Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, occurring most often in the hands, hips, and knees.
Could magnets really be the key to relieving the debilitating pain and stiffness caused by rheumatoid arthritis?
Magnetotherapy can reduce pain, decrease morning stiffness, and improve range of motion in the dominant hand, according to a recent study published earlier this month in the Journal of Clinical Medicine.
What Is Magnetotherapy?
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, there are two main types of magnetotherapy: static magnetic therapy and electromagnetic therapy.
Static magnetic therapy involves placing magnets directly on or near the body in an effort to relieve pain. These pain relief magnets are typically incorporated into wearable items like wristbands or sold as products such as jewelry, mats, pillows, or bed pads.
On the other hand, electromagnetic field therapy uses devices with wire coil electromagnets. These coils generate an electric current that can vary in intensity. The intention behind this electric current is to alleviate pain and improve function in people with certain musculoskeletal pain conditions as well as osteoarthritis.
Treatment Improves Hand Mobility, Stiffness
Some studies have shown magnetic field therapy to be more effective in treating the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Alternative treatments such as magnetotherapy could be useful for individuals who do not respond to traditional treatments like biological drugs and targeted therapies, the authors of the new study noted.
The study, conducted by a research team from Poland, involved 39 patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. The patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups receiving different forms of magnetotherapy.
One group underwent static magnetic field therapy, while the other received low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field therapy. The patients received up to five 20-minute magnetotherapy treatments per week for three weeks.
In addition to magnetotherapy, all patients underwent an identical 30-minute kinesiotherapy treatment.
The study showed that patients in both groups experienced a highly significant decrease in pain intensity.
Furthermore, the duration of morning stiffness decreased by an average of 23.2 minutes. However, only the reduction in morning stiffness experienced by the static magnetic field therapy group was statistically significant, the research team found.
The researchers also observed an average increase of 1.9 mm in the dominant hand’s range of motion for both groups.
Based on the results, the research team believes that “magnetotherapy has great potential to become a stand-alone treatment or an adjunctive therapy for patients with musculoskeletal disorders.”
The team found that static magnetic field therapy appears to be more effective in reducing the severity and duration of morning stiffness, whereas low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field therapy seems to more effectively improve function and reduce swelling in the rheumatoid hand.
Study Offers Hope for Patients Who Need New Options
The study’s results show promise for people who might not respond to traditional therapies like disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or biological response modifiers. DMARDs are immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory agents that can cause side effects such as loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, liver problems, and an increased risk of infections.
Approximately 1 percent of the world’s population has rheumatoid arthritis.
Risk factors for condition include age, being a woman, having a history of live birth, obesity, and certain genetic traits. Interestingly, women who breastfed their infants seem to have a decreased chance of developing rheumatoid arthritis, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis suffer from various symptoms, including joint pain, aching, stiffness, swelling, weight loss, fever, fatigue, and weakness. Complications of the disease include premature heart disease, obesity, and employment issues, as people with rheumatoid arthritis tend to have difficulty retaining work.
We evaluated the protective efficacy of the polyphenolic fraction from virgin coconut oil (PV) against adjuvant induced arthritic rats. Arthritis was induced by intradermal injection of complete Freund’s adjuvant. The activities of inflammatory, antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation were estimated. PV showed high percentage of edema inhibition at a dose of 80 mg/kg on 21st day of adjuvant arthritis and is non toxic. The expression of inflammatory genes such as COX-2, iNOS, TNF-α and IL-6 and the concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance were decreased by treatment with PV. Antioxidant enzymes were increased and on treatment with PV. The increased level of total WBC count and C-reactive protein in the arthritic animals was reduced in PV treated rats. Synovial cytology showed that inflammatory cells and reactive mesothelial cells were suppressed by PV. Histopathology of paw tissue showed less edema formation and cellular infiltration on supplementation with PV. Thus the results demonstrated the potential beneficiary effect of PV on adjuvant induced arthritis in rats and the mechanism behind this action is due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
it is considered the healthiest of all dietary oils.
Researchers are reporting that hormonal changes related to menopause and hormone replacement therapy may increase the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.
Women who have more than four children could also have a higher risk of developing the painful condition.
Researchers note that women are two to three times more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis, which could explain why estrogen may be involved in raising the risk.
That’s according to a new study published in the journal RMD Open.
Researchers collected data from 223,526 women who were UK Biobank participants. The scientists looked at information on hormonal and reproductive factors related to rheumatoid arthritis.
They reported that a number of factors increased the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, albeit to different degrees.
The scientists followed the women for an average of about 12 years. During that time, 3,313 (1.5%) developed rheumatoid arthritis.
Specifically, the scientists found the following results:
Pregnancy and the number of children
There wasn’t a significant difference between women who had been pregnant and those who had not.
However, researchers said there was an association between the number of children and rheumatoid arthritis risk.
The scientists reported that women who had four or more children were at higher risk of developing the disease.
Age at first period
The researchers used 13 as the reference age of the first period.
They found that women who were 12 and younger or older than 14 had a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.
However, those over age 14 had a more substantial risk than those who were younger than 12.
Menopause-related risk factors
The researchers reported that women who were older and had longer childbearing years had a greater risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.
The number of years between the first period and menopause are reproductive years. Women who had less than 33 years between the two stages had a higher risk of rheumatoid arthritis.
“[This is] a fascinating and novel study exploring the relationship between the hormonal milieu and the development of RA (rheumatoid arthritis),” said Dr. Kecia Gaither, an OB/GYN and a specialist in maternal fetal medicine as well as the director of Perinatal Services/Maternal Fetal Medicine at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln in the Bronx.
