Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

This is an auto-immune disease where the body is attacking itself and the joints are inflamed. It strikes more women than men. Antibodies develop against components of joint tissues and the body actually begins to destroy its own tissue, thinking it is an invader. People with RA not only experience stiff joints and inflammatory pain, but they also have extreme fatigue, weakness and sometimes low fevers.

Scientists have linked abnormal bowel function with RA since people with RA have been found to have increased intestinal permeability. This allows large particles of undigested food to escape into the bloodstream. These particles then settle into tissues causing inflammation. There is also a list of foods that commonly cause this reaction in the body. What foods the body is "allergic" to is different with each person, but the common offenders for RA are: dairy products, eggs, beef, wheat, corn, and food additives.

Supplements & Herbs for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Everflex - A joint combination with glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM and Devil's Claw.

Joint Support - This herbal combination has been around for almost 30 years and useful for relief of pain and inflammation. Another more recent formulation is an Ayurvedic formula, Ayurvedic Joint Health.

Arthristis formulas will include herbs high in potassium. Nature's Sunshine's Combination Potassium combines herbs and elemental potassium for better assimilation and results.

Glucosamine mentioned above stimulates the body to rebuild damaged cartilage. Nature's Sunshine's Glucosamine formula includes Una de Gato or Cat's Claw which is known for its anti-inflammatory effects and usefulness with arthritis.

Omega 3's - Research has been done showing that some fats promote inflammation and others cool it down. The best anti-inflammatory fat is fish oil, also known as omega-3 fatty acids. They depress the production of a highly inflammatory agent. In a Belgian study, about half of a group of rheumatoid arthritis patients taking fish oil were able to cut back their doses of painkillers. Studies have also shown that you are not likely to develop RA if you eat a lot of fish.

Proactazyme - This enzyme formula helps the body have sufficient enzymes to break down food. Enzymes are also needed to clear the allergens causing inflammation. The body destroys these allergens by excreting enzymes on them.

Spiritual or Emotional Insight

If you're open to spiritual and emotional reasons for disease, there's a lot of insight, truth, and knowledge from a book entitled, "A More Excellent Way," by Pastor Henry Wright. He has categorized various diseases over many years into specific spiritual root causes.