Rheumatoid arthritis is an
autoimmune disease in which joints,
usually those of the hands and feet, are symmetrically inflamed, resulting in
swelling, pain, and often the eventual destruction of the joint's interior.
Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common inflammatory joint disease and
a major cause of disability, morbidity, and mortality. It occurs
worldwide, affecting approximately one per cent of adults. Rheumatoid
arthritis may be accompanied by fatigue, weight loss, anxiety, and
depression. In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks the tissue that
lines and cushions joints (certain
immune cells, perhaps mast cells, attack the
carbohydrate molecules, known as glycosaminoglycans, in the joints). Eventually, the
cartilage, bone, and ligaments of the joint erode, causing scars to form within the joint.
The joints deteriorate at a highly variable rate.
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M.D.
Rheumatoid
Arthritis Diet
A regular, healthy diet is generally appropriate. Some people have
flare-ups after eating certain foods. A diet rich in cold water fish has beneficial effects on inflammation.
Eating a relatively large amount of red meat
every day appears to increase the risk of inflammatory arthritis, such as
rheumatoid arthritis. Research has linked smoking and drinking a lot of coffee
to rheumatoid arthritis, while suggesting that eating lots of fish and
vegetables may protect people from the condition. Alcohol intake in small to
moderate amounts could be beneficial by reducing the inflammatory response.
Natural options for Rheumatoid
Arthritis Treatment
I will update this page as more studies become available regarding the
natural approach to rheumatoid arthritis. In the meantime, I have come across
some studies regarding natural supplements that I wish to share with you. Discuss with your doctor to see whether these herbs
and supplements are appropriate for you, and whether there could be potential
problems when combined with rheumatoid arthritis medications. At this time I am not aware of a
natural rheumatoid arthritis cure.
See the section on food and rheumatoid arthritis discussed below.
Fish oils are certainly
one of the first supplements to try for rheumatoid arthritis since they reduce
inflammation. Cod liver
oil is another option, there have been some studies regarding the use of
Cod-Liver-Oil
and rheumatoid arthritis treatment.
The beneficial properties of fish oil are related to its fatty acid
composition rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. A number of
epidemiological and clinical studies have demonstrated the benefits of fish oil
supplementation in rheumatic diseases, in particular in rheumatoid arthritis.
The anti-inflammatory effects of fish oil are due to the production of
alternative eicosanoids, to the reduction of proinflammatory cytokines, and to
the inhibition of the activation of T lymphocytes. Fish oil supplementation may
be a good addition to the traditional pharmacological treatment of rheumatoid
arthritis.
Curcumin has antioxidant
and antiinflammatory properties. Curcumin is derived from
turmeric.
Cats claw a small
study showed a reduction in pain in rheumatoid arthritis patients given Cat's
claw extract.
Ginger herb may be helpful in rheumatoid arthritis and since ginger has a number
of health benefits, it is a good idea to consume ginger daily or to take ginger
supplements.
Green tea extract may
offer some help. It would not hurt to drink a cup of green tea a day. Some
people may consider taking a
Green-Tea-Extract
supplement a few times a week.
Guggul has
anti-inflammatory activity and may be helpful in
some patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Lyprinol, a green mussel
extract, has been found to be helpful for rheumatoid arthritis, (see study
below).
Lyprinol
is available over the counter as a supplement.
Folic acid (see below) for rheumatoid arthritis patients on
methotrexate.
Stop smoking
Go for a low fat diet with plenty of fish and fish oils
Gluten free diet may be tried
Yoga improves hand grip strength in normal persons and in patients with
rheumatoid arthritis, though the magnitude of improvement varies with factors such as
gender and age.
Tai Chi is helpful
Rheumatoid arthritis exercise -- For people
with extensive damage in large joints from rheumatoid arthritis, high-intensity,
weight-bearing exercise accelerates the progression of joint damage. However,
intensive exercise appears to be safe for arthritis patients with little or no
joint damage. Mild to moderate exercise programs to improve muscle strength and
aerobic capacity are beneficial for people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Chicken collagen may be
helpful for rheumatoid arthritis.
Curcumin and Rheumatoid
Arthritis
The antioxidants curcumin and quercetin inhibit inflammatory processes
associated with arthritis.
