This is an auto-immune disorder and a common form of inflammatory joint disease. It usually affects feet, ankles, fingers, and wrists. In the first stages, there is swelling of the joints and inflammation, this is later followed by erosion and loss of cartilage and bone. This condition can affect all age groups and both sexes although it has a higher prevalence in women and is more common in those aged 30 to 50. Rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed by means of X-rays .

Symptoms:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints. The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can vary from person to person, but here are some common signs and symptoms:

Joint pain and stiffness: Persistent joint pain, usually affecting the smaller joints first (such as the joints in the hands, wrists, and feet). The pain is often worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity and may improve with movement.

Joint swelling and tenderness: Swelling and tenderness in the affected joints. The joints may feel warm to the touch.

Joint stiffness: Stiffness, particularly in the morning or after prolonged periods of rest. It can last for hours.

Fatigue: A general feeling of tiredness, weakness, and lack of energy, which can be persistent and overwhelming.

Rheumatoid nodules: Firm lumps or bumps under the skin, commonly found near joints, such as the elbows or fingers.

Joint deformity: Over time, rheumatoid arthritis can cause joint deformities, particularly in the hands and feet.

Reduced range of motion: The ability to move the affected joints may become limited, leading to a reduced range of motion.

Systemic symptoms: In some cases, rheumatoid arthritis can also cause systemic symptoms such as fever, weight loss, and a general sense of malaise.

It’s important to note that these symptoms may fluctuate in intensity and severity. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management and treatment.

Treatment:

Treatment will include dietary and lifestyle changes (heavy metal toxicity or other environmental sensitivities and parasites may also be a factor to consider in treatment), in addition, the following may be beneficial: Physical therapy (such as massage) light exercise to stimulate circulation after flare-ups have subsided. Hot and cold compresses applied alternatively, Intravenous ozone therapy, anti-inflammatory, and auto-immune medications, and acupuncture.

Nutrients and supplements:
1. Joint Remedy – helps to maintain joint flexibility and mobility for pain-free movement. Repairs damaged cartilage. Prevents sore muscles and stiffness, and reduces inflammation. Speeds up muscle recovery. It enhances joint and bone fluid thus improving cushioning. It is used to treat both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
2. Arthritis Remedy – assists with arthritic conditions.
3. MSM – for back, muscle, and joint pain, reducing inflammation, arthritis, headaches, fibromyalgia, and allergies.
4. Cellular Mineral caps – for swelling of one or more joints, body stiffness, and joint pain. Recurring pain and tenderness when moving joints, inability to move a joint.
5. DMSO & Magnesium mineral oil rub – Magnesium Mineral Oil is applied to the skin to introduce minerals without the side effects of an oral dose (diarrhea). It may also be used to relieve painful joints and muscles.
6. Auto-immune remedy – for balancing and healing the immune system when autoimmune diseases such as Lupus, MS, FMS, and Rheumatoid Arthritis are present.
7. Acid Remedy – for heartburn, indigestion, metabolic acidosis, gout, arthritis & rheumatism.
8. Immune Support – for supporting a low immune system and for auto-immune disorders.
9. Vitamin B complex – is an antioxidant and improves the immune system.
10. Boswellia – combats inflammation and conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. It is also a painkiller and can inhibit cartilage loss.
11. Turmeric – is traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant.
12. White willow bark – contains salicin and therefore is the original aspirin. It is called the pain herb and traditionally it is used for headaches, allergies, nerve pain, joint pain, backache, inflammation, fevers, neuralgia, gout, rheumatism, arthritic and menstrual pain.
13. Rumaflam – helps to relieve pain symptoms associated with arthritis and joint pain.
14. Buffered Vitamin C – has anti-inflammatory properties.
15. Selenium – is an antioxidant.
16. Vitamin E – is an antioxidant and improves the immune system. It protects the joints from free radical damage. Vitamin E deficiency is seen in people suffering from arthritis.

Causes:

RA is an autoimmune disorder resulting in your body’s immune system attacking healthy body tissues. The specific causes of RA are not yet known. Genetic factors may be involved, most people affected seem to have a particular antibody present (HLA-DR4)

Underlying Emotions:

Rigidity in life and relationships. Reluctance to ask for support, feelings of not being loved, resentment toward others over boundary issues. Feelings of being stuck in a cycle causing emotional turmoil.

Diet:

Increase intake of omega-3 and 6 fatty acids: vegetable, nut, seed oils, fish oils, walnuts, flaxseed oil, evening primrose oil, black currant oil.

Curcumin has potent anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger
Sesame seeds, kale, artichokes, green beans, millet, celery, barley, okra, almonds, collards, turnip greens, raw goat’s milk, goat whey and black mission figs, cherries, pineapple, quince, watercress, blackberries, black currants, mustard greens, limes, lettuce, and olive oil are all beneficial

Eliminate any potential allergen-causing foods from the diet, The following common foods that seem to aggravate arthritis are, milk products, wheat, and meat, also avoid nightshades (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, and peppers). Note: Some people have reported that citrus fruits have worsened their symptoms (although no clear link exists between inflammation and citrus), so eliminate from the diet if this is the case.

The following are associated with an increased risk of developing RA, high consumption of sodium, sugar (especially fructose), and meat.

Avoid caffeine, chocolate, and fizzy drinks

Remedies: