Natural Remedies for Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis

Are you looking for natural remedies to help with pain and inflammation from Rheumatoid arthritis? Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-lasting autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints. As a result, this causes inflammation, pain, and possibly joint damage. It affects about 1.5 million people in the United States. In order to manage Rheumatoid arthritis, doctors usually prescribe disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologics, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These medications help control inflammation, slow down the disease, and relieve pain.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Approach

Studies suggest that a significant portion of rheumatoid arthritis patients prefer incorporating natural approaches into their treatment plans. Estimates show that 30% to 60% of RA patients use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in addition to or instead of conventional treatments. We highlight key components of this approach including vitamins, supplements, diet, and other natural remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Vitamins and Supplement for Rheumatoid Arthritis

For individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, certain vitamins and supplements can play a vital role in managing symptoms, reducing inflammation, and supporting overall health. These nutrients may help improve joint function, enhance immune response, and alleviate some of the challenges associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Here are some commonly recommended vitamins and supplements for people with rheumatoid arthritis, along with references to support their effectiveness:

Vitamin D

• Why it’s important: Vitamin D helps support the immune system and may lower inflammation, which is crucial for managing rheumatoid arthritis.
• Recommended dosage: 2,000 to 5,000 IU/day (based on blood levels).
• References: Research shows that sufficient vitamin D can improve symptoms and support overall health in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.
• Recommended Supplement: Now Foods Mega D-3 & MK-7 5000 IU

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil)

• Why it’s important: Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and improve joint health, which is beneficial for those with rheumatoid arthritis.
• Recommended dosage: 1,000 to 3,000 mg/day.
• References: Studies indicate that omega-3 supplementation may lead to reduced joint pain and stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
• Recommended Supplement: Now Foods Omega-3 1000mg

Turmeric (Curcumin)

• Why it’s important: Curcumin, the active component in turmeric, has strong anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
• Recommended dosage: 500 to 1,000 mg/day of curcumin extract.
• References: Research suggests that curcumin can help decrease inflammation and improve joint function in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
• Recommended Supplement: Now Foods Turmeric Curcumin

Glucosamine and Chondroitin

• Why it’s important: These supplements may help support joint health and reduce pain and stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
• Recommended dosage: 1,500 mg of glucosamine and 1,200 mg of chondroitin per day.
• References: Studies show that glucosamine and chondroitin can help improve joint health and function in those with arthritis.
• Recommended Supplement: Now Foods Extra Strength Glucosamine & Chondroitin

Vitamin C

• Why it’s important: Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant that can help protect joints and may play a role in reducing inflammation.
• Recommended dosage: 500 to 1,000 mg/day.
• References: Research indicates that adequate vitamin C intake is associated with reduced symptoms and improved joint health in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
• Recommended Supplement: Deva Vegan Food Based Premium Vitamin C
  • C Vitamins are often synthetic even in some of our recommended quality brands. See our natural vs synthetic ingredients page for more information.

Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)

• Why it’s important: Folic acid is important for individuals taking certain rheumatoid arthritis medications, as it can help prevent deficiencies and support overall health.
• Recommended dosage: 400 to 800 mcg/day.
• References: Studies suggest that folic acid can help mitigate side effects of some arthritis medications and improve overall well-being.
• Recommended Supplement:Garden of Life Raw B Complex
  • B Vitamins are often synthetic even in some of our recommended quality brands. See our natural vs synthetic ingredients page for more information.

Magnesium

• Why it’s important: Magnesium supports muscle and nerve function and may help reduce inflammation, making it beneficial for those with rheumatoid arthritis.
• Recommended dosage: 310 to 320 mg/day for women and 400 to 420 mg/day for men.
• References: Research shows that adequate magnesium levels may be linked to lower inflammation and improved symptoms in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.
• Recommended Supplement: Now Foods Magnesium Citrate

Boswellia (Frankincense)

• Why it’s important: Boswellia has anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce pain and improve mobility in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.
• Recommended dosage: 300 to 500 mg of Boswellia extract taken two to three times daily.
• References: Studies indicate that Boswellia can be effective in reducing joint pain and enhancing function in those with arthritis.
• Recommended Supplement: Now Foods Boswellia Extract