“It is well known that women are two to three times more likely to develop this disease over men, so that fact that estrogen may inherently be involved lends credence to the observation,” Gaither, who was not involved in the study, told Medical News Today.
“However, there are a myriad number of risk factors related to RA development besides sex,” she added. “Obesity, prior joint damage, periodontal disease, tobacco abuse, stress, and low socioeconomic status (which has stress as an underlying denominator).”
For example, some people can have a few stiff joints with mild inflammation. Another person might have additional inflamed joints.
Triggers can also be different. One person might find viral infections cause a flare of symptoms. Another might see the condition develop with stress.
Experts say these differences mean physicians should tailor treatment to individuals.
“For some women, when they are faced with menopause and the loss of hormones, specifically estradiol, they may see a rise in RA symptoms,” said Dr, Michael Krychman, an OB/GYN and the medical director of Women’s Health Services at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in California.
“It is important for [healthcare professionals] to look at the complete picture, and while data is confusing and there may be some conflicting results (some studies show no exacerbation of RA symptoms during menopause), it remains important to practice precision and tailor a woman’s specific health plan to her global symptoms,” Krychman, who was not involved in the study, told Medical News Today.
“I think this information can be utilized to have more cogent discussions with patients, particularly those who have a family history of RA and have other associated risk factors,” Gaither said. “Referral to a rheumatologist, given the parameters noted in the study and with family history and other noted risk factors, would be a prudent course of action.”
However, a referral isn’t the end of the process.
A study published in the scientific journal PNAS found that “structured information–sharing networks among clinicians significantly reduce diagnostic errors and improve treatment recommendations, as compared to groups of individual clinicians engaged in independent reflection.”
“The importance of collaboration and data review is essential when you have a chronic medical condition such as RA,” said Krychman. “As a women’s health menopausal expert, I collaborate and work closely with my patient’s rheumatologist to tailor her hormone therapy and analyze her symptoms.”
Swelling happens when body fluids collect in tissues or joints. Sometimes your pinkie might be puffy. Or you may have trouble slipping your rings on and off. A salty meal could be one culprit. That’s usually not a cause for worry. But other times, your swollen fingers and hands can signal a health problem that needs your attention.
Exercise and Heat
2/13
Your heart, lungs, and muscles need oxygen to fuel your workout. So, more blood goes to those places and less flows to your hands. Small blood vessels react to this change and expand, and that swells your fingers. Something similar happens when your body heats up in hot weather. To cool down, blood vessels in your skin swell to allow heat to leave the surface. This is totally normal.
Injury
3/13
You may have a torn a ligament or sprained your finger. Or injured a tendon, or dislocated or even broken a bone. If the injury isn’t too bad, ice, rest, and over-the counter pain medicine may be enough. See your doctor if you can’t straighten your finger, have a fever, or you’re in great pain.
Infections
4/13
Three that can cause swollen fingers are:
Herpetic whitlow: A herpes infection that causes small, swollen, bloody blisters on the fingers
Paronychia: An infection in the nail base caused by bacteria or fungus
Felon: A painful pus-filled infection in the fingertip
Finger infections can spread or other parts of the body if they’re not treated early.
Arthritis
5/13
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects the lining of joints and causes swelling, pain, and stiffness. The symptoms often appear first in the hand joints. RA usually affects both hands
Psoriatic arthritis can affect people who have a skin condition called psoriasis. It often causes sausage-like swelling in fingers and toes. Both arthritis types are serious and can cause joint damage and other body problems without treatment.
Gout
6/13
This “rich man’s disease” largely used to afflict people who could afford lots of meat, seafood, and alcohol. Today, gout can hit people of all income levels. It causes extreme pain and swelling, usually in the big toe. But you can get it in any joint, including your fingers. It happens when too much uric acid in your blood forms crystals in the joint. Drugs can help ease the pain and prevent more attacks.
Medicine
7/13
Some common culprits include:
Over-the-counter pain pills like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen
Puffy fingers from medication usually isn’t a serious condition. But talk to your doctor if you’re worried.
Kidney Disease
8/13
Your kidneys get rid of waste and extra fluid from your body. One of the first signs that something is wrong is puffiness in your fingers, feet, and around your eyes. You’re more likely to get kidney disease if you have diabetes or high blood pressure. Control these problems to protect your kidneys or stop the disease from getting worse. If your kidneys don’t work well enough, you’ll need a transplant or dialysis.
Pregnancy
9/13
You can expect swollen fingers, ankles, and feet when you’re expecting. But sudden swelling, especially in the hands and face, can be a sign of preeclampsia. That’s dangerously high blood pressure that can happen in the second half of pregnancy. Rarely, it comes after childbirth and is called postpartum preeclampsia. The problem affects the kidneys, triggering swelling. You may also have a bad headache, belly pain, and trouble seeing.
Sickle Cell Disease
10/13
Normal red blood cells look like doughnuts and are flexible. When you have sickle cell disease, the cells are stiff and crescent-shaped. These get stuck in small blood vessels and block blood flow. In the hands and feet, this causes painful swelling. Other problems include infections, anemia, stroke, and blindness. Sickle cell is a lifelong condition. In the U.S., it’s most common in African-Americans.
Lymphedema
11/13
This swelling happens when fluid in the lymph system can’t drain well. It’s sometimes a side effect of cancer treatment. Women with breast cancer often have lymph nodes in their armpits removed to check for cancer. This upsets the flow of lymph and can lead to swelling in the arms and hands. Radiation can damage nodes and make the problem worse. Lymphedema can happen any time after treatment. It can’t be cured, but it can be managed.
