VERIFIED CONTENTAuthor: Klaudia Kierzkowska, graduate of chemistry at the University of Warsaw

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the more common autoimmune diseases with which 1% of them struggle. society. In RA, inflammation and degenerative changes in the joints develop. So what natural methods are worth using in this type of ailments?

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are not specific, and therefore patients often mistake them for other ailments. Initially, there is a low-grade fever or fever, joint and muscle pain, weakness and fatigue. Over time, patients complain of swelling and severe pain in the joints, which significantly impede everyday functioning.

Check out how to fight rheumatoid arthritis in natural ways.

Natural remedies for rheumatoid arthritis - diet

Although there is no specific diet to help fight the disease, people struggling with RA should provide the body with as much substances as possible necessary to build and regenerate joints. The diet should be based on:

  • foods rich in protein , which are the building blocks of muscles, cartilage and periarticular structures. Its valuable sources are: milk and dairy products, legumes, poultry, buckwheat, nuts, and cereal grains. Calcium deficiency contributes to the development of osteoporosis, the risk of which increases during treatment with RA.
  • vegetables and fruits , which are a source of antioxidants that support the immune system. Antioxidants delay the aging process of the joints and counteract the negative effects of free radicals. The most valuable are beets, carrots, cabbage, broccoli, blueberries, cherries, strawberries, currants, and cranberries.
  • products that are a source of dietary fiber , which has an anti-inflammatory effect - reduces the concentration of the CRP parameter, which is a sign of inflammation. It can be found in whole grain bread, brown rice, oatmeal and groats.
  • unsaturated omega-3 acids , which increase mobility in joints and have anti-inflammatory properties. They are rich in fatty sea fish, e.g. mackerel, tuna, halibut, salmon, as well as seafood, olive oil (preferably withvirgin), walnuts. Fish should be eaten at least twice a week.
  • foods rich in vitamin D , which is essential for the proper absorption of calcium. Vitamin D is associated with the course and severity of rheumatoid arthritis. We can find it in a few food products, e.g. fatty fish, therefore it is recommended to supplement it.
  • iron-rich foodsfound in red meat, green vegetables and legume seeds. The absorption of iron increases in the presence of vitamin C, e.g. from vegetables and fruits.

Diet of people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis should not contain products that promote the development of inflammation and those that hinder the absorption of valuable ingredients. From the daily menu should be eliminated:

  • processed products- fast food, crisps and s alty snacks that are sources of trans fatty acids that increase inflammation in the body;
  • products full of preservatives, flavors and artificial colors;
  • animal fats , which increase the risk of atherosclerosis;
  • nightshade vegetablese.g. tomatoes, peppers - they increase the severity of ailments accompanying the disease.

Read also: Diet for joints will help with inflammation and joint pain

Natural remedies for rheumatoid arthritis - herbs

The use of herbs in rheumatic diseases is auxiliary. Properly selected herbs support the basic treatment.

Comfreyis perfect for pain in the joints. Wraps prepared from it soothe the pain associated with the disease. Mix the grated piece of the root with a little water and heat it up. We put the prepared pulp on the joints, bandage it and leave it overnight. Additionally, you can prepareherbal ointmentfrom comfrey and rub it into the sore spot.

Another herb that supports the fight against disease issarsaparilla , mainly used as a herbal infusion. It can also be added to warm dishes, e.g. soups.

Natural remedies for rheumatoid arthritis - exercise

A medical consultation is necessary to start exercising. Improperly selected can do more harm than good. Therefore,the set of exercises should always be selected individuallyand adjusted to the patient's condition, stage of the disease and possible comorbidities. Most often, patients perform relaxation exercises,strengthening, general improvement and breathing.

Read also: Joints: what to do to keep them in good condition

Natural remedies for rheumatoid arthritis - physiotherapy

Physiotherapy, in the context of rheumatoid arthritis, aims to improve the patient's quality of life:

  • pain relief,
  • controlling inflammation,
  • to stop joint deformities,
  • improving the manipulation of weakened joints with hands,
  • improved mobility,
  • increasing the range of joint mobility.

Treatment should include physical therapy, kinesiotherapy and massage.

  • Physical therapyincreases painless mobility in the joints. Regular cold treatments not only reduce inflammation, but also help to relax tense muscles.
  • Kinesiotherapyis nothing else than influencing the body through movement. Exercises are strictly dependent on the stage of the disease - they can be performed on slings, in water, and in the subacute period of the disease, walking with support, e.g. on crutches on a balcony, is practiced.
  • Massageshould not cause pain and should not strengthen inflammation. The most common is a slow and gentle relaxing massage.

Natural remedies for rheumatoid arthritis - biological drugs

One of the most modern methods of treating RA isbiological drugs . They are produced by genetic engineering, so they can mimic the functions of human proteins and influence cell receptors. Biological drugs reduce the factors causing inflammation in the body. In the early stages of the disease,prevents joint damage and significantly reduces pain . They improve the patient's quality of life and prolong periods of remission.

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Anatomy