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immune system
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Integrative Therapies
Home Care
In rheumatoid arthritis, the joints become swollen and painful. This often begins in the smaller joints of the hands and spreads to other joints in the body, especially those in the feet, wrists, ankles, and knees.
Although rheumatoid arthritis may show up at any time in a person's life, it usually first appears during the ages between 25 and 50. Symptoms may include fatigue, a constant low-grade fever, anemia, weight loss, and stiffness. The joints that are affected by the disease will be swollen, tender, and abnormally warm. These symptoms may completely disappear at one time only to recur at another.
Rheumatoid arthritis is considered to be an autoimmune disorder in which the body develops an allergic reaction to the chemicals of the joint tissues. The body's response causes the destruction of cartilage, muscles, and bony surfaces. Then when the body repairs the damage, scar tissue fills up the space between the ends of the bones. In rheumatoid arthritis that has continued for a while, the scar tissue may overtake the joint space and fuse the ends of the bones together. This will severly limit movement.
The onset of rheumatoid arthritis is often associated with physical or emotional stress. There are probably many other factors that play some part in the onset of the disease, such as arthritis in the family, nutritional deficiencies, and infections.
Because of the nature of this disease, a permanent cure always will require lifestyle changes, including improvement in the quality of the diet, regular daily bowel movements, and exercises. Daily bowel movements are essential for the elimination of waste products that worsen the inflamed joints. If you suffer from constipation, refer to the article on that topic.
THE FOLLOWING SUPPLEMENTS ARE USED FOR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS AND CAN BE TAKEN UNTIL SYMPTOMS IMPROVE:
1. Selenium 200 milligrams per day.
2. Vitamin E 400 Units per day.
3. Zinc 45 milligrams per day, 4 weeks on and 1 week off.
4. Manganese 15 milligrams per day.
5. Vitamin C 1,000 milligrams, 3 times per day.
6. Betaine Hydrochloride 1/8 teaspoon or 1 capsule with meals. Do not take it if you suffer from hurtburn.
7. Bromelain or Pancreatin 350 milligrams between meals, 3 times per day.
8. Copper 1 milligram per day.
9. Niacinamide 500 milligrams, 4 times per day; use only under medical supervision since it has toxic side effects, including liver damage.
10. Cod Liver Oil 1 tablespoon or 2 capsules daily.
11. Glucosamine Sulphate- 500 milligrams, three times a day. May help prevent cartilage damage.
THE PROPER DIET FOR RHEUMATHOID ARTHRITIS WILL INCLUDE:
1. An overall healthy diet Use fresh foods as close to the natural state as possible, avoiding prepackaged and processed foods. Eat daily servings of leafy green vegetables, moderate amounts of whole grains (such as brown rice and rolled oats), fresh fruit, and proteins with a minimum of animal fat. Avoid sugars (such as pastries and candy) and refined carbohydrates (such as white bread and white rice). Drink at least 8 cups of fluids daily. For more information, refer to the article on healthy diet.
2. Eliminate foods that cause allergies, sometimes implicated in arthritis. Common foods that aggravate arthritis are citrus, milk products, wheat, meat, alcohol, and foods from the nightshade family (which are tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, peppers, and tobacco).
After eliminating all of those foods from the diet, and the symptoms have gone away, one food at a time can be reintroduced to see if the symptoms reoccur. A new food can be intro-duced each week. If you need more information, you may want to refer to the article on Food sensitivities.
3. Increase the consumption of cold-water fish such as mackerel, herring, sardines, and salmon to at least twice a week.
4. Eat a half a pound or more per day of cherries, blueberries, and other dark red or blue berries. This can aid in the repair and upkeep of bone cartilage.
5. Avoid caffeine found in coffee, tea, chocolate, and sodas.
6. Therapeutic fasting may prove beneficial but should be done under the supervision of a healthcare practitioner.
NOW, ABOUT THE HERBS USED FOR ARTHRITIS:
1. Devil's claw is used to relieve joint pains. Add a cup of boiling water to 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of the powdered root. Let the tea steep covered for 10 minutes. Drink 2 cups daily. If you prefer a tincture, which is a liquid alcohol extract of the herb, take 1 teaspoon 3 times a day.
2. Feverfew acts in a fashion similar to aspirin. Add 1 cup boiling water to 1/4 teaspoon of the herb. Drink a cup of this tea 2 to 3 times per day as needed, or take 1 capsule 3 times a day.
3. If there has been previous or continuing use of cortisone drugs, Ginseng root can be taken to combat the negative effect on the adrenal glands. Take one standard dose according to the product label twice daily. A daily dose of vitamin C heightens the effects of Ginseng. However, Ginseng and Vitamin C should be taken at separate times of the day. Avoid taking commercial Ginseng teas, which are less effective. Ginseng is taken on an empty stomach.
PHYSICAL THERAPY MEASURES FOR ARTHRITIS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
1. Massage can relieve pain and also help to restore circulation of blood and other vital fluids to the joints. Massage should not be used for at least 48 to 72 hours after the initial onset of symptoms and the intense pain and stiffness has somewhat subsided.
2. Passive range-of-motion exercises with the help of a friend. Totally relax while the other person moves the muscles around your joints with no effort on your part.
3. Swimming increases blood flow to the joints and strengthens surrounding muscles. Swim at least 3 times a week.
4. Active exercises should be done daily after the initial flare-up has diminished. Brisk walking, aerobics, swimming, tennis, and raquet-ball are all excellent forms of exercise. Care should be taken to avoid fatigue.
5. Use hot and cold compresses applied alternately. Soak a clean washcloth or small cotton towel in water. Wring the water out and place directly on the affected joint. Keep the hot compress on the area for 3 minutes, followed by a cold compress for 30 seconds. Repeat this procedure 3 times as needed.
6. Acupuncture has proven very effective in the treatment of arthritis. You may want to look for a licensed acupuncturist in your area.
HOMEOPATHY:
From the following homeopathic remedies choose the one that best matches your symptoms. Dissolve 3 pellets under the tongue. Take 2 to 3 times a day between meals.
Rhus tox 12c: If there is stiffness in the morning that feels better after limbering up or moving around.
Bryonia 12c: If all movements aggravate the pain.
Note: A wide range of homeopathic medicines can be helpful for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. Consultation with a health care professional trained in homeopathic prescribing will usually be the best way to select the correct medicine.
Clinic
Footnotes
BarShalom R, Soileau J. (eds.) Natural Health Hotline. Beaverton, OR: Integrative Medical Arts, 1991-1999.