Supplements and Herbs for RA:
The Basics
The first thing I have to tell you is I am not a Doctor. The info I share comes from mine and my friend’s personal experience and research.
Second, know that herbs and supplements haven’t been studied in the same way that prescription medicines for RA have. This is changing as the National Institutes of Health now has a well established center dedicated to studying complementary and alternative medicine.
There are some herbs and supplements that reduce inflammation which causes much of the pain, swelling and heat associated with RA. Always talk to your doctor first. Some herbs and supplements may interfere with other medicines you are taking. Remember, too, that since they are not regulated in the same way that drugs are, you cannot always be sure what you are buying.
Only Choose Pharmaceutical Grade Supplements. ONLY!! Don’t waste your money oryour health on off-the-shelf products.
Supplements and Herbs for RA:
The Best
Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatories found in products like fish oil, says David Leopold, MD, director of integrative medical education at the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine. Fish oil comes from coldwater fish such as salmon and tuna. Studies of fish oil in chronic inflammatory diseases show benefits such as decreased pain and morning joint stiffness and lowered use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Caution… many store bought products are rancid from improper storage and manufacturing. Know what you are buying. Check for supplements that contain mercury-free fish oils.
Borage oil: Borage oil reduces swollen and tender joints, says Robert Zurier, MD, professor of medicine in the division of rheumatology at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. With it, patients may need less prednisone, a steroid, for relief of symptoms, he says. Borage oil may cause bloating or an upset stomach. Borage oil products may hurt the liver and may also increase risk for bleeding, especially in those who are also using NSAIDs or anti-clotting medications.
Green tea extract (EGCG), curcumin (turmeric), quercetin, ginger,white willow bark, ( White willow bark can cause a serious allergic reaction to patients with a history of allergy to salicylates aka aspirin allergy). boswellia: These are potential anti-inflammatory agents. “They act very similarly to ibuprofen, but at a lesser level,” says Leopold. Curcumin, boswellia, and ginger have been used in Ayurvedic medicine for inflammatory conditions, according to the NCCAM, which is supporting research with these botanicals in the treatment of arthritis and asthma.
Avocado-soy unsaponifiables: This vegetable extract made from avocado and soybean oils “seems to help the body regenerate normal connective tissue, Even just eating avocado and soy should give people a mild effect.
SAM-e may act as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic It also has a sedative effect so it is best taken before bed.
Cat’s claw, from the bark of an Amazon vine, may reduce joint swelling and pain lower blood pressure .
Probiotics: Many doctors say probiotics are promising. Leopold, for example, says they may help with leaky gut syndrome. The idea is that proteins from foods like meat can travel across the gastrointestinal system barrier and cause immune reactions. “There’s a large group of professionals that think leaky gut is linked to rheumatoid arthritis,” he says. Although extracts are stronger they are also more expensive Why not eat Indian food, which contains the spice turmeric?
Supplements and Herbs for RA:
The Worst
Arnica: Can cause burns and, when ingested, may be poisonous.
Kombucha tea: A fungal mushroom fermented product with a high risk of contamination. * I LOVE this tea and have never ever had any problems.
Colloidal silver: This actually contains silver which can turn the whole body blue permanently. It can also cause kidney problems, fatigue, stomach upset, and neurological problems.
Thunder god vine: This may cause stomach upset, skin reactions, temporary infertility in men, and a stop to periods in women. Extended use may lead to decreased bone density. Some parts of the plant are poisonous and could cause death.
Supplements and Herbs for RA: The bottom line?
Live a Healthy Lifestyle and S.H.I.N.E