Inflamm Res. 2006 Apr;55(4):168-75. Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences,
University of British Columbia, 2146 East Mall, Vancouver BC, Canada
Curcumin and quercetin are antioxidant molecules with anti-proliferative,
anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive activities. The objective of this study
was to investigate the inhibitory activity of these agents using four assays of
inflammatory aspects of arthritis. Both curcumin and quercetin inhibited
neutrophil activation, synoviocyte proliferation and angiogenesis. Curcumin
strongly inhibited collagenase and stromelysin expression at micromolar
concentrations whereas quercetin had no effect in this assay. These studies
suggest that curcumin and to a lesser extent quercetin may offer therapeutic
potential for the treatment of crystal-induced arthritis or rheumatoid
arthritis.
Supplements that are not
effective rheumatoid arthritis treatments
Taking vitamin E supplements does not reduce a woman's risk of rheumatoid
arthritis. Arthritis Care and Research, November 15, 2008.
Causes of
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis can also produce a variety of symptoms
throughout the body. The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis isn't known, but many
different factors, including genetic predisposition, may influence the autoimmune
reaction. Rheumatoid arthritis develops in about 1 percent of the population, affecting women two
to three times more often than men. Usually, rheumatoid arthritis first appears between 25
and 50 years of age, but it may occur at any age. In some people, the disease resolves
spontaneously, and treatment relieves symptoms in three out of four people; however, at
least 1 out of 10 people eventually becomes disabled. is different than
rheumatoid arthritis. Types of food consumed may play a role if rheumatoid
arthritis flare-ups.
Food and
Rheumatoid Arthritis
The production of antibodies to certain foods is increased in the gut of many
patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Hypersensitivity to certain foods leads to a
flare-up in the joints. Systemic and intestinal immune responses are abnormal in
many rheumatoid arthritis patients. Most often these antibodies are to
components of milk, eggs, pork and fish. It may be worthwhile to avoid these
foods or other foods suspected of causing rheumatoid arthritis flare up. Gut,
August 2006.
Traditional treatment of rheumatoid arthritis ranges from simple, conservative measures such as rest and adequate nutrition to drugs and surgery. Treatment starts with the least aggressive measures, moving to more aggressive ones if needed. A basic principle of rheumatoid arthritis treatment is to rest the affected joints, because using them aggravates the inflammation. Regular rest periods often help relieve pain, and sometimes a short period of total bed rest helps relieve a severe flare-up in its most active, painful stage. Splints can be used to immobilize and rest one or several joints, but some systematic movement of the joints is needed to prevent stiffening.
Rheumatoid
Arthritis Treatment - Drugs - Rheumatoid
Arthritis Medication
The main categories of drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis
are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), slow-acting drugs, corticosteroids, and
immunosuppressive drugs. Generally, the stronger the drug, the more severe its potential
side effects, so that closer monitoring is needed. Treating rheumatoid arthritis
with "biologic" immunosuppressive drugs, such as TNF-blockers, neither increases
nor decreases the risk of heart attack or stroke compared with use of
methotrexate, the most commonly prescribed drug for rheumatoid arthritis.
Although jewelry may be the first thing that springs to
mind when someone says "gold", injecting a liquid form of the metal can help
people with rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, gold therapy has been around for a
while, and now new research shows it can be effective when combined with another
treatment. In the study, reported in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatism, gold
therapy reduced the severity of arthritis in patients who had a poor response
with methotrexate, the standard drug used to treat the disease.
Even if an initial course of methotrexate for the
treatment of rheumatoid arthritis gives disappointing results, persistence may
pay off. A second course may be more successful. Many patients continue to have
active disease in spite of intensive therapy with disease-modifying
antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
wo biotech drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis --
Abbott Laboratories Inc.'s Humira and Johnson & Johnson's Remicade -- may raise
the risk of cancer and infections.
Danger of
rheumatoid arthritis medications
The use of certain rheumatoid arthritis medications can harm the immune system.
Invasive fungal infections can occur in patients taking tumor necrosis
factor-alpha blockers (TNF blockers), certolizumab pegol (Cimzia), etanercept (Enbrel),
adalimumab (Humira), and infliximab (Remicade). The FDA has received reports of
patients developing pulmonary and disseminated histoplasmosis,
coccidioidomycosis, blastomycosis and other opportunistic infections while
taking TNF blockers.
