Rheumatoid Arthritis
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:
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Seropositive RA: Presence of rheumatoid factor (RF) or anti-CCP antibodies—typically more aggressive
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Seronegative RA: Lacks those antibodies but still meets clinical criteria for RA
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Juvenile idiopathic arthritis: Childhood-onset RA variant
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Systemic RA: Involves non-joint symptoms like fatigue, nodules, or organ inflammation
Common Causes:
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Genetic predisposition (HLA-DR4 gene variants)
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Environmental triggers (smoking, infections, gut dysbiosis)
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Female sex (RA is more common in women)
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Hormonal changes or imbalances
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Chronic stress or immune dysregulation
Severity Causes:
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High levels of inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR)
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Seropositivity for RF or anti-CCP
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Delayed treatment after symptom onset
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Coexisting autoimmune conditions or infections
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Persistent inflammation leading to joint deformity
When to See a Doctor:
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Stiffness in joints lasting more than 30 minutes in the morning
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Swollen, tender joints in hands, wrists, or feet
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Symmetrical joint pain
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Fatigue, low-grade fever, or weight loss
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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
adrenal cortex
alfalfa
algal oil
alpha lipoic acid
alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
alpha-pinene
anthocyanins
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
beta and delta tocopherols
beta-tocopherol
bilberry
black garlic
borage oil
boron
branched-chain amino acids
cartilage
celery
chondroitin
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
turmeric
curcumin
d-alpha tocopherol
delta-tocopherol
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
diallyl disulfide (DADS)
dong quai root
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
endo-peptidase
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
evening primrose oil
fisetin
fish protein
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
gamma tocopherol
genistein
ginger
glucosamine
glycitin
green bell pepper
green lipped mussel
hesperidin
HMR lignan
krill oil
l-carnosine
l-glutathione
lentinula edodes mycelia
lignans
luteolin
magnesium
methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
myristoleate
nattozimes
nicotinamide riboside
oleic acid
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-6 fatty acids
omega-9 fatty acids
palmitoleic acid
peptidase (DPPIV)
phospholipids
resveratrol
rose hips
sardines
secoisolariciresinol diglucoside
slippery elm bark
sulforaphane glucosinolate
threonic acid
tocotrienols
trans-geranylgeraniol
ubiquinol
Urolithin A
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
