Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment
A comprehensive treatment program customized to your particular needs is recommended.
Conventional Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Conventional treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is centered on drug therapy.
- Often, drugs from different classes will be used in combination.
- All of these drugs have potentially toxic side effects.
- Classes of drugs used in the treatment of rheumatoid
arthritis are:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs, considered the first line of treatment for RA, relieve pain by reducing inflammation. Examples: aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and ketoprofen. COX-2 Inhibitors are a similar class of drugs which have a decreased incidence of causing gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers.
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are a second line treatment for RA. They do not have any common properties other than their ability to slow down the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. Many were used for other diseases and were found accidentally to help RA. Such drugs are more effective than NSAIDs but also have more side effects. This class of drugs tends to lose effectiveness over time. Examples: Methotrexate, Hydroxychloroquine, Sulfasalazine, Gold, D-penicillamine, Cyclosporine, and Leflunomide.
- Corticosteroids, or steroids, are powerful anti-inflammatory agents.
- Biologic response modifiers are newer agents that block specific immune factors leading to RA. The FDA has recently approved two new agents, infliximab and etanercept. As with other agents, infliximab and etanercept do not cure the disease and are effective only during treatment. At this time these agents are also very expensive, approximately $10,000 to $12,000 per year per patient. Many insurers do not cover them. In addition, there are concerns and some evidence that suppressing TNF can create long-term problems, including infections and nerve injury.
- Immunosuppressants rheumatoid arthritis are used as third-line drugs for disease that recurs or does not respond to second-line agents. They inhibit the immune system and have potentially very serious side effects. Examples: Azathioprine (Imuran), Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), Chlorambucil (Leukeran). All are potentially very toxic and should not be used unless other drugs are ineffective.
Natural or Alternative Treatment for Rhematoid Arthritis
Treatment Strategy for Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Identify and address underlying causes of RA.
- Improve digestion and absorption of food nutrients.
- Identify and address gut permeability and gut flora imbalances.
- Reduce inflammation and pain.
- Modulate immune system hyperreactivity.
- Promote joint regeneration.
Lifestyle for Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Decrease the body’s toxic load by decreasing exposure to allergens, chemicals, and food sensitivities.
- Gentle range of motion exercises are helpful. Weight bearing exercise should be done as tolerated. Swimming is excellent.
- Stress reduction.
- Get adequate sleep.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Diet
- Identify and eliminate food allergies. The most common food allergies found in one study of people with RA were: wheat, corn, milk and other dairy products, beef, nightshade family foods (tomato, potato, eggplant, peppers, and tobacco), and food additives.
- Avoid inflammatory foods such as saturated fats (meat, dairy) and all hydrogenated, partially hydrogenated or trans fatty acids.
- Avoid or limit foods high in sugar and simple or refined carbohydrates.
- Consume a diet rich in whole vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
- Increase consumption of sulfur-containing foods such as legumes, garlic, onions, brussels sprouts, and cabbage.
- Avoid caffeine.
Nutritional Supplements for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Below is a comprehensive list of supplements that have been studied in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. No person should take all of these supplements. It is essential to consult a physician trained in nutritional and botanical medicine to determine which supplements are most indicated and will be most effective for you, given your individual presentation. They must also ascertain safe and effective doses for their use.
- Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are fatty acids, also known as Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, which are essential to life, but which cannot be produced in the body and must be taken in through diet.
- Omega 3 EFAs are documented to be low in patients with RA. Multiple studies show that oral intake of high doses of Omega 3 EFAs from fish oil are effective in the treatment of RA, especially when taken in conjunction with an anti-inflammatory diet.
- Gamma linolenic acid, a source of Omega 6 fatty acids. Some, but not all studies, show them to be effective in the treatment of RA.
- Vitamin E. Antioxidant effects. Protects EFAs from oxidation.
- MSM. Reduces pain in RA.
- Copper. Reduces pain in RA.
- Manganese.
- Pantothenic acid. Studies show significant declines in morning stiffness duration, degree of disability, and severity of pain.
- Vitamin C, Selenium, and Zinc are all low in patients with
RA.
- All are important in immune and antioxidant functions.
- Trial of digestive factors including hydrochloric acid and pancreatic enzymes.
- Mixed flavonoids are beneficial due to their neutralization of inflammation and support of collagen structures.
- N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC). An anti-oxidant and liver supportive nutrient which also aids in the detoxification of heavy metals.
- Niacinamide
- DHEA
- Green-lipped mussel helped 68% of participants in one study.
- Probiotics. Promote healthful gut ecology and keep undesirable bacteria in check. Reduce toxic chemicals produced in an environment with unbalanced gut flora.
- L-glutamine. This amino acid serves as a primary fuel for intestinal cells and enhances the function of the intestinal barrier. Helps promote an optimal immune response. Protects against GI side-effects of NSAIDs.
Botanical (Herbal) Medicine for Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Boswellia. Significantly reduced the joint destruction in RA.
- Uncaria (Cat’s Claw). Antioxidant and antiinflammatory effects.
- Curcuma longa (Turmeric). Antioxidant and antiinflammatory effects.
- Bromelain. Reduces inflammation in.
- Zingiber (Ginger). Antioxidant, antiinflammatory effects. Benefits include pain relief, improved joint mobility, and a decrease in swelling and morning stiffness. Benefit appears to be dose dependent.
- Bupleurum falcatum. Anti-inflammatory.
- Deglycyrrhinized Licorice (DGL). Enhances the integrity of the gastric lining, enhances mucous production and secretion. Protects against GI side-effects of NSAIDs.
- Aloe Vera. Promotes healing of the intestinal lining and helps to modulate the immune system and decreases inflammation.
Homeopathy for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Homeopathic remedies can be very effective in the treatment of RA. Contact a qualified homeopathic physician to assist you in selection of the proper remedy.
Supplement Quality Is Important
Nutritional and botanical supplements used in these treatments are intended to have a physiological effect and clinical benefit, i.e., they are effective and your health improves.
The quality of nutritional supplements in the general marketplace is suspect. In order to get the maximum benefit to your health, be sure you purchase the highest quality nutritional supplements.
What Should You Do Next?
The doctors at The Connecticut Center for Health are very experienced in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. If you have (or suspect you have) symptoms and want to learn more about natural treatments for this condition, we recommend that you contact one of our clinics for a free consultation about rheumatoid arthritis or an appointment.