TNF-blockers used to treat rheumatoid arthritis may lead to psoriasis. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, February 2009.
Steroid Use in
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis who are treated with low-dose of the
steroid prednisone have an increased risk of coming down with pneumonia. Most other drugs used to treat arthritis
don't have this drawback. Prednisone, a
steroid, tends suppresses
the immune system and at high enough doses this could increase the chances of
infection. Even though prednisone is commonly used to treat arthritis patients,
there have been no studies looking at it's effect on the risk of pneumonia --
which is one of the major causes of death in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
The
most common treatments for rheumatoid arthritis are methotrexate, prednisone, Remicade,
hydroxychloroquine and Enbrel.
There appears to be no significantly increased risk associated with so-called TNF-blockers
-- Remicade, Enbrel or Humira -- or with methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine or
sulfasalazine. Prednisone use is common in rheumatoid arthritis and is therefore
a potentially important health risk. Arthritis & Rheumatism, February 2006.
Rheumatoid arthritis symptom
Rheumatoid arthritis early symptom. Common symptom for rheumatoid
arthritis include fatigue, weight loss and anemia. Affects about 2 million
Americans, three times more women than men. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are
different than symptoms of
osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis sets a body at war with itself, as
white blood cells attack healthy tissue in the joints. The cost of that war may
be greater than previously thought: people with rheumatoid arthritis are twice
as likely to die of heart disease.
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Exercise
Progressive resistance training can help patients with rheumatoid
arthritis who experience muscle wasting. Generalized muscle wasting in
rheumatoid arthritis is common although often masked by a concomitant increase
in fat mass. Progressive resistance training is an effective treatment for this
metabolic complication of rheumatoid arthritis.
Types of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis Research Update
Newer drugs like Enbrel and Remicade have been
a boon to many rheumatoid arthritis sufferers, but researchers now report that such drugs
may lead to the development of an inflammatory disorder of blood vessels,
usually affecting the skin. The rheumatoid arthritis drugs, called TNF blockers, have been linked to
a condition called leukocytoclastic vasculitis, or LCV, according to an article
in the Journal of Rheumatology. With LCV, bleeding of small blood vessels under
the skin causes purplish raised areas to appear, usually on the legs.
Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with the potent TNF-alpha blocking drugs -- such as Enbrel and Remicade, for example -- is linked to an increase in dermatological conditions. The skin conditions included infections and eczema, both of which might logically be related to the way TNF blockers work, by interfering with the immune system. The investigators also documented drug-related skin ulcers and malignant tumors, as well as a list of less common problems.
Systemic inflammation increases the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, a new study shows, even after factoring in the effects of traditional cardiovascular risk factors and other illnesses. The rate of illness and death from cardiovascular disease is higher among rheumatoid arthritis patients, and there is increasing evidence that inflammation plays a key role in the development of atherosclerosis, also known as hardening of the arteries.
A Johnson & Johnson promotion for rheumatoid arthritis drug Remicade is misleading because it makes unsupported claims about the drug's effectiveness and omits important information about risks.
Efficacy and tolerability
of a combination of Lyprinol and high concentrations of EPA and DHA in
inflammatory rheumatoid disorders.
Adv Ther. 2004 May-Jun;21(3):197-201.
This 12-week drug-monitoring study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of
Sanhelios Mussel Lyprinol Lipid Complex on 50 adult men and women with
inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis. A total of 34 patients required drug therapy
before and during the study. By the end of the Lyprinol study, 21 (62%) patients
were able to reduce their dosage and 13 were able to terminate drug therapy. At
the end of the Lyprinol treatment period, 38% were regarded symptom free, and
the number of patients with severe pain decreased significantly from 60% at
baseline to 25% at the completion of the trial. A significant effect was
observed for each investigated parameter. The special combination of Lyprinol
and omega-3 fatty acids was generally very well tolerated. This dietary
supplement with Lyprinol may therefore be considered an effective and
well-tolerated component of treatment regimens for inflammatory rheumatoid
arthritis.
Effects of n-3 fatty acids on serum interleukin-6, tumour necrosis
factor-alpha and soluble tumour necrosis factor receptor p55 in active
rheumatoid arthritis.
J Int Med Res. 2004 Sep-Oct;32(5):443-54.
We investigated the effects of a low n-6 fatty acid (FA) diet
supplemented with fish oil on serum pro-inflammatory
cytokine
concentrations and clinical variables in patients with active rheumatoid
arthritis (Rheumatoid arthritis). Sixty patients were randomly assigned to
receive a diet low in n-6 FAs and n-3 FAs supplement (fish oil group), a
diet low in n-6 FAs and placebo (placebo group), or no special diet or
intervention (control group). Serum cytokines and clinical and biochemical
variables were evaluated at baseline and various timepoints. At week 18
the fish oil group had significant reductions in linoleic acid, C-reactive
protein (CRP) and soluble tumour necrosis factor receptor p55 (sTNF-R
p55), and significant elevations in eicosapentaenoic acid and
docosahexaenoic acid compared with baseline. There were no significant
differences in the clinical variables between the three groups. At week 24
there were significant reductions in interleukin-6 and TNF-alpha in the
fish oil and placebo groups. Supplementation with n-3 FA and a low n-6 FA
intake decreased serum sTNF-R p55 and CRP levels in patients with
Rheumatoid arthritis.
Folate, homocysteine, and
methylcobalamin status in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with methotrexate,
and the effect of low dose folic acid supplement.
J Rheumatol. 2004 Dec;31(12):2374-81.
To investigate the effect of methotrexate (MTX) treatment of rheumatoid
arthritis on folate metabolism, and to determine the effect of low dose folic
acid on toxicity, efficacy, and folate status. A 52-week prospective
study of 81 patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with MTX and
self-administered low dose folic acid; 38 rheumatoid arthritis patients were
included prior to MTX therapy, 33 rheumatoid arthritis patients continued
established MTX therapy, and 10 rheumatoid arthritis patients were excluded.
Drug efficacy and side effects were monitored with biochemical and clinical
indicators. RESULTS: MTX treatment resulted in decreased concentrations of red
blood cell (RBC) folate and a rise in plasma homocysteine. Intracellular
concentrations of MTX were inversely correlated to RBC folate levels after
treatment for a longer period (mean 41 months). Supplement with low dose folic
acid prevented or diminished the influence of MTX on folate status and had a
protective effect on MTX induced liver toxicity without changing the efficacy of
MTX. MTX interferes with folate and homocysteine metabolism. Our
results indicate low dose folic acid supplementation has a beneficial effect on
MTX toxicity in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Measuring levels of antibodies against cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) help predict future disease activity in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis, The anti-CCP antibody test is as sensitive as rheumatoid factor but a more specific diagnostic marker for recent onset rheumatoid arthritis.
Increased blood levels of C-reactive protein
(CRP), a marker for inflammation, are seen long before symptoms of rheumatoid
arthritis appear.
Recently developed drugs called TNF-blockers
have brought relief to many people with inflammatory conditions such as
rheumatoid arthritis or the intestinal disorder, Crohn's disease. However, the
drugs do carry a risk. Federal health
officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta point out
that patients taking TNF-alpha antagonists, such as Remicade (infliximab),
Enbrel (etanercept), and Humira (adalimumab) have an increased risk of
tuberculosis.
Does diet have a role in the etiology of rheumatoid arthritis?
Proc Nutr Soc. 2004 Feb;63(1):137-43.
Although dietary factors have been extensively studied in many chronic
diseases, the role of diet in the epidemiology of rheumatoid arthritis has
received little attention. Fruit and vegetables and dietary antioxidants are
thought to play a protective role in the pathogenesis of heart disease and some cancers,
but few studies have investigated these dietary components in the etiology of
rheumatoid arthritis. Fish oil supplementation has consistently been shown to
have a beneficial effect on the symptoms of established rheumatoid arthritis,
but it is not known whether the fish oils can reduce the risk of
developing the disease. There is evidence that rheumatoid arthritis is less
severe in the southern Mediterranean countries, such as Italy and Greece, where
oil-rich fish, fruit, vegetables and olive oil are consumed in greater amounts
than in many other countries. Overall, the evidence for a role of diet in the
etiology of rheumatoid arthritis is limited to a small number of observational
studies of very different designs. Recently, it was demonstrated that lower
intakes of fruit and vegetables and dietary vitamin C are associated with an
increased risk of developing inflammatory polyarthritis in a free-living
population in Norfolk, UK. These findings provide further evidence for a role of
diet in the development of inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis, although the
mechanisms involved are uncertain.
Randomized double blind trial of an extract from the pentacyclic
alkaloid-chemotype of uncaria tomentosa
(Cat's Claw) for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
J Rheumatol. 2002 Apr;29(4):678-81.
To evaluate safety and clinical efficacy of a plant extract from
the pentacyclic chemotype of Uncaria tomentosa (cat's claw) in patients with
active rheumatoid arthritis. Forty patients undergoing sulfasalazine or hydroxychloroquine treatment were enrolled in a randomized 52
week, 2 phase study. During the first phase (24 weeks, double blind, placebo
controlled), Rheumatoid arthritis
patients were treated with UT extract or placebo. In the second
phase (28 weeks) all patients received the plant extract. Twenty-four
weeks of treatment with the UT extract resulted in a reduction of the number of
painful joints compared to placebo (by 53% vs 24%).
Rheumatoid arthritis patients
receiving the UT extract only during the second phase experienced a reduction in
the number of painful and swollen joints compared to the values after 24 weeks of placebo. Only minor
side effects were observed. This small preliminary study
demonstrates relative safety and modest benefit to the tender joint count of a
highly purified extract from the pentacyclic chemotype of cats claw in patients with
active Rheumatoid arthritis
taking sulfasalazine or hydroxychloroquine.
Tai chi for treating rheumatoid arthritis.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2004;(3):CD004849.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, systemic inflammatory autoimmune disease
that results in the destruction of the musculoskeletal system. Tai Chi,
interchangeably known as Tai Chi Chuan, is an ancient Chinese health-promoting
martial art form that has been recognized in China as an effective arthritis
therapy for centuries. To assess the effectiveness and safety of Tai
Chi as a treatment for people with Rheumatoid arthritis. Studies reviewed.
The results suggest Tai Chi does not exacerbate symptoms of
rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, Tai Chi has statistically significant
benefits on lower extremity range of motion, in particular ankle range of
motion, for people with Rheumatoid arthritis.
Epidemiology of rheumatoid arthritis: determinants of onset, persistence and
outcome.
University of Manchester Medical School, Oxford Road, Manchester UK.
Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2002 Dec;16(5):707-22.
Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common chronic inflammatory joint disease.
There is some evidence that Rheumatoid arthritis may have been brought from
North America to Europe during the 18th century. Its arrival in rural parts of
the developing world is still more recent. The incidence and prevalence of
Rheumatoid arthritisvappear to have fallen in Europe, North America and Japan in
the last 50 years. During this time the peak age of onset has risen. Risk
factors for the development of Rheumatoid arthritis include genetic factors, an
adverse pregnancy outcome, smoking, obesity and recent infections. The oral
contraceptive pill and some dietary constituents may be protective. Older age
and female gender are risk factors both for the development of Rheumatoid
arthritis and for a worse outcome. This risk factor profile offers some
opportunities for primary and secondary prevention. However, treatment is the
greatest determinant of Rheumatoid arthritis outcome.
Some patients with Rheumatoid arthritiswho take the anti-rheumatic drug Arava (leflunomide) develop peripheral neuropathy, a nerve problem that involves numbness, tingling or pain in the hands or feet.
Blocking the activity of a natural protein involved in inflammation may be a new approach to treating rheumatoid arthritis. Japanese researchers have shown that a synthetic antibody targeting the receptor for a hormone-like protein called interleukin 6 (IL-6) significantly reduces disease activity in patients with difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis. IL-6 regulates the immune response, inflammation, and bone metabolism, the team explains in the medical journal Arthritis & Rheumatism. Overproduction of IL-6 is thought to play a role in rheumatoid arthritis.
Folate supplementation and methotrexate treatment in rheumatoid
arthritis: a review.
