Dietary supplements for rheumatoid arthritis

Dietary Supplements for Rheumatoid Arthritis

IntroductionRheumatoid arthritis affects 1 per cent of the world’s population each year,with women being three times more affected than men. It is important to knowhow to try and treat this condition, because it can seriously affect one’soverall health and lifestyle. Thedisease can begin at any age, mostly after 40 and before 60 years of age.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, systemic inflammatorydisorder that mainly attacks synovial joints, but it may also attack many othertissues and organs. It attacks the lining of the joints, causing a painfulswelling that eventually leads to bone erosion and deformity.

Causes

This is classified as an autoimmune disorder, which means that one’s immunesystem mistakenly attacks the body’s cells, causing inflammation in the joints. The immune system contains a complex organization of cellsand antibodies designed normally to find and destroy invaders of the body,particularly infections. However, in rheumatoid arthritis, the antibodiesmistake the lining of the joints (the synovium) as the invader, and then attackit. The inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis can also occur intissues around the joints, such as the tendons, ligaments and muscles.Although it is not known what the actual cause of this autoimmune disorder is,there are certain indications that suggest that a genetic component might havea great part in it.

Symptoms

Patients with this condition mayhave long periods without any symptoms, and, when they do appear, they mightvary in severity. The most common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are: jointpain, joint swelling, tenderness, red and puffy hands, morning stiffness, etc.As the illness progresses, it may begin to affect the entire body, causing symptomssuch as fever, fatigue, weight loss, etc.

Treatment might include medications(such as immunosuppressants, steroids, etc.), therapy, and, in some cases,surgery.

Dietary Supplements

It has been seen that a change in the diet for a rheumatoidarthritis diet, can help reduce the pain and further prevent an onset of apainful attack. Some are ordinary substances, and others are herbs specializedfor dealing with arthritis. They include:

Fish oil. One of the riches sources of omega 3 fatty acids, fish oil helpsreduce the inflammation, pain and swelling. The fish that are the richest inthis substance are fresh water fish like salmon, tuna, herring, etc. Supplementsare available in capsules and oils. Thunder god vine. It reduces inflammation and helpswith the pain. However, if taken in high dosages, it can lead to some side-effects,such as diarrhea, hair loss, etc.Turmeric. It is used to reduce one’s inflammation and swelling.Green tea, ginseng, gingerand soy products are also beneficial when it comes to reducing theinflammation, swelling and pain.Gamma-linolenic acid, which is a rich source of omega 6 fatty acids, can help reduce the inflammation in the joints.