Rheumatoid arthritis affects 1.3 million Americans, reports the American Arthritis Foundation. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the lining of the joints. Long-term damage and loss of function of the affected joints can occur with rheumatoid arthritis. There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis; however, there are treatment options for the symptoms. Always consult with a doctor before taking any supplements.
Pomegranate Extract
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a study conducted by Case Western Reserve University and Aligarh Muslim University injected mice with pomegranate extract, also known as POMx, or water through a stomach tube before they were injected with a collagen injection to induce arthritis. The study found that the mice that were injected with POMx had less inflammation in the joints with arthritis and less damage to the bone and cartilage. This study has also been conducted with human cells in a culture and found positive results. However, more clinical trials are needed before the use of pomegranates can be safely recommend for rheumatoid arthritis. Always consult with a doctor before taking any supplement.
Fish
Cold-water fish such as salmon, herring, mackerel and tuna contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids that can help reduce inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis patients. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, observation found that people who consumed a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids were less likely to have inflammatory diseases. Fish oil supplements can also be used to relieve joint stiffness and pain, and may reduce the use of over-the-counter pain medications. Always consult with your doctor before taking any supplements as they may react with medications you are currently taking.
Flaxseed
Flaxseed comes from the flax plant and contains a significant amount of omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids and lignans, which is similar to fiber. Flaxseed comes in a variety of forms including flour, oils, supplements and as whole seeds. One ounce of flaxseed flour or 1 to 3 tbsp. of flaxseed oil can be taken daily. According to Arthritis Today, flaxseed helps lubricate the joints and provides relief from pain and stiffness for people with rheumatoid arthritis. Always consult with a doctor before taking any flaxseed because the fiber can impair the absorption of some medications.
source : livestrong.com
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