Home Remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is the chronic inflammatory disease that normally affects the covering of small joints like fingers & toes. Over time, it can also affect the knees, elbows, ankles, hips & shoulders. Ultimately, this can start to bone erosion & joint damage. Read about Home Remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2007, about 1.5 million Americans suffered from the disease.

It is more common in women than in men. It is usually diagnosed in people over 40 years of age, but young adults and even children can have it.

Other risk factors include family history, environmental factors such as smoking, exposure to silica mineralization and chronic periodontal disease.

Also known as RA, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the membranes surrounding the joints (synovium). We do not know what starts this process.

AR Symptoms come and go. When the body tissues have infected, the disorder is active & leads to symptoms, comprising muscle and joint pain, morning stiffness, swelling, and tiredness. When tissue inflammation diminishes, the disorder is inactive & the signs disappear.

There is no known cure for RA. However, medications, as well as many home remedies, can relieve symptoms and relieve.

Best 6 home remedies for rheumatoid arthritis

1. Exercise

Daily exercise is one of the first steps everyone must take to combat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Exercise will aid decrease fatigue, strengthen muscles & improve the range of motion.

In addition, it will reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis and help fight depression, which can be harmful to all people with RA.

Three types of exercises are very useful:

• The range exercises should be performed for at least 30 minutes per day.
• Reinforcement exercises should be performed 2 or 3 times per week.
• Endurance exercises (cardio or aerobic) should be performed for at least 30 minutes, 3 or 4 times per week.
• If necessary, consult an expert to learn how to begin an exercise program and what types of exercises to do and avoid.

2. Hot & Cold Compresses

Alternating hot & cold compresses can further improve treat the signs of rheumatoid arthritis. While the warm compress will decrease pain by relaxing sore muscles & joints, the cold compress would soothe the pain and decrease swelling & inflammation of the joints.

• Wrap a bag of hot water in a towel for the warm compress.
• Wrap ice cubes in a thin towel for the cold compress.
• Place the hot compress on the affected area for about 3 minutes.
• Remove it and immediately put the cold compress in place for about 1 minute.
• Repeat the process for 15 to 20 minutes a few times a day until you get relief.
• You can also use them separately.

Note: Avoid warm compresses if the affected area is red, hot and irritated. Do not use cold therapy if you have circulatory problems.

3. Fish Oil

Several studies show that fish oil also helps reduce joint pain and stiffness due to RA. Fish oil has omega-3 fatty acids – EPA and DHA – which have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body and can help reduce pain. In addition, fish oil contributes to protection against heart disease, and people with RA present a higher risk of development.

• Take up to the 2.6 grams of the fish oil (with at least 30% EPA / DHA) twice daily.
• Plus add cold water fish, such as tuna & salmon, in the diet.

Note: Consult your doctor before taking fish oil supplements as they may interfere with certain medications.

4. Turmeric

To help fight the symptoms of PR, you can use turmeric. A study conducted in 2012 shows that curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, contains potent anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties that work better than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Turmeric can prevent inflammation of joints by blocking certain enzymes and cytokines that cause inflammation.

• Bring 1 quart of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder and boil for another 10 minutes. Let cool and drink once or twice a day.
• Alternatively, you can take 500 to 1000 mg of turmeric capsules 3 times a day. Consult your doctor first.
• Also, add turmeric powder in your daily kitchen for additional benefits.

Note: Avoid high doses of turmeric as it can act as a blood thinner and cause stomach upset.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is further very powerful in relieving various symptoms of RA. Being abundant in minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, & phosphorus, it helps decrease pain & inflammation.

• Add 1 tablespoon unfiltered raw apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon of honey to 1/2 cup of hot water. Drink it once a day.
• You can also apply cider vinegar to the affected area. Next, massage the castor oil warm on the affected area. Finally, wrap the area with a cotton cloth and cover it with plastic. Do it every day before going to bed.

6. Garlic

Because of its strong anti-inflammatory properties, garlic is also recommended for the treatment of RA. Garlic hinders the production of pro-inflammatory substances called as cytokines, that benefits decrease pain & swelling.

• In addition, it inhibits the formation of free radicals that can cause joint damage and promotes a healthy immune system. For patients with rheumatoid arthritis, raw garlic is recommended and fresh.
• Eat one to two cloves of raw garlic per day.

You can also take capsules of garlic. For proper dosage, consult your doctor.