuss your plans with your doctor. Some herbs and supplements can effect prescription medications that you are taking. Vitamins and Rheumatoid Arthritis Vitamin C and E should be consumed by people with rheumatoid arthritis. Vitamin C helps the body's connective tissues to repair themselves after an injury. If the person has not consumed adequate amounts of Vitamin C, the repair will not be complete. A Vitamin-C deficiency can cause muscle weakness. Since they are in pain, people with rheumatoid arthritis can experience muscle weakness due to lack of exercise. Vitamin C can be taken as a supplement or found in such foods as oranges, strawberries, tomatoes, cabbage, and potatoes. Vitamin E is an antioxidant. All of the body's cells contain a certain amount of fatty acids. Vitamin E protects the fatty acids from oxidization (and breaking down). To add Vitamin E to your diet, cook with corn, soybean, and sunflower oil. Vitamin E can also be found in fish, eggs, and organ meats. Minerals and Rheumatoid Arthritis It is common for people with rheumatoid arthritis to have a zinc deficiency. Zinc is associated with cell growth; a person with a zinc deficiency will experience depression, delayed healing of wounds, and a lack of appetite. Zinc is found in seafood, milk, eggs, and nuts. It can also be taken in tablet form as a supplement. If you choose to take zinc supplements, take them with a meal to avoid stomach upset. Fish Oil Fish contains Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. The Omega-3s are generated by the amount of plankton the fish consumes. There is a higher concentration of plankton in colder water; eat trout or salmon to get the maximum amount of Omega-3s in your diet. Flax seed oil is also a good source of Omega-3s. Omega-3s have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. For a person with rheumatoid arthritis, this means they may experience less joint stiffness and/or swelling if they take fish oil supplements or consume fish on a regular basis. The use of anti-inflammatory medication may be reduced or eliminated as a result. Herbs to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis Black cohosh has anti-inflammatory properties and has been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Studies have shown that cat's claw is effective in reducing pain and swelling in the joints. Ginger is used in Chinese medicine to reduce inflammation. One instance is reported where a man with rheumatoid arthritis included ginger in his diet on a daily basis. After three months, he was pain-free and the swelling had disappeared. Capsaicin is available in the form of a cream that is applied directly to the skin. This substance is also known as cayenne. It will take from three-seven days to experience pain relief. Wash your hands with vinegar after applying the cream. These are just a few of the natural remedies that can be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Consult with your doctor to see what combination of treatments is the right one for you. Discover how a Thirty Five year Arthritis Suffererer cured herself in one month, without pills or diets ... Get "Arthritis Free For Life!" |