Raynaud’s Disease
12/13
Raynaud’s Disease is a rare problem that affects blood vessels in your fingers and toes. It causes them to narrow when you’re cold or stressed. Lack of blood flow makes your digits frosty and painful. They may turn white or blue. When the vessels open up and blood returns, your fingers can throb and swell. In serious cases, lack of blood flow can cause sores or even kill tissue.
Scleroderma
13/13
This is an immune system disease that tricks your body into making too much of a protein called collagen. This thickens and hardens skin and can affect other body parts too. Your hands may become stiff and your fingers may puff up like sausages. Some people have mild symptoms. In more serious cases, organs can be injured. Scleroderma does not go away but can be treated.
Arthritis pain can be debilitating. Including a few simple foods in your day may not only help lower your pain, but also may help slow the progression of the disease. Prepare this food only one way or it can damage your health.
Article Summary
Arthritis is a general term that refers to more than 100 different types of arthritis and related conditions; the four most common categories are osteoarthritis, autoimmune inflammatory arthritis, infectious arthritis, and gout.
Small food choices can significantly impact pain from arthritis. For example, choosing cruciferous vegetables that are high in sulforaphane, an organic sulfur that supports cell function, helps block the enzymes linked to joint destruction, and lowers inflammation that drives pain.
Anthocyanins found in purple- and red-colored berries lower oxidative stress and inflammation and support gastrointestinal health, which is crucial to lowering inflammation and improving pain control.
Marine-based fatty fish are rich in long-chained omega-3 fats that are highly bioavailable and essential to lower the inflammatory response driven by an imbalance between omega-3 and omega-6 fats.
When used correctly, food is medicine. Put another way, you are what you eat. You can’t get away from the fact that your body requires nutrients to function optimally, and those nutrients come from the food you consume.
The small choices you make each day, such as having a donut as a midday snack or a bowl of ice cream each night after dinner, have a way of catching up with you. One of the ways where food packs a powerful punch is in arthritis pain control.
Food impacts several pathways that make a difference in your pain level and even in the progression of the disease. Food manufacturers want you to believe that a calorie is a calorie—and that calories are all your body needs to survive. But if there is one thing the past years have taught us, it’s that food makes a significant difference to your health.
Before discovering some of the foods that can lower pain, let’s take a minute to explore the term “arthritis.”
Arthritis Is Not a Single Painful Disease
It is crucial to understand several facts about arthritis. For example, the word arthritis is a general term that refers to more than 100 different types of arthritis and related conditions. Arthritis can permanently damage your joints and the symptoms of common arthritis include pain, stiffness, and swelling.
People may experience mild to severe forms of the disease and the symptoms can come and go. For some, the symptoms remain the same for years, but for others, the disease progresses and gets worse over time. There are four major categories of common types of arthritis.1
1. Osteoarthritis
This is the most common type and can be found in nearly any joint of the body. More frequently, it appears in the knees, hips, spine, and hands. It used to be known as a wear-and-tear disease, but current evidence shows that it affects the whole joint and not just the cartilage, making the bone weaker and deteriorating the connective tissue.
2. Autoimmune inflammatory arthritis
This is a global term that includes rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, juvenile arthritis, and axial spondyloarthritis. Although an exact cause has not been identified, your gut microbiome plays a critical role.
3. Infectious arthritis
This painful condition is triggered by an infection that usually begins in another part of the body and travels to a joint. The symptoms can appear suddenly and cause intense swelling, pain, and fever. Treatment usually resolves the condition.
4. Gout (metabolic arthritis)
This is the result of a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, more commonly in the big toe. Uric acid crystals are a byproduct of the breakdown of purines, which are substances found in organ meat, red meat, some seafood, and alcohol. There is some evidence to suggest that osteoarthritis or gut dysbiosis can also contribute to gout.
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Sulforaphane Has Healing Properties
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and cabbage contain a compound called sulforaphane. This is an organic sulfur that has been shown to support cell function and division while at the same time causing apoptosis programmed cell death in certain cancers.2, 3, 4
When sulforaphane was tested in mice and human cell cultures,5 it was shown to target and kill breast cancer stem cells, which prevents the formation and spread of tumors. But the benefits of sulforaphane don’t stop there. It has been shown to reduce inflammation by reducing reactive oxygen species by as much as 73 percent,6 which in turn reduces cell damage.
Sulforaphane can also help reduce the risk of osteoarthritis,7 in part by blocking enzymes that are linked to joint destruction.8 A team of researchers from the University of East Anglia published a study9 in the journal Arthritis and Rheumatism that showed substances in cruciferous vegetables could slow the progression of osteoarthritis, or possibly prevent it.
Sulforaphane did this by inhibiting metalloproteinases that have been implicated in the development and progression of osteoarthritis. The researchers found it also blocked inflammation to protect against cartilage destruction both in the lab and animal models.
Anthocyanins Play an Anti-Inflammatory Role
Research has demonstrated that there is power in the color purple.10 Purple- and red-colored berries are high in anthocyanins, which are secondary metabolites that plants produce to defend against predators. Anthocyanins work through a variety of pathways to exert beneficial effects on human health.
They’re primarily known to address oxidative stress and reduce inflammation, which in turn helps pain control in patients with an inflammatory-driven condition, such as arthritis. The science also demonstrates the power of anthocyanins in lowering the progression of cognitive decline and protecting the heart, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract.
Researchers have demonstrated that anthocyanins, found in cherries and other berries, help regulate lipid and glucose metabolism. Elderberries are high in anthocyanin, vitamin C, and zinc. These berries have anti-inflammatory modulating activity11 that may support pain control in patients with arthritis. They also became known for their ability to boost immune function and inhibit colds and flu long before the COVID-19 pandemic.
