Other names for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Autoimmune joint disease
Chronic inflammatory arthritis
Systemic rheumatoid condition

Synopsis of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the lining of the joints (synovium), resulting in inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and eventual joint destruction if left untreated. Unlike osteoarthritis, which is caused by wear and tear, RA is systemic—it can affect other tissues including the lungs, heart, eyes, and blood vessels. RA often begins in smaller joints (fingers, wrists) and progresses symmetrically. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to slowing disease progression and preventing disability.

Types:

• Seropositive RA: Presence of rheumatoid factor (RF) or anti-CCP antibodies—typically more aggressive

• Seronegative RA: Lacks those antibodies but still meets clinical criteria for RA

• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis: Childhood-onset RA variant

• Systemic RA: Involves non-joint symptoms like fatigue, nodules, or organ inflammation

Common Causes:

• Genetic predisposition (HLA-DR4 gene variants)

• Environmental triggers (smoking, infections, gut dysbiosis)

• Female sex (RA is more common in women)

• Hormonal changes or imbalances

• Chronic stress or immune dysregulation

Severity Causes:

• High levels of inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR)

• Seropositivity for RF or anti-CCP

• Delayed treatment after symptom onset

• Coexisting autoimmune conditions or infections

• Persistent inflammation leading to joint deformity

When to See a Doctor:

• Stiffness in joints lasting more than 30 minutes in the morning

• Swollen, tender joints in hands, wrists, or feet

• Symmetrical joint pain

• Fatigue, low-grade fever, or weight loss

• Suspected autoimmune activity or family history of RA

Natural remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in fish oil, they reduce joint inflammation and stiffness by lowering inflammatory cytokines. Regular intake has shown benefit in RA symptoms.

Turmeric: Curcumin is a powerful anti-inflammatory that helps reduce joint pain and swelling when taken regularly with black pepper for enhanced absorption.

Magnesium: Relieves muscle tension and supports immune function. Low magnesium is associated with chronic inflammation and pain sensitivity.

Ginger: Acts as a natural COX-2 inhibitor, similar to NSAIDs, and helps reduce joint pain and inflammation without gastrointestinal side effects.

Probiotics: Help restore gut balance and modulate the immune system, which is often dysregulated in RA. Beneficial strains include Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.

Vitamin D: Deficiency is common in RA patients and contributes to inflammation and poor immune regulation. Supplementation can help reduce flare severity.

Slippery elm bark: Traditionally used to soothe mucosal tissue and reduce systemic inflammation. May be beneficial in RA-related gastrointestinal inflammation or leaky gut.

Regular gentle movement: Activities like yoga, tai chi, or swimming maintain joint flexibility, reduce stiffness, and improve circulation.

Ingredients

These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis

15,16-Dihydrotanshinone I
Abies spectabilis
Abrus
Actaea spicata
adrenal cortex
Akebia
Alfalfa
algal oil
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
alpha-lipoic acid
alpha-pinene
alpinia galangal
amber
amentoflavone
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
ampelopsin
andrographolide
anthocyanidins
anthocyanins
antler
apigenin
apocynin
Aralia
arctiin
arjunic acid
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
astragalin
baicalein
baicalin
barbasco
bee venom
Bergenia
Black Hellebore
Black willow
bogbean
borage oil
Boswellia
Boswellic Acid
bovine cartilage / glycosaminoglycan
C-phycocyanin
cannabidiol
carnosic acid
celery
Cetylated Fatty Acids
Chinese fleeceflower
Chinese pond turtle
chuchuhuasi
clematis
Clerodendrum phlomidis
cod liver oil
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
cortisol
curcumin
cyanidin
d-alpha tocopherol
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
diallyl disulfide (DADS)
Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid
docosahexaenoic Acid
dong quai root
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
eicosapentaenoic acid
Eicosatetraenoic acid
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
evening primrose oil
evening primrose oil
fat liver oil
fisetin
fish protein
flavanols
flavones
Flemingia philippinensis
frankincense
fructoborate
Fumaria parviflora
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
gamma tocopherol
genistein
Gentiana macrophylla
ginger
ginkgetin
green-lipped mussel
guelder rose
Gypenoside
Harpagoside
Hellebore
horse gram
hydroxytyrosol
Hyperoside
Jatropha macrantha
Kaempferol
krill oil
luteolin
madder
mangiferin
Marine fat
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
Myricetin
Myristoleate
Nobiletin
omega-3 fatty acids
Osthole
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)
Phaeophyceae
phospholipids
Piper chaba
Polydatin
polyunsaturated fat
proteoglycans
Puerarin
Qin Jiao
resveratrol
rose hips
Salicin
Salmon Oil
Salvianolic acid
saponins
Schizochytrium
Schizochytrium Oil
Semecarpus anacardium
Shilajit
Silkmoth
Sinomenium acutum
slippery elm bark
smilax
Stearidonic acid
Sulforaphane
sulforaphane glucosinolate
Szechuan lovage
Tanshinone
Taxillus chinensis
teasel
turmeric
Uncaria
Urolithin A
Ursolic Acid
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
Watercress
white willow
Withanolides