Are You Living With Rheumatoid Arthritis? Find Out Treatments And Remedies

Posted on March 20, 2008 - Filed Under Health and Fitness

Living with rheumatoid arthritis isn’t a picnic to anyone who has to endure the aches and pains. Of course, the severity of the pain will depend on how far the condition has progressed. It’s important, therefore, to take what action you can, as early as you can after you have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.

Although there is no cure, there are various treatments and remedies available.

Speak with a medical professional about your options. We personally have our own biases because we shun prescription drugs and the like due to the severity of their potential side effects, but they will also be discussed in this article for educational purposes.

On some level, each of the following treatments and remedies will counter inflammation, which is at the root of rheumatoid arthritis.

Treatment Methods If You Are Living With Rheumatoid Arthritis

1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen and aspirin). They can effectively counter inflammation; however, they are potentially dangerous when taken long term. They can create gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers and other stomach problems.

2. Prescription COX-2 inhibitors. These are FDA approved, but then they turned out to be deadly. Vioxx, for example, has pulled off the market after it was believed tens of thousands of people died using it because they increase the chance of heart attacks and stroke. Thousands of lawsuits are still pending. Although they are still available, we personally would not take them. However, they are obviously effective. They work by inhibiting an enzyme (known as COX-2; hence, their name) that promotes inflammation.

3. Corticosteroids. These are also effective, but have a potentially wide range of serious side effects. They tend to be only prescribed for short periods. Also, the smallest dose possible to gain relief is often advocated since they are dangerous at high doses. Some possible side effects may include: bruising, weight gain, eye issues such as cataracts, diabetes, high blood pressure, thinning of the bones, which can lead to osteoporosis.

Now, although the treatments above may be effective they don’t sound too appealing to those living with rheumatoid arthritis and looking for long term help. We are telling you not to use any of the treatment methods above. That is a decision for you to make, and one for you to discuss with your doctor. However, our personal choice is natural remedies.

4. Natural Remedies, particularly omega 3 fatty acids, are potent natural anti-inflammatories. You have undoubtedly heard about the health benefits of omega 3 fatty acids, such as their ability to improve cardiovascular and brain health. Therefore, unlike the drugs and treatments above, omega 3 fatty acids will actually benefit your health while potentially helping people living with rheumatoid arthritis.

Unfortunately, most people in the Western world are deficient in this essential nutrient.

However, it should be noted that just because omega 3 fatty acids are beneficial doesn’t mean they have no potential side effects. Specifically, because they are blood thinners, you should talk to your doctor before taking them if you are already on other blood thinners.

The question, however, is: are they effective for people living with rheumatoid arthritis and trying to cope with joint pains?

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center’s website:

“Most clinical studies investigating the use of omega-3 fatty acid supplements for inflammatory joint conditions have focused almost entirely on rheumatoid arthritis. Several articles reviewing the research in this area conclude that omega-3 fatty acid supplements reduce tenderness in joints, decrease morning stiffness, and allow for a reduction in the amount of medication needed for people with rheumatoid arthritis.”

Now, this does not mean the evidence is conclusive or that it will work for everyone.

But then again, nothing works for everyone.

The point here is if you would rather take a drug with known potentially serious health risks or an essential nutrient such as omega 3 fatty acids that are needed by the body anyway.

What is the best source of omega 3 fatty acids? The answer: purified fish oil found in fish oil supplements.

However, the University of Maryland Medical’s website also mentions another interesting source of omega 3 fatty acids that most people have never heard of in the United States called New Zealand green lipped mussel.

They state:

“On their website, they state:

“….New Zealand green lipped mussel ( Perna canaliculus ), another potential source of omega-3 fatty acids, has been shown to reduce joint stiffness and pain…”

In summary, if you are living with rheumatoid arthritis, there are natural alternatives out there for your consideration.

Dan Ho is editor of http://www.omega-3-fish-oil-guide.com/Fish_oil_arthritis.html Visit us now for tips on how to choose a quality fish oil and New Zealand green lipped mussel supplement rich in omega 3 fatty acids.

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