Rheumatoid Arthritis

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, meaning the body’s immune system attacks the synovium (a thin membrane that lines the joints).  It causes chronic inflammation resulting in pain, swelling and stiffness leading to mobility loss.  Generally Rheumatoid Arthritis affects both sides of the body equally.  ...Read more The wrists, fingers, knees, feet, ankles and elbows are most often affected.  Rheumatoid Arthritis can affect other organs as well.  The exact cause of Rheumatoid Arthritis is unknown; however researchers believe that genetics may predispose some to Rheumatoid Arthritis.  Environmental factors, smoking, bacteria and viruses may trigger Rheumatoid Arthritis.  Hormones may also play a part.  Other possible causes include bowel permeability (leaky gut), food allergies and microorganisms.

So what can help?

Dietary and Lifestyle Advice:
•    Avoid refined foods such as white breads, pastas and sugar.
•    Eat fewer red meats and more lean meats, cold-water fish, tofu (soy if no allergy) or legumes for protein.
•    Eat more whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds.
•    Check for food allergies.  Try the Food Detective Allergy Test Kit.
•    Some people also find relief from avoiding citrus fruits.
•    Use healthy cooking oils such as olive oil or coconut oil.
•    Reduce or eliminate trans-fatty acids found in commercially baked goods such as cookies, crackers, cakes, French fries, onion rings, donuts, processed foods and margarine.
•    Avoid caffeine and other stimulants for example alcohol and tobacco.
•    Drink 6-8 glasses of filtered water daily.  The Eva filter is effective in turning normal tap water into purified spring water.
•    Exercise 30 minutes per day, 5 days per week (consisting of aerobic, strengthening and flexibility exercises).  


•    Omega-3 fatty acids, as fatty acids may reduce inflammation.
•    Vitamin C, to protect joints from damage.  
•    Bromelain may help with inflammation and pain.  
•    Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) found in borage oil, evening primrose oil and black current seed oil.  
•    Boswellia, This herb has been used traditionally to treat arthritis in Ayurvedic medicine and may help with pain and swelling.  
•    Ginger works as an anti-inflammatory.
•    Green Tea.  Green tea is filled with antioxidants that may block inflammatory chemicals that are involved with Rheumatoid Arthritis.
•    Turmeric may help reduce pain and inflammation.  Combine with Bromelain as this can make the effect of bromelain stronger.  
•    Devil’s claw may reduce inflammation and improve mobility.  
•    Capsaicin (cayenne) cream applied to the skin topically can help temporarily reduce amounts of a chemical that contributes to inflammation and pain in arthritis. Pain reduction may start 3-7 days after applying the cream to the skin, wash hands with vinegar after use and avoid touching your eyes.