Ginger

• Why it’s important: In the same way as turmeric, ginger has anti-inflammatory effects that can help alleviate pain and swelling in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.
• Recommended dosage: 1,000 to 2,000 mg of ginger root per day, or 2 to 4 grams of fresh ginger.
• References: Research suggests that ginger may help reduce pain and improve function in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.
• Recommended Supplement: Now Foods Ginger Root

Recommended Diets for Rheumatoid Arthritis

A healthy diet is a crucial natural remedy for Rheumatoid Arthritis. Here are five diets often recommended for rheumatoid arthritis:

1. Anti-Inflammatory Diet: This diet focuses on foods that are known for their anti-inflammatory benefits. For example, it includes omega-3-rich fish, leafy greens, berries, and spices like turmeric and ginger. At the same time, it avoids refined sugars, processed foods, and trans fats because these can increase inflammation in the body.
   • The Complete Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Beginners
2. Mediterranean Diet: Emphasizes anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, and fatty fish. It’s rich in omega-3s, which help reduce inflammation and joint pain.
   • The Mediterranean Diet for Beginners
3. Plant-Based Diet: Focuses on vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains. It is high in antioxidants and fiber, which can reduce inflammation. Limiting or avoiding animal products may also be beneficial for RA.
   • PlantYou: 140+ Ridiculously Easy, Amazingly Delicious Plant-Based Oil-Free Recipes
4. Paleo Diet: The Paleo diet focuses on whole, unprocessed foods. For instance, it includes meats, fish, vegetables, and fruits. Moreover, by emphasizing these natural foods, the diet eliminates processed foods, dairy, grains, and legumes, which some people believe can trigger inflammation. Ultimately, this approach aims to promote better health and well-being by returning to simpler, more natural eating habits.
   • The Complete Paleo Cookbook for Beginners
5. Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) Diet: This is a stricter version of the Paleo diet that aims to reduce inflammation by cutting out foods that can trigger autoimmune responses. Specifically, it eliminates grains, legumes, dairy, eggs, nuts, seeds, nightshades, and processed foods. Instead, this diet focuses on eating nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods to help improve overall health.
   • The Autoimmune Protocol Made Simple

Each of these diets focuses on reducing inflammation and supporting overall health. By doing this, they may help lessen the symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis.

Other Natural Remedies for Alleviating Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain

• Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying heat can relax stiff joints and muscles, while cold therapy helps reduce inflammation and numb pain.
• Exercise: Engaging in low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, and yoga can improve flexibility, reduce stiffness, and strengthen muscles around affected joints.
• Epsom Salt Baths: Soaking in warm water with Epsom salts can help relax muscles and reduce joint pain because of the magnesium it contains.
  • Dr Teal’s Pure Epsom Salt
• Acupuncture: In particular, this ancient practice involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to relieve pain and promote healing.
• Massage Therapy: Regular massage helps improve circulation, reduce muscle tension, and increase joint mobility, easing arthritis symptoms.
• Capsaicin Cream: When applied topically, this cream—made from chili peppers—blocks pain signals from the joints, providing temporary relief from arthritis pain.
  • Care All Arthritis, Muscle, and Joint Cream
• Red Light Therapy: Red Light Therapy has been studied for its anti-inflammatory benefits, which makes it a promising option for reducing pain and inflammation in people with arthritis. In addition to that, it can help improve joint health by speeding up tissue repair and decreasing stiffness. This can provide much-needed relief for those dealing with chronic arthritis symptoms.
• PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) Therapy: PEMF therapy uses electromagnetic fields to help repair cells and reduce inflammation. As a result, many people with arthritis notice less joint pain and less stiffness after using PEMF devices. Additionally, they often find that their movement improves, especially if they have long-term inflammation and degenerative joint problems.

This website may contain affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase through them. This information is for educational purposes only and shouldn’t replace professional medical advice. Always check with a healthcare provider before taking any supplements.

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