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As greater scientific evidence comes out regarding the adverse side effects of prescription drugs for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, natural remedies for rheumatoid arthritis is what you should look out for. Find out the expert facts in this article.
Natural remedies for rheumatoid arthritis can offer long-term relief from its painful symptoms. Let us look at some of the most common natural remedies and ingredients, and whether they are useful in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis --
1) Devil's claw -- it has natural anti-inflammatory properties. It is especially used in the treatment of osteoarthritis pain that affects the knee and hip area, and in chronic low back pain.
However, devil's claw might not be the best alternative for rheumatoid arthritis patients. It interferes with prescription drugs such as warfarin and Ticlipidine and aggravates the conditions of acid reflux and peptic ulcers by increasing the production of stomach acids.
2) Feverfew -- it has been used as a part of natural remedies for rheumatoid arthritis since ages. However, it has not been found to be very effective and also suffers from side effects such as mouth ulcers and stomach upset.
3) Li gong Teng and cat's claw -- they have been found to be effective as natural remedies for rheumatoid arthritis. However, they also have the following side effects.
Li gong Teng has shown male contraceptive properties. Even at low doses, it can lower the sperm count and lead to temporary infertility. It also suppresses the immune system function and increases the risk of infection and other health ailments.
Cat's claw might cause kidney inflammation as a part of allergic reaction. It also affects the heart functions.
Safe natural remedies for rheumatoid arthritis
Omega-3 fatty acids that are found in fish oil and fatty fish are one of the best natural alternatives for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and such related inflammatory diseases.
The average Western diet consists of large amounts of Omega 6 fatty acids and is highly deficient in Omega 3 fatty acids. While Omega 6 fats cause inflammation and worsen the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, Omega 3s help to reduce inflammation and provide effective relief from rheumatoid arthritis and various other health problems that are caused due to inflammation.
Omega-3's are natural anti-inflammatory. It has been found that when dietary supplementation consisting of Omega 3s was given to rheumatoid arthritis patients, a significant improvement in morning stiffness, aches and pain, and painful joints were seen in a period of 3 to 4 months.
Besides their extraordinary beneficial results in rheumatoid arthritis and inflammation control, Omega 3s -- especially DHA and EPA that are found in fish oil supplements, also help in improving concentration levels, sharpening memory, alleviate the mood and keep depression away.
Purified Fish oil supplements that have been molecularly distilled are one of the best means of omega-3 supplementation that are free of the risk of any side effects. The process of molecular distillation ensures that harmful contaminants and toxins such as mercury, lead, PCBs, etc. have been removed from the oil and the resultant pure fish oil is then encapsulated into supplements.
As a part of natural remedies for rheumatoid arthritis, Green lipped mussel found in New Zealand is also an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. It is used in combination with fish oil supplements and provides effective long-term freedom from the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, reduces pain and joint stiffness.
Vijay K Raisinghani is a Natural Healthcare Expert and a passionate advocate of Omega 3 Fish oils for a healthy mind and body. His website http://www.your-omega3-fish-oil-guide.com provides a wealth of information on what works and what doesn't work in Omega 3 fish oils to achieve a young, vibrant and robust health.
