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|  The causes of rheumatoid arthritis are not currently known, although research seems to show that there may be a genetic link. Whilst there is no cure, management of the symptoms through weight loss, exercise and the correct supplement use can greatly assist conventional medication in helping you to live a happier and more fulfilling life.
Rheumatoid arthritis affects 1 in 50 people with 2/3 of sufferers being women. It is a disease that, generally, manifests itself in the early 40s by the onset of gradual joint stiffness and pain. This develops until the cartilage and other tissues in the joints become inflamed and damaged – often causing them to become swollen and deformed. This disease is classed as an auto-immune disease, where your body’s defence system mistakenly attacks your body and, whilst it can attack your body’s organs, such as lungs and eyes, it mostly manifests itself in the wrist, finger, knee and toe joints as chronic inflammation. With rheumatoid arthritis, this inflammation is usually mirrored on both sides of the body. There are three stages of rheumatoid arthritis: 1) The synovial, or joint, lining swells and causes pain, stiffness, redness and joint swelling accompanied by warmth. 2) The synovial fluid within the joint thickens and becomes irritated. The inflamed cells of the synovial fluid produce enzymes that digest bone and cartilage, leading to loss of alignment and movement of the joint. Useful supplements: Copper is believed by some researchers to protect tissue from free radical damage. It does this by aiding the body to manufacture the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD). This enzyme appears to be one of your body’s most potent anti-oxidants and may help reduce the inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis. The pain of arthritis has been reduced for many by wearing copper bracelets, but copper taken as a supplement ensures a steadier, more reliable supply. Because of its interaction with zinc, copper is best taken as a zinc/copper formulation. Devil’s Claw is a plant that is native to Southern Africa. Its tubers are used in tablets and tinctures and have been shown to have as high an anti-inflammatory activity as conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, but without any of the side effects. It also may help to stabilise the immune system, which is helpful in autoimmune conditions such as arthritis. Fish Oils may reduce inflammation, particularly in rheumatoid arthritis. Studies show that the omega 3s in fish oils reduce joint swelling and stiffness and may enable you to manage on lower doses of anti-inflammatory drugs. Glucosamine is a naturally occurring molecule used by your body to make cartilage. It provides significant relief from pain and inflammation in about 50% of arthritis sufferers. Recent studies show it may be more effective in this than aspirin and ibuprofen. Whilst glucosamine cannot help those with advanced arthritis, where the cartilage has completely worn away, it can help repair damaged joints for those with mild to moderate symptoms. MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) is a naturally occurring organic sulphur compound that is found in all living plant and animal tissues. MSM plays a critical role in maintaining the stability and the integrity of connective tissue and of proteins. Additionally, MSM works with glucosamine in the formation of cartilage, helps to keep connective tissues (such as tendons) elastic and helps to maintain the immune system. Vitamin C with Bioflavinoids acts as an anti-oxidant to help relieve inflammation. Citrus flavinoids improve the absorption of vitamin C and also act as powerful anti-inflammatories in their own right. These flavinoids can help support health by strengthening capillaries and other connective tissue Vitamin E is depleted when joints become inflamed. As well as replacing lost vitamin E, a supplement will also act as an anti-oxidant and so protects cells from free-radical damage. There is also evidence to suggest that it can improve the immune function of the body. Both these actions can help relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis to the extent that there are noticeable improvements in morning stiffness and grip strength. Zinc metabolism is altered in rheumatoid arthritis. Some studies have found zinc helpful in alleviating pain and swelling. However, these studies have only been on a small scale and more research is needed.
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