One 2004 study12 found 15 milliliters (just under 1 tablespoon) of elderberry syrup, four times a day for five days, eased the symptoms of influenza four days faster than a placebo. In 2019, research13 detailed the mechanism through which elderberry protects against viral attacks. As reported by Science Daily:14
“… the study showed that compounds from elderberries can directly inhibit the virus’s entry and replication in human cells and can help strengthen a person’s immune response to the virus.”
Let’s Spice Up Your Food
Bland food is never fun to eat. But did you know that by adding a few spices, you may reduce your pain level? Researchers have discovered that garlic, ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric are compounds that may improve pain control in people with arthritis.
One 2018 study15 found that cinnamon supplementation was a safe adjunctive treatment in women who had rheumatoid arthritis. The randomized double-blind clinical trial included a small group of 36 women who were divided into two groups: those receiving cinnamon and those receiving a placebo for eight weeks.
While the study was small and only included women, the results showed that it had a significant impact on tender and swollen joints with no changes in liver enzymes, lipid profile, fasting blood sugar, or erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).
Ginger is another spice that has been under investigation for the effect it has on reducing the symptoms of osteoarthritis. A 2001 study16 found using a highly purified and standardized extract could significantly reduce those symptoms and had a good safety profile.
More recently, a 2020 paper17 confirmed the use of ginger as a safe and promising strategy to lower pain. The researchers reviewed eligible random controlled trials where ginger was used to relieve pain, including from osteoarthritis. They concluded that ginger was safe and promising, but more studies were needed to analyze the amount required for useful long-term therapy.
Garlic is a staple ingredient in cuisines found in many countries, including Italy, China, and Mexico. But it’s much more than a common spice. Data from a 2020 study18 of 62 women with rheumatoid arthritis suggested that garlic supplementation over eight weeks improved oxidative stress and health assessment questionnaires.
Turmeric is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties. A 2016 analysis of randomized clinical trials19 evaluated the use of turmeric extract and curcumin in the treatment of arthritis symptoms. While the results were positive, the researchers found the total number of trials and the total sample size were not sufficient to draw a definitive conclusion.
Another review of the literature published in 202120 compared turmeric against placebos and found a benefit on osteoarthritis pain and function in the knee. Based on the small number of studies, they believed the effects were similar to those that analyzed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
A 2021 randomized trial21 compared turmeric against paracetamol, a painkiller also known as acetaminophen. The results from this study demonstrated that bioavailable turmeric extract was as effective as paracetamol against osteoarthritis pain and symptoms in the knee and was safe and more effective in reducing tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) and C-reactive protein (CRP).
Balance Your Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fat
Historically, the human diet had an omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of close to 1:1. Yet the current Western diet is closer to a ratio of 20:1,22 which increases the inflammatory response and therefore has an impact on pain.
Most processed foods and seed oils are high in omega-6 fatty acid. While there are omega-3 fats found in some plants, only marine-based fatty fish have long-chained omega-3 fats eicosatetraenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) that are highly bioavailable and essential to good health.
When your omega-6 to omega-3 ratio is out of balance, it increases your risk of obesity23 and the inflammatory response, both of which affect pain control in arthritis. The only way to know if you have enough omega-3 is to take a simple blood test—an omega-3 index.24 This measures EPA and DHA on red blood cell membranes and provides feedback on your dietary choices.
Food Addresses Gut Health and Lowers Arthritis Pain
Finally, while no single food completely addresses gut health, most of your food choices will either support good gut health or harm it. For example, a diet high in ultra-processed foods is known to change your gut microbiome, which promotes the development of inflammatory diseases.25
The Arthritis Foundation recognizes that your gastrointestinal tract plays a crucial role in some of the most common types of inflammatory arthritis.26 Researchers have discovered that people with rheumatoid arthritis have different levels of bacteria in their gut and babies who are breastfed have a lower likelihood of developing ankylosing spondylitis, as breastfeeding is known to positively affect the gut microbiome.27
A 2021 paper28 analyzed the association between the gut microbiome and symptoms of osteoarthritis. Researchers summarized the evidence that supports a gut-joint axis and the interactions between the gut microbiome and factors that affect osteoarthritis, including gender, age, metabolism, and joint injury.
Interestingly, data showed that an individual’s gut microbiota can potentially predict the progression of osteoarthritis, indicating that monitoring the gut microbiome may also help monitor the efficiency of therapeutic intervention. Broccoli is one food that helps support good gut health and may impact the pain of arthritis, as it is also a source of glucosinolate, a precursor to indole-3 carbinol (I3C).29
In the stomach, I3C generates 3,3′-diindolylmethane (DIM). I3C is a powerful antioxidant and in an animal model, those fed cruciferous vegetables with I3C had healthier guts and were less likely to have inflammation.30 I3C also works by activating a protein called aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), which communicates with immune and epithelial cells in your gut lining, thereby helping to reduce inflammation caused by pathogenic bacteria.
AhR also helps stem cells convert into mucus-producing cells in your gut lining. These cells also help extract nutrients from the foods you eat, all of which translate into improved gut function and health.
As you’ll note, there are several groups of foods that support pain control by lowering the inflammatory response and improving your gut health. Arthritis can be a difficult and life-changing condition that affects your daily activities. Consider taking these small steps to help improve your pain control without medication and take greater control of your life.
Pomegranate extract consumption is known to reduce the incidence and severity of collagen-induced arthritis in mice.
More recently, researchers investigated whether pomegranate can also affect disease activity in human patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and the results were quite positive.