watercress
white willow
zinc
alpinia galangal
smilax
fumaria parviflora
lingusticum wallichii
amber
teasel
guelder rose
terpene lactones
hydrangea
gentiana macrophylla
abies spectabilis
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
thyroid substance
pituitary substance
clematis
11-keto-beta-boswellic acid
18 carbon alkyl
17-Hydroxydocosahexaenoic Acid
18-Hydroxyeicosahexaenoic Acid
17beta-[{1-Ketoethyl}-androsta-1, 4-diene-3-one,17a-ol]
15,16-Dihydrotanshinone I
14-Hydroxydocosahexaenoic Acid
2-(carbamimidoyl-methyl-amino) ethoxyphosphonic acid
25-d-spirosta-3, 5-diene
3-acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid
3-Ketosteroid
5 alpha-furost-20(22)-en-12-one-3 beta
5-alpha-furost-20(22)-en-12-one-3 beta, 26-diol
5-alpha-furostan-12-one-3 beta, 22, 26-triol
5-Aminoimidazole-4-Carboxamide Ribonucleotide
5-Campestenone
5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine
6-Paradol
7,14-Hydroxy-Docosapentaenoic Acid
7-Hydroxyfrullanolide
algal oil
Aralia
Amber
akebia
Anthocyanidins (unspecified)
Aminomonosaccharide
Antler
Alfalfa
African Ginger
Adhumulone
Anatabine
Arginine Creatine
Arsenic
Arachidonic Acid
Apigenin
Avian Cartilage
Avocado Soy Unsaponifiables
Alpha-Glycosyl Isoquercetin
Autumn Crocus
Antler horn
Abrus
Alpha-glycans
Antirrhinin
Algal Oil
Arsenic
Ajuga
Andrographolide
Alkaline (unspecified)
Alfalfa Protein
Astragaloside IV
Amentoflavone
Alpinia (unspecified)
Acacetin
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Avenacoside
Alpha Lipoic Acid
anthocyanin
anthocyanidins
Ampelopsin
Avian (unspecified)
Actaea spicata
Aresaema (unspecified)
Acetoglyceride
Acetyl-Glutathione
Alpha-keto-boswellic acid
Apple Acid (unspecified)
Acetylsalicylic acid
Alpha-Linolenic Acid
Astaxanthin
Arjunic Acid
Aspen
Alkylglycerols
Alliin
anthocyanosides
Ant
Ant
American Bittersweet
Amomum subulatum
Aniseed myrtle
Asparagus adscendens
Apocynin
Arctiin
Arjunolic acid
Astragalin
Bee Pollen
Black cherry
Bulnesia sarmientoi
Benzopyran
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
beta-zeacarotene
Boswellic Acid
Bog Bilberry
Buffalo
Big Quaking Grass
Baicalein
Boron trihydroxide
Black Currant Seed Oil
beta-lactoglobulin
Bindweed
Bogbean
Boswellia
Black willow
Boxwood
Bacosides (mixed)
Boron (various)
Boswellia
Blackberry
Boronic acid analogues
Borage Oil
Barbasco
Barbary matrimony vine
Beta Hydroxybutyrate
Branched-Chain Amino Acids
bovine cartilage / glycosaminoglycan
Black Currant
Bauhinia Variegata
Branched Chain Amino Acids
bacoside
Boswellic acids
Bacosides
Baicalin
Bacosine
Bacopasaponin (unspecified)
Black Hellebore
Bee venom
Bergenia
Coumarin
Cartilage
Chondroitin (unspecified)
Coral
Carnosine
Carnosine
Catechin gallate
Coenzyme A
Cordycepic acids
Cod Liver Oil
Cortisol
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Cetyl Myristoleate
Cyanidin
Chinese Fleeceflower
Cat's Claw
Canadine
Cod Liver Oil
Collagen II
Chinese Pond Turtle
Cereal grass
Chuchuhuasi
Cruciferous
Cannabigerolic acid
Chicoric acid
carotenoids
Cytochrome
Chinese Mistletoe
Cetylated Fatty Acids
Creatine
Coenzyme Q-10
Chinese pond turtle
Coenzyme Q10
Copper picolinate
Chinese Club Moss
C-Phycocyanin
Curcumin
Cetylated Fatty Acids (mixed)
Chinese Smilax
Cannabidiol
Cartilage
celery
Coenzyme Q-10
Cyanidin-3-glucoside
Cassava
Coriolus Mushroom
Cysteine
Calamari Oil
Cetyl palmitoleate
Carnosic acid
Calcium 2-aminoethylphosphate
Cannabidiolic acid
Chrondroitin sulfate
CoQ10
C-Phycocyanin
Creatine beta-hydroxybutyrate
Docosahexaenoic Acid
DHA
Dipeptidyl peptidase 4
Diiodothyronine
Delphinidin
DHEA
Dehydroascorbic acid
Dimethyloleuropein