Rheumatology (Oxford). 2004 Jan 6
The folate antagonist methotrexate (MTX) has become established as
the most commonly used disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) in the
treatment of rheumatoid arthritis but is commonly discontinued due to
adverse effects. Adverse effects are thought to be mediated via folate
antagonism. In this paper we summarize the current data on the use of folates as
a supplement to MTX use in rheumatoid arthritis for the prevention of adverse effects and as a
potential modulator of cardiovascular risk, and propose guidelines for standard
practice. A Medline search was performed using the search terms 'methotrexate',
'folic acid', 'folinic acid', 'folate' and 'homocysteine'. Literature relevant
to the use of folates as a supplement to MTX in the treatment of rheumatoid
arthritis was reviewed
and other papers referred to as references were explored. The use of
supplemental folates, including folic and folinic acid, in rheumatoid arthritis patients treated
with MTX has been shown to improve continuation rates by reducing the incidence
of liver function test abnormalities and gastrointestinal intolerance. Folate
supplements do not appear to significantly reduce the effectiveness of MTX in
the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Furthermore, supplemental folic acid offsets the elevation
in plasma homocysteine associated with the use of MTX. This may in turn reduce
the risk of cardiovascular disease, which is over-represented amongst patients
with rheumatoid arthritis, and for which hyperhomocysteinaemia is now recognized as an independent
risk factor. CONCLUSIONS: We propose that folic acid supplements be prescribed
routinely to all patients receiving MTX for the treatment of rheumatoid
arthritis. We recommend a
pragmatic dosing schedule of 5 mg of oral folic acid given on the morning
following the day of MTX administration.
Influence of co-administrated sinomenine on pharmacokinetic fate of
paeoniflorin in unrestrained conscious rats.
J Ethnopharmacol. 2005 May 13;99(1):61-7.
Paeonia lactiflora Pall. (Ranunculaceae) root(
Chinese Peony ) and Sinomenium acutum Rehder and
Wilson (Menispermaceae) stem are two herbs widely used in Chinese medicine to
treat rheumatoid arthritis.
Citrus, zinc may cut rheumatoid arthritis risk: study
Zinc and an antioxidant found in
citrus fruit may lower the risk for rheumatoid arthritis a
new study suggests, but the researchers say the findings are preliminary and there are
still no well-defined risk factors for the disease. The researchers looked at nearly 30,000 women from the Iowa Women's Health Study. All
had answered a food questionnaire in 1986 that assessed how much and how often they ate
certain foods as well as their vitamin and supplement
intake. Years later, there were 158 cases of rheumatoid arthritis among the women. The diets of
those women were compared with those of study participants who remained free of the
illness. The doctors found that women getting less than 40 micrograms of beta-cryptoxanthin,
which is found in citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit, were at a slightly higher
risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis than women who consumed more than that amount. When they looked at the amount of zinc in each woman's diet, they found that those who
took zinc supplements had a lower risk of rheumatoid arthritis. But getting an equivalent
amount of zinc from food was not associated with decreased risk. Their results are published in the February issue of the American Journal of
Epidemiology. SOURCE: American Journal of Epidemiology 2003;157:345-354.
Rheumatoid Arthritis natural
treatment emails
Q. I am a 38 year old woman who has been dealing with
Rheumatoid Arthritis since my child bearing years. I started seeing an rheumatoid
arthritis doctor about 7 years ago and had been using a Naproxen prescription
since then for pain, inflammation, morning and night stiffness. Not wanting to
continue taking Naproxen for recent concerns about its safety. I started taking
MSM advised by my mother who recently was diagnosed with Rheumatoid
Arthritis. I have been taking
3 grams of MSM in the morning and night for the past 3 months with no need for
addition pain medications. I am truley amazed at the results I've had. If anyone
has had chronic pain from arthritis like I have had it is worth trying MSM.
Q. I have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis
multiple joint failure since 2001. While I was in the USA, I was taking
prescription medicine namely Arava. I was only getting relief from it with
many side effects. I decided to go to Vietnam. I have been living here
since 2 years ago. Since I first came, I started taking natural
traditional herbal medicine made up of roots, barks, leaves, insects,
snake skin, etc. This medicine helped me get my feet back on the ground.
However, I always had the need to continue taking pharmaceuticals every
other day, like Vioxx and later Mobic. Since I began taking turmeric as a
juice mixed with other fruits, I have no longer the need to take Mobic.
That was a month ago. Thank you.
A. I appreciate you sharing this with us, please keep
us updated on your progress.
Q. i was going to buy a cream for rheumatoid
arthritis that contains
pregnenolone
along with glucosamine and emu oil. Does the pregnenolone really help with
rheumatoid arthritis.
A. I have not seen studies with pregnenolone in cream form for
rheumatoid arthritis, so I can't say.