“Dietary supplementation with pomegranates may be a useful complementary strategy to attenuate clinical symptoms in RA patients.”
Pomegranate—A Source of Potent Antioxidants
The juice and pulp of pomegranates have previously been studied for their potential heart- and joint health benefits.
The primary source of the fruit’s benefits is its antioxidant content, particularly ellagitannin compounds like punicalagins and punicalins, which accounts for about half of the pomegranate’s antioxidant ability.
In fact, according to a 2008 study, which compared the potency of 10 different polyphenol-rich beverages, pomegranate juice scored top billing as the most healthful of them all. Its potency was found to be at least 20 percent greater than any of the other beverages tested, beating out concord grape juice, acai, and blueberry juice—three well-known sources of potent antioxidants. It beat them primarily because it contains the most of every type of antioxidant.
Antioxidants are Great, But Beware of Loading up on Fruit Juice…
No doubt about it, these potent phytonutrients can do your body good. Antioxidants are crucial to your health as they appear to influence how fast you age by combating free radicals, which are at the heart of age-related deterioration. They work primarily by mopping up harmful free radicals, which are created in response to environmental toxins, such as cigarette smoke, chemicals, sunlight, cosmic and manmade radiation, and pharmaceutical drugs.
Free radicals are also a key component of chronic inflammation and related ailments, including rheumatoid arthritis.
However, before you get too excited about the possibility of loading up on healthful antioxidants by chugging pomegranate juice (or any other juice for that matter), keep in mind that fruit juices in general also contain hefty amounts of fructose. Depending on the juice, an eight-ounce glass of freshly squeezed fruit juice can contain somewhere in the neighborhood of eight full teaspoons of sugar, and that’s not going to help your arthritis…
Despite the fact that fructose from fruit is as natural as it gets, it can still do more harm than good if you consume too much of it, primarily because it will increase your insulin levels.
Chronically elevated insulin levels in turn leads to insulin resistance, which is the root of nearly every disease known to man, including RA. Additionally, we now know that fructose is converted to fat far easier and faster than any other sugar, which is one of the explanations for why so many Americans struggle with their weight.
Fructose is not just in fruit. If you eat processed foods and sweetened drinks, you’re getting huge amounts of fructose, primarily in the form of high fructose corn syrup. But it all adds up, and a glass of juice can equate to a very large amount of fruit, so go easy! If you have any of the following problems (which are associated with insulin resistance) you’d be well advised to avoid all fruit juices, and limit your whole fruit intake until your insulin levels have normalized:
Overweight
High Cholesterol
High Blood Pressure
Diabetes
Yeast Infections
Antioxidant-Rich Alternatives to Fruit Juice
Fortunately, there are alternatives. In fact, most of the vegetables you eat are loaded with potent phytochemicals that act as antioxidants, and high vegetable consumption will not lead to insulin resistance.
The closer the vegetables are to being harvested, the more potent these antioxidants will be—which is why you should consume the majority of your fruits and vegetables RAW and locally harvested. If you eat vegetables that have been harvested weeks before, as is common in most grocery stores, you will not be reaping as much of the benefit the food has to offer you.
Your Diet—A Key Component Against RA and Other Autoimmune Diseases
While pomegranate shows promise against RA joint pain and inflammation, I’d like to remind you of the more basic factors that can have a major impact on this disease. The treatment protocol I use for rheumatoid arthritis has helped thousands of RA patients go into remission, and one of the key factors that dramatically improved the response rate to my protocol was the dietary modification.
I cannot emphasize strongly enough the importance of this aspect of the program. It is absolutely an essential component of the RA protocol.
These dietary principles include:
Eliminating sugar and most grains
Eating unprocessed, high-quality foods, organic and locally-grown if possible
Eating your food as close to raw as possible
Getting plenty high-quality animal-based omega-3 fats, such as krill oil
Following these general guidelines alone will go a long way to dramatically reduce your risk of developing any kind of problem with chronic inflammation.
Supplements for Pain- and Inflammation Relief
As for supplements, here are a few to consider that have been helpful in the treatment of RA pain:
Boswellia, also known as boswellin or “Indian frankincense” is another herb I’ve found to be particularly useful against arthritic inflammation and associated pain.
Ginger also has anti-inflammatory properties and can offer pain relief. Fresh ginger works well steeped in boiling water as a tea or grated into vegetable juice.
Astaxanthin has been shown to effectively reduce pain. In one study, RA sufferers experienced a 35 percent improvement in pain levels, as well as a 40 percent improvement in their ability to perform daily activities after receiving astaxanthin for only eight weeks.
Low-Dose Naltrexone for RA
One new addition to my RA protocol is low-dose Naltrexone, which I would encourage anyone with RA to try. It is inexpensive and non-toxic, and I have a number of physician reports documenting incredible efficacy in getting people off of all their dangerous arthritis medications.
The drugs typically used for rheumatoid arthritis are some of the most dangerous drugs used in medicine. High doses of prednisone are common, as well as immunosuppressants and anti-cancer agents to treat the severe pain and swelling.
Low-dose Naltrexone, however, does not fall into this dangerous category.
Naltrexone (generic name) is a pharmacologically active opioid antagonist, conventionally used to treat drug- and alcohol addiction – normally at doses of 50mg to 300mg. As such, it’s been an FDA approved drug for over two decades. However, researchers have found that at very low dosages (3 to 4.5 mg), naltrexone has immunomodulating properties that may be able to successfully treat a wide range of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s, fibromyalgia, and Crohn’s disease, just to name a few.