Dimethylresveratrol
DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)
Diterpene (unspecified)
Dihydrolipoic Acid
Docosapentaenoic acid
Dioscorea nipponica
Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid
Didymin
Deer
Devil's Claw
epicatechin
E-Viniferin
Ethyl Esters (unspecified)
Epicatechin gallate
Eicosatrienoic Acid
Ergothioneine
Eicosatetraenoic acid
Endive
European Mistletoe
Epigallocatechin gallate
Ethyl Ester
Endopeptidase
Earthworm
EGCG
EGCG
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
European peony
European Ash
EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)
Evening Primrose
evening primrose oil
European White Birch
epicatechin
Fig
Ferulic Acid
Fenuside
Flavanol (mixture)
flavan-3-ols
Frankinsense
Fat liver oil
Flaxseed Oil
Flosin B
Fructoborate
Fish roe oil
Fatty Acid Esters (Unspecified)
Fish
Flemingia philippinensis
Flaxseed
Fucose
Fringetree
Fish Liver oil
Field Bindweed
Flax lignans
Flavonols
Ferulic acid derivative
Flavans
Furanosteroid
Fish (including shell)
Frankincense
Fisetin
Flavanols
flavanols (various)
Flavones
Five-leaf akebia
Fish (including shell)
Folate
Gamma Linolenic Acid
Guggullipid resin
Glucosamine Hydrochloride
Ginkgetin
Glycosaminoglycan
Glutamine
Grape
Gamma-linolenic acid
Gypenoside
Glycophospholipid
Glycosaponin (unspecified)
Glutathione peroxidase
Gold
Gold
Glycosphingolipids
Genistein
Glucosamine (mixed type)
Glucosamine (mixed)
Glucosamine (unspecified)
Glucosamine Hydrochloride
Glycine
Glycosaminoglycans
Glucosamine 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate
Gerovital H3
Geranylgeraniol
Genistein
Glutathione
Gravel root
Glucoraphanin
Glucosamine potassium sulfate
Gadoleic acid
Gland (mixed)
Glucosamine Sulfate
Harpagosides
Horse Gram
Hydroxycinammic acid
Holly
Histidine
Honduran Sarsaparilla
Heneicosapentaenoic acid
Hyperoside
Haliotis
Hesperidin
Hesperitin
Hydroxycinnamic acid
Horn of Plenty
Hellebore (unspecified)
Hendecasaccharides
Hydrangea
Hydroxytyrosol
Hydrogen
Hydroxyphenylethanols
Hypothalamus protein
Hemp oil
Harpagoside
Humulones
Hesperidin
Interferon gamma
Immunoglobulins
isoflavone (unspecified)
Ipriflavone
Interleukin (unspecified)
Isothiocyanates
Ipriflavone
immunoglobulin
Insulin-Like Growth Factor
Isoquercetin
Japanese Elder
Japanese Waxtree
Jatropha macrantha
Krill Oil
Krill
ketone (unspecified)
Kaempferol
Kaempferide
Krill
Kaempferol
Kutkin
Linolenic Acids
L-Gluthathione
Lysophosphtidylcholine
Linoleic Acid
Ligustrum Fruit
Linolenic acid
Linolenic acid (unspecified)
Lactones
Lignan
Luteolin
Little Club Moss
Lignans
Lovastatin
Lysophosphatidylcholine
Lipoic Acid
Monounsaturated fatty acid (unspecified)
Maslinic Acid
Mangiferin
Myricitrin
Marine fat (unspecified)
Mineral Water
Magnesium Creatine
Molluscs
Madder (unspecified)
Methylsulfonylmethane
Mevinolin
Mitoquinone mesylate
Magnetite
Myricetin
METHIONINE
Marine oil (unspecified)
Mucopolysaccharide
Marine lipid (unspecified)
Madder
Mistletoe
Manganese Malate
Marine fat
Methoxylated flavones
Malic Acid
N-Acetyl Cysteine
New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide
N-acetylglucosamine
N-acetylneuraminic acid
New Zealand green-lipped mussel
N-Acetyl Neuraminic acid
Naringenin
Nobiletin
N-(2-hydroxy-2-p-methoxyphenylethyl) benzamide
Nettle (unspecified)
N-Caffeoyldopamine
Nordihydrocapsaicinguaiaretic acid
New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel Oil
Olive
Omega-6
Oleic Acid
Omega-3 fatty acids
Orchid
Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Ostarine
Ox
Omega-9
Omega Blend
Oleoperin
Osthole
Phycocyanin
phosphatidylcholine
