Top 11 Supplements For Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an immunological condition in which the body “attacks” the joints causing pain, swelling and progressive deformation of them.
Vitamins and supplements relieve the symptoms of the disease in some people, in others, it improves overall health. In a third group, they could help control the side effects of medications.
Let’s know in this article the best 11 rheumatoid arthritis supplements, which can help you in any of these three ways.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an immunological condition where the body, for various reasons, “attacks” your own joints. This will lead to pain, swelling and progressive deformation thereof.
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Table of Contents
1. Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency is involved in the development of autoimmune diseases and when its levels are low, it contributes to chronic pain is more acute.
Vitamin D is important in calcium absorption for building stronger bones, but the body does not produce it. It must be absorbed from the sun’s rays. If you cannot obtain it in this natural way, pharmacological vitamin D supplements may be useful.
2. Folic acid
Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate or vitamin B9. It is commonly ingested by people taking Methotrexate as a treatment for RA, as it was shown to be effective in controlling the side effects of the drug.
Folic acid helps prevent gastrointestinal problems and mouth ulcers. It can also protect the liver and allow you to tolerate a higher dose of Methotrexate, which may be more effective for RA.
3. Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is used to treat pernicious anemia, memory loss, allergies, among other medical conditions.
Many people find it useful for increasing energy and since most patients with RA have fatigue problems, vitamin B12 injections are useful.
4. Iron
Anemia is a consequence of insufficient hemoglobin or red blood cells. Up to two-thirds of people with RA suffer from anemia, especially those with active inflammation.
The cause of this blood condition in people with RA may be the deficiency of iron, folic acid, vitamin B12 or inflammation that decreases the production of red blood cells.
Anemia is diagnosed by blood tests (hematology). Treatment may include medications for RA and supplements of iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12.
5. Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms with beneficial effects. It is estimated that 100 trillion of these live in the intestine of a healthy person.
Gastrointestinal problems are common side effects in most RA medications. Probiotics can help control them.
Taking them helps regulate constipation and diarrhea, also reduce the symptoms of reflux and acidity.
Yogurt, raw cheese and olives are foods with probiotics.
6. Fish oil
Fish oil has Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, which reduce the inflammatory response in the body.
Studies undertaken on the effect of EPA and DHA on RA, as well as other conditions that involve inflammation, have shown that fish oil reduces joint sensitivity and stiffness in people with rheumatoid arthritis. It can also help decrease the use of anti-inflammatories.
7. Turmeric
Turmeric has curcumin, a chemical that can reduce inflammation of the joints. It is a species used in Ayurvedic medicine as an anti-inflammatory.
Although turmeric has been studied more extensively for osteoarthritis, a small 2012 study showed that it could also be effective for RA and reduce symptoms of reflux and acidity.
8. Ginger
Ginger has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects similar to medications to reduce inflammation. One study concluded that taking an extract reduces inflammation in people with RA.
Ginger is also used against the gastrointestinal side effects of RA medications and is particularly useful as a treatment for nausea.
9. Cat’s claw
One study concluded that taking cat’s claw significantly impacts inflammation and joint pain. It also affects the tumor necrosis factor, the objective of several biological drugs.
Choose a brand of cat’s claw without alkaloids.
10. Echinacea and other immune system boosters
Although many people use echinacea at the beginning of a cold or flu, people with RA and other autoimmune diseases should not do so.
Echinacea and other immune system boosters, such as the golden seal (or ranunculus), can cause an outbreak in the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
11. Glucosamine and Chondroitin
Glucosamine and chondroitin are important components of cartilage and connective tissue, which can be effective in osteoarthritis.
One study found that glucosamine can have an important impact on pain reduction and although no specific studies on RA and chondroitin have been undertaken if you take them and feel they help you, keep doing it.
Safe use of supplements
Supplements and other forms of natural medicine are also medication, so they can also have side effects and interactions with other drugs.
Consult your doctor before starting to take any supplement recommended by a family member, neighbor or someone who also suffers from the disease.
You may want to ask a naturopath who can advise you on the best supplements, as well as inform you about those that can cause problems.
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