Do you have a fitness app on your smartphone or tablet yet? There’s no shortage of choices for at-home, on-demand workouts. Ready to focus on strengthening a certain part of your body? There’s an app for that. Want to ensure the exercises are gentle on sore joints? At least two dozen apps feature exercises or full workouts designed for people with arthritis.
Join a Local Fitness Class — From Home
2/15
Before the age of social distancing, a fitness class was an in-person event. Not anymore. Many gyms and yoga studios now offer real-time classes online. Look for local establishments with online tai chi, restorative yoga, or other arthritis-friendly classes. That way, if you decide to go in person, you’ll already feel like you know the instructor — and can meet workout buddies who live near you.
Get a Fitness Tracker
3/15
Wearable fitness trackers motivate a lot of people to exercise more, and there are hundreds to choose from. (Major brands include Fitbit, Garmin, and Apple.) Features differ across trackers. At a minimum, most measure steps, calories burned, and heart rate. Keep in mind these aren’t medical devices, so they may not be 100% accurate — but they’re pretty close.
Redefine Exercise
4/15
Regular exercise can ease joint pain, strengthen bones, improve sleep, boost energy, and lift your mood. But what if you don’t like to exercise or simply don’t have time? That’s OK. Any physical exertion counts. That includes mowing the lawn, raking the leaves, washing your car, gardening, walking your dog, and even walking around your house when you’re on the phone.
Grab a Chair
5/15
If you have arthritis in your knees or hips, aim to strengthen in your quadriceps, the muscles on the front of your thighs. They’re key to knee and hip health. An easy move you can do any time of day: Sit in a chair and place both feet on the ground. Straighten one leg in front of you, then return to your starting position. Repeat with your other leg.
Stand on One Foot
6/15
You might not break a sweat, but over time you’ll have better balance. That’s important when your arthritis increases your risk of falls. Try this move three times a week: Stand with your feet hip-width apart and put your hands on your hips. Lift one leg off the floor by bending it back at the knee. Hold for up to 30 seconds and repeat on the other side. Over time, increase the number of repetitions you do as your balance improves.
Create a Balance Routine
7/15
Any activity that gets you on your feet will strengthen muscles that help lower your risk of falls. In fact, research shows that regular exercise can prevent up to 40% of fall injuries. But good balance will help you even more. String these exercises together to create a balance routine.
Practice standing on one foot
Add weights and do bicep curls while standing on one foot
Walk backward
Do tai chi
Work Out With the TV
8/15
Dust off your gaming system or check your cable lineup for exercise classes. Research suggests that fitness-focused video games, as well as programs that encourage physical activity, can help you get plenty of exercise. For joint flexibility and to improve your range of motion with arthritis, try your hand at balance games, dance, and yoga exercises. (If you’re totally new to video games, major players in gaming include Nintendo, Xbox, and PlayStation.)
Walk Your Dog (or Someone Else’s)
9/15
Research suggests that dog owners get more physical activity and walk more than their dog-less peers. Don’t have a dog? You can still reap the fitness benefits by walking other people’s dogs. Or better yet, volunteer as a dog walker at a shelter or dog rescue organization. Because walking keeps your joints flexible and your muscles strong, this low-impact, weight-bearing exercise is a good choice for people with arthritis.
Play Like a Kid Again
10/15
If you have kids, grandkids, or babysit for neighbors, make your time with them as active as possible. Play hide and seek, explore a park, dance, or go on ride bikes. Consider that your workout for the day. Because active time with kids can be tiring, practice good arthritis self-care. Start and end each day with joint-friendly stretches, eat healthy food, and make sleep a priority.
Find Walking Partners
11/15
Instead of meeting for a meal or drinks, meet up with friends, family, or co-workers for brisk walks. If you need to socially distance, find a park or other outdoor area with plenty of space. When you have a partner to exercise with, you’re more likely to feel motivated, be consistent, work harder, and be more adventurous with your physical activity.
Volunteer Your Time
12/15
Help yourself and other people by taking on volunteer projects that benefit both mind and body. Consider walking dogs at the local animal shelter, planting trees, coaching a youth sports team, or building houses. Studies show that older adults who volunteer regularly have a greater sense of well-being than those who don’t. Of course, you’ll reap the benefits of all that physical activity too.
Walk or Bike on Your Next Outing
13/15
You may be in the habit of driving everywhere, no matter how close your destination. But think about some of your favorite places — stores, restaurants, the library, parks. Are any of them close enough to reach safely by foot (or bike)? If so, you’ll get exercise while saving gas money. In addition, biking is easy on your joints while still giving you a good workout.
Park in the Last Spot — or Farther
14/15
Walking is one of the best forms of exercise for arthritis, so find ways to fit it into your day. Whether you’re driving to the mall, office, or supermarket, make a habit of parking in the spot farthest from the entrance. Then power walk — or at least walk as fast as your joints allow — to the front door. As this becomes easier, try parking even farther from your destination.
Add Up Your Exercise Time
15/15
In a perfect world, you’d easily meet the federal guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity every week. That’s a brisk 30-minute walk, bike ride, or aquatics class 5 days a week. In the real world, joint pain and busy lives get in the way. So take some pressure off yourself: Aim for 10-minute spurts of physical activity a few times a day. You might be surprised how much it all adds up at the end of the week.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a debilitating disease that causes the joints, usually in the hands, to become inflamed and painful. It usually affects older individuals, although people as young as 30 can suffer from the disease. Like most autoimmune diseases, there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but effectively managing it begins with eating the right food.
There is strong evidence supporting the link between food and the symptoms and effects of rheumatoid arthritis, which can include swollen joints, pain, and disability. In a study published in the journal Frontiers of Nutrition, researchers found that the state of a person’s microflora, the bacteria in the gut, as well as a leaky gut, all contribute to the occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis.