Polyphenol (unspecified)
Phosphataidyl ethanolamine
Pacific Dogwood
Puerarin
Perilla Oil
Progenin III
proteinase inhibitor
Psammosilene
Pacific willow
Pea (unspecified)
Piper chaba
Phenolic diterpenes
Polysaccharide peptide
Pospholipid (unspecified)
Phaeophyceae (unspecified)
Platinum
Procyanidol
Procyanidin (unspecified)
Phospholipid (unspecified)
Proteoglycans
Polar Lipids (unspecified)
Piceid
Piperin
Plant ester (unspecified)
Polydatin
Potassium aspartate-citrate
Proanthocyanidins
Polyunsaturated Fat
Phosphate Salt
phosphatidyl inositol
Pollen
Phthalides
Pig
Polyunsaturated fatty acid
phospholipid
Platinum
Proanthocyanidin (unspecified)
Pituitary
Phenolic diterpenes (unspecified)
Phytol
Pyridoxal alpha-ketoglutarate
Pyridoxine alpha-ketoglutarate
Phospholipids (unspecified)
Phosphatidylinositol
Pig
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)
Phycocyanins
picolinic acid
Proteoglycan
Qin Jiao
Quinone
Roe
Roe
Resveratrol analog (unspecified)
Rosabin
Rutin
Rutaecarpine
Rutin
Reginin A
Rubidium
Red miso
RNA & DNA
Rose Hip
Resveratrol
Resveratrol conjugates (mixed)
Reishi
Resveratrol analogue
Ribose
Shark Cartilage
Shrubby Sophora
Sichuan Pagoda Tree
Silkmoth
Schizochytrium Oil
Soy unsaponifiables
Squid Oil
Spirostan-5A-Diol-6-one-3-one
Snake venom
Spleen
Salix babylonica
Secoisolariciresinol-diglycoside
Selenium
Sodium orthovanadate
Schizochytrium
Selenocysteine
Salicin
Silver Fir
Sitosterol
Selenium ascorbate
Smilax
Safflower
Silkmoth
Snake
Smilax sieboldii
Salmon Oil
Sialic acid
Sphingomyelin
Sulforophane
Spanish Chestnut
Spatholobus suberectus
Salvianolic acid
Selenious acid
Selenium Yeast
SOD (Superoxide Dismutase, antioxidant activity)
Selenium Yeast
Seleno Methionine
Superoxide Dismutase
Sesame
Selenium Picolinate
Silicate
Sinomenium acutum
Semecarpus anacardium
Seal
Shrimp
saponins
Sterones (unspecified)
Seal Oil
Shark oil
Schizochytrium
Selenium
Smilagenin
Scotch Broom
Shilajit
Sarsaparilla (unspecified)
Stearidonic acid
Scythian Lamb
S-allylcysteine
Schisandrin
Selenomethionine
Stilbenoid (unspecified)
Sulforaphane
Sulphoraphane
Terpene Lactone (unspecified)
Triterpene (unspecified)
Turtle
Taxifolin
Transfer Factor
Taxillus chinensis
Three-leaf akebia
Transforming growth factor beta
Tanshinone
Thymic peptides
Tinospora Cordifolia
Taurine
Toothed Clubmoss
tripeptide (unspecified)
Triglycerides (mixed)
Teasel (unspecified)
Taraxol
Taurine
Uncaria (unspecified)
Ursolic Acid
Uncaria sinensis
Undeca-2E, 7Z, 9E-Trienoic Acid Isobutylamide
Ursane-type triterpenoid
Unsaturated fatty acid
Vitamin D2
Vitamin E (mixed tocotrienols)
Vitamin B12 (mixed)
Vitamin D (mixed)
Vitamin B1
Vitamin B6 (pridoxal 5-phosphate)
Vitamin K (menaquinone)
Vitamin E (Gamma Tocotrienol)
Vitamin E (beta tocotrienol)
Vitamin B3 (Inositol Hexanicotinate)
Vincetoxicum stauntonii
Vitamin B9 (calcium methylfolate)
Vitamin E (beta-tocotrienol)
Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols
Vitamin E (tocopheryl succinate)
Vitamin E (tocotrienol unspecified)
Vitamin E (beta tocopherol)
Vitamin E (delta tocotrienol)
Vitamin E (mixed)
Viniferin
Vitamin E (beta-tocopherol)
Vitamin E (tocotrienols)
Vitamin E (gamma tocopherol)
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopheryl succinate)
Vitamin E (alpha tocotrienol)
Vitamin E (tocopherol not specified)
Vicenin
Vitamin E (delta-tocotrienol)
Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols/tocotrienols)
Vitamin D3
Vitamin D (cholecalciferol)
Vitamin B3 (various)
Vitamin B3 (mixed)
Vitamin E (tocofersolan)
Vitamine E (mixed tocotrienols)
Withanolides
White Willow
Zinc lipoic acid