Changes in a person’s diet, they found, can also have pronounced benefits. For instance, fasting produces ketones that help suppress the pro-inflammatory molecules that cause pain in rheumatoid arthritis. Shifting to a plant-based diet has also been found to reduce immune reactivity to antigens found in certain foods.
The Mediterranean diet against rheumatoid arthritis
Because of the close link between rheumatoid arthritis and inflammation, it goes without saying that the best diet for sufferers is one that incorporates a lot of anti-inflammatory foods. When it comes to ingredients that fight inflammation, nothing does it better than the Mediterranean diet.
The Mediterranean diet places a lot of emphasis on fresh fruits and vegetables, high-quality proteins, and whole, unrefined carbohydrates. According to experts, this diet is so healthy that it gives over 1,500 mg of polyphenols every day. Polyphenols are natural compounds with anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, and anti-allergenic properties.
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The Mediterranean diet is linked to a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease. One explanation for this is the liberated use of anti-inflammatory ingredients in almost any dish. Research has proven that many of the staples in this diet can help reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory compounds that may worsen rheumatoid arthritis. (Related: Study finds Mediterranean diet more effective cure for acid reflux than meds.)
Here are some of the pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory nutrients found in many of the foods under the Mediterranean diet:
Anthocyanins – These plant pigments are found in blueberries, blackberries, and eggplants. They are powerful antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress and help prevent inflammation.
Reservatrol – This antioxidant is abundant in grapes and red wine. Just like anthocyanins, it is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the joints from inflammation and damage.
Mangiferin – Another antioxidant, this time found in mangoes, mangiferin is so powerful that it has been described as having the ability to prevent the destruction of joints.
Kaempferol – A compound found in grapefruit, kaempferol reduces the molecules that destroy the bones and the cartilage. The degradation of these parts is one of the main causes of pain of rheumatoid arthritis.
Bromelain – This compound from pineapples is known for being a potent anti-inflammatory agent. Studies vouch for its efficacy as a pain reliever that does not cause any adverse effects.
Oleic acid – Found in olive oil, this is one of the hallmark ingredients in the Mediterranean diet. This compound is known to provide therapeutic and protective effects from rheumatoid arthritis. When consumed by people without the condition, oleic acid can lower the risk of developing the disease.
Curcumin – This compound is found in turmeric and is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Some studies say that turmeric is best combined with ginger, yet another anti-inflammatory food, to maximize its ability to relieve rheumatoid arthritis pain.
Probiotics – These “friendly” bacteria help promote digestion and improve the overall health of the gut. They can help prevent the negative effects of leaky gut and offset bad bacteria that may be causing damage to the body. Probiotics are found in fermented foods. Lactobacillus casei, for instance, is found in yogurt.
Learn which foods you need to eat to relieve body pain at Remedies.news.
More than one fifth (22%) of adults with arthritis have anxiety, and 12% report depression, a national survey shows. Overall, 10.3 million adults with arthritis reported symptoms of anxiety, depression, or both.
Symptoms of anxiety and depression were much more likely among younger adults, patients with chronic pain or other chronic comorbidities, and those who could not work or who had disabilities.
“The high prevalence of symptoms of anxiety and depression among adults with arthritis warrants awareness, screening, and subsequent treatment of these conditions. Health care providers can refer patients to mental health professionals and self-management education programs, and encourage physical activity to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms and improve quality of life,” the authors write.
Dana Guglielmo, MPH, from the Division of Population Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Tennessee, and colleagues report their findings in an article published online October 4 in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
The researchers analyzed data from 93,442 participants who completed the 2015-2017 National Health Interview Survey to estimate the national prevalence of clinically relevant symptoms of anxiety and depression among adults aged 18 years and older with arthritis.
Approximately half of the participants (n = 46,742) were randomly chosen to complete the Adult Functioning and Disability supplement during the study. Patients were considered to have arthritis if they responded “yes” to the question, “Have you ever been told by a doctor or other healthcare professional that you have arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, or fibromyalgia?”
The survey supplement included questions about anxiety and depression symptoms. Respondents were classified as having these symptoms if their symptoms occurred daily or weekly and if the intensity of their symptoms was “a lot” or “in between a little and a lot” the last time they occurred.
“These definitions identified adults whose symptoms would likely meet Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) diagnostic criteria and also would be clinically managed, which are referred to in this report as ‘clinically relevant,’ although these definitions are not clinical diagnoses,” the researchers explain.
Age-standardized prevalences of anxiety and depression symptoms were 22.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 20.8 – 24.3) and 12.1% (95% CI, 10.8 – 13.4), respectively, among those with arthritis, compared with 10.7% (95% CI, 10.2 – 11.2) and 4.7% (95% CI, 4.4 – 5.0) among those without arthritis.
Symptoms were more likely among women than men; among respondents who were unemployed, unable to work, or disabled compared with adults who were employed; and among those who identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or “other” than among participants who identified as heterosexual.
In addition, higher symptom prevalences were seen among adults who reported chronic pain and arthritis-attributable activity limitations and increased with the number of chronic comorbidities, increasing psychological distress, and worsening self-rated health. Symptom prevalences were also higher among those who currently smoked cigarettes compared with those who had never smoked.
By contrast, symptoms were less likely among those with higher educational and income-to-poverty ratios. Symptom prevalences were lower among those who reported engaging in aerobic physical activity compared with inactive adults.
Patients with arthritis who had anxiety symptoms (44.3%; 95% CI, 40.4 – 48.3) were less likely to take medications than those with symptoms of depression (57.7%; 95% CI, 52.4 – 62.9). Just over one third (34.3%; 95% CI, 30.3 – 38.1) of patients with anxiety symptoms and 42.8% (95% CI, 37.7 – 48.1) of those with depression symptoms reported speaking with a mental health professional during the past 12 months.
Previously published research has shown an association between arthritis and poorer adherence to treatment for depression, and a survey from 2000-2001 found that almost 1 in 5 patients with arthritis and major depression said they had considered suicide during the past year.
Among patients with both arthritis and chronic pain, 31.2% reported symptoms of anxiety, and 18.7% reported symptoms of depression. The authors point to a possible link between chronic pain and anxiety or depression, which may make physical and mental health management more difficult for patients with arthritis.
Clinic-based rheumatic disease studies found that both anxiety and depression were associated with poorer response to treatment and decreased quality of life, yet only half of patients with a mental health condition receive treatment, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. “[T]he current analysis suggests that treatment prevalence among adults with arthritis might be similar or lower, especially for anxiety,” the authors write.
Multifaceted Approach Needed
“Successful treatment approaches to address anxiety and depression among adults with arthritis are multifaceted and include screenings, referrals to mental health professionals, and evidence-based strategies such as regular physical activity and participation in self-management education to improve mental health,” the authors explain.
Noting that mental health conditions and arthritis have been previously identified as two of the three greatest causes of work disability among adults aged 18 to 64 years, the authors say, “concerted efforts to improve arthritis and mental health outcomes could help reduce work disability.”
The prevalence of anxiety and depression among adults with arthritis highlights an unmet need that clinicians can address, they continue. Patients with chronic pain conditions such as arthritis should receive integrated care, including screening for mental health problems and education on self-management.
In addition, clinicians can refer patients with arthritis to evidence-based programs such as the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, which has demonstrated ongoing reductions in depression, fatigue, and pain, as well as increases in aerobic activity and improved self-efficacy and self-rated health.
Physical activity “can be as effective as medication or therapy for anxiety and depression,” the authors write, and even patients who get less than the recommended amount of physically active can still derive physical and mental health benefits.
The classical Ayurveda medicinal system offers a potential remedy for the often crippling pain of rheumatoid arthritis. Indian researchers recently tested the efficacy of two Ayurvedic medicines – Bhallatakadi Churna with guda and Bhallatak guggulu – in relieving the painful symptoms of the chronic autoimmune disease.
Ayurveda describes rheumatoid arthritis as “Amavata.” Over the centuries, many herbal remedies have been devised to treat this disease.
Ama is a slimy substance similar to mucus. It is produced by digestive and metabolic problems and clogs the channels of the body. Ama combines with the harmful substance vata to create amavata, an agonizing disease that can cause deformities.
The Ayurveda’s description of amavata matches etiopathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. Modern medicine traces the disease to inflammatory mediators that injure the micro blood vessels in the joints.
Researchers from the Government Ayurvedic College – Burhanpur (GAC Burhanpur) and the National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA) tested an Ayurvedic medicine prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis. Bhallatak guggulu yoga is made from four herbs that prevent inflammation, control immune response, scavenge free radicals, protect cartilage, and exhibit anti-arthritic activity.
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Two Ayurvedic medicines tested on rheumatoid arthritis patients
The clinical trial involved 60 patients with rheumatoid arthritis in the age range of 20 to 60 years, with many of them being 41 to 50 years of age. The majority of them (85 percent) were female. They were randomly divided into two groups of 30 participants.
The first group received daily doses of 2.5 grams of Bhallatakadi churna with guda, another Ayurvedic medicine recommended for treating Amavata. The second group was given 500 milligrams of Bhallatak guggul medicine, the primary target of this study.
The intervention period lasted for three months. Every 15 days, the researchers performed follow-ups on the participants.
At the end of the trial, the researchers analyzed the results of the Ayurvedic therapy based on the following criteria: body ache, loss of appetite, listlessness, heaviness of body and joint, thirst, fever, indigestion, and pain.
Participants also rated the pain, swelling, stiffness, and tenderness of their joints. Finally, the researchers measured the effects of either substance on the rheumatoid arthritis factor, the antiseptrolysin O titer, and C-reactive protein level of the patient.
Effects of Bhallatak guggul on Amavata considered to be statistically significant
The researchers found that Bhallatakadi churna with guda and Bhallatak guggul were both able to improve the primary symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Statistics-wise, the effect of the two Ayurvedic treatments were considered to be very significant.
The results on general symptoms – which included pain, stiffness, and tenderness of the joints – were also regarded as statistically significant. So were the effects of the trial medicines on the rheumatoid arthritis factor, the antiseptrolysin O titer, and C-reactive protein of patients.
The data matched the etiology of Amavata as described in the Ayurvedic classics. This supported the similarities between the description of this disease and the etiology of rheumatoid arthritis.
Bhallatak Guggulu is made up of four herbs: Haritaki, Bhallatak, Tila and Guda. Each herb played important roles in stopping the pathogenesis of Amavata, thereby alleviating the symptoms of the disease.
The researchers concluded that both Ayurvedic regimens were able to provide significant relief for patients with Amavata. However, patients who received Bhallatak Guggulu enjoyed faster and greater improvement of their symptoms when compared to the Bhallatakadi churna with guda treatment group.
Therefore, Bhallatak Gugguli was considered to be the superior Ayurvedic remedy for reducing the painful effects of rheumatoid arthritis.
Additional articles about Ayurveda-based natural remedies that can alleviate rheumatoid arthritis can be found at AlternativeMedicine.news.
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