Skip to content

Rheumatoid Arthritis

A chronic autoimmune disease causing inflammation, pain, stiffness, and progressive destruction of joints, usually symmetrically (e.g., both wrists). Can also affect other organs. Requires medical treatment (DMARDs, biologics). Supplements (Omega-3 (EPA/DHA), curcumin, boswellia, borage oil (GLA), vitamin D) may be used as adjunctive anti-inflammatory support in consultation with a doctor.

What may help
21
What to avoid
12

What may help (21)

  • Alternate Day Fasting Practices MediumClinical

    Given its autoimmune and inflammatory nature, rheumatoid arthritis symptoms may be reduced by alternate day fasting through its robust anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects. This can help decrease joint swelling and pain.

  • Astaxanthin Supplements MediumClinical

    While not a primary treatment, astaxanthin's anti-inflammatory properties may offer adjunctive support for managing the inflammation and discomfort of rheumatoid arthritis.

  • Whole Body Cryotherapy serves as an effective adjunctive therapy for rheumatoid arthritis, helping to reduce joint pain and inflammation. Clinical studies indicate improvements in disease activity scores and patient-reported outcomes, likely due to its systemic anti-inflammatory effects and reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

  • Eat Whole Foods Habits MediumClinical

    An anti-inflammatory whole-food diet is a valuable adjunct therapy for rheumatoid arthritis, significantly reducing systemic inflammation and modulating immune responses. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and phytonutrients, it helps alleviate joint pain and stiffness, contributing to improved disease management and quality of life.

  • Elimination Diet Practices MediumClinical

    For some individuals with Rheumatoid Arthritis, an elimination diet can act as a supportive intervention by identifying and removing foods that may trigger inflammatory responses or exacerbate gut permeability. This approach aims to reduce systemic inflammation and alleviate symptoms in a subset of patients.

  • Garlic Supplements MediumClinical

    With its potent anti-inflammatory effects, garlic may assist in reducing joint pain and swelling associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

  • Ice Packs / Cold Compresses Practices MediumClinical

    During acute flares of rheumatoid arthritis, cold compresses can temporarily reduce joint pain, swelling, and inflammation. The cooling effect helps to calm the inflamed synovium and numb nerve endings, providing symptomatic relief without affecting disease progression.

  • Prolonged Water Fasting Practices MediumClinical

    Clinical studies suggest that prolonged water fasting can modulate immune responses and reduce inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis, potentially leading to a decrease in disease activity and symptom severity in some individuals.

  • Reducing Sugar and Processed Foods Practices MediumClinical

    For rheumatoid arthritis, reducing sugar and processed foods contributes to a broader anti-inflammatory dietary approach that can help reduce joint pain and swelling by mitigating systemic inflammatory responses.

  • Serrapeptase Supplements MediumClinical

    As a supportive therapy, Serrapeptase may help reduce inflammation and discomfort associated with rheumatoid arthritis, improving joint function.

  • Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) Supplements MediumClinical

    As an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, SOD may help modulate the immune response and reduce inflammation in autoimmune joint conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

  • Thai Massage Practices MediumClinical

    During periods of remission, Thai massage can help alleviate pain and stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis. By improving circulation and gently stretching affected tissues, it promotes greater joint mobility and reduces discomfort, contributing to an improved quality of life.

  • Vagus Nerve Stimulation Habits MediumClinical

    By activating the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, VNS has demonstrated the ability to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. This immunomodulatory effect may lead to decreased joint inflammation and improved disease activity scores, offering a novel therapeutic approach.

  • Evening Primrose Oil Supplements LowClinical

    As an adjunct therapy, EPO's anti-inflammatory effects might offer some relief from joint pain and stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis, though more research is needed.

  • Curcumin Supplements HighTheoretical

    For individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, curcumin's profound anti-inflammatory properties can significantly reduce joint inflammation, pain, and swelling, contributing to better disease management.

  • Naturopathy Practices HighTheoretical

    Naturopathic adjunctive therapy for rheumatoid arthritis focuses on reducing inflammation and modulating the autoimmune response. Omega-3s (EPA/DHA), curcumin, boswellia, borage oil (GLA), and vitamin D show strong evidence in alleviating joint pain, stiffness, and reducing disease activity by influencing inflammatory cytokines and immune cell function (effect size d=0.6-0.8 for some agents).

  • Omega-3 Supplements HighTheoretical

    With their strong anti-inflammatory properties, Omega-3s can significantly reduce joint pain and stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis, improving overall mobility.

  • Omega-6 Supplements HighTheoretical

    Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) can help reduce joint pain and stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis due to its significant anti-inflammatory properties.

  • CrossFit Practices MediumTheoretical

    When properly modified, CrossFit training can significantly improve joint mobility, effectively reduce stiffness, strengthen supporting muscles, and notably decrease systemic inflammation in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. This contributes to better disease management and enhanced quality of life.

  • Herbalism / Phytotherapy Practices MediumTheoretical

    For rheumatoid arthritis, herbal interventions like Curcumin (from Turmeric) and Boswellia serrata offer moderate benefits by significantly reducing inflammation and modulating immune responses. They inhibit key inflammatory pathways (e.g., NF-kB, COX-2) and are supported by systematic reviews showing consistent improvements in pain, stiffness, and inflammatory markers (effect sizes d=0.5-0.8).

  • Integral Yoga Practices MediumTheoretical

    Integral Yoga effectively manages symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis by reducing systemic inflammation, improving joint flexibility and strength, and alleviating pain and stiffness, leading to moderate to large improvements in physical function and quality of life.

What to avoid (12)

  • Deep Tissue Massage Practices HighClinical

    During an acute flare-up of rheumatoid arthritis, deep tissue massage is contraindicated over affected joints as it can worsen inflammation, pain, and joint damage.

  • Iyengar Yoga Practices HighClinical

    During acute inflammatory flare-ups of rheumatoid arthritis or with severe joint destruction, Iyengar Yoga can exacerbate pain and inflammation. Rest and medical consultation are crucial.

  • Strength Training Practices HighClinical

    During an acute flare-up of rheumatoid arthritis, affected joints are inflamed and painful. Strength training in such a state can worsen inflammation, increase pain, and potentially cause joint damage. Avoid training affected joints during flares and consult your rheumatologist.

  • CrossFit Practices MediumClinical

    High-impact movements and heavy loading can severely exacerbate joint inflammation, pain, and accelerate joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis.

  • Cupping Therapy Practices MediumClinical

    If Rheumatoid Arthritis causes active skin lesions or general skin fragility (e.g., due to medication), cupping is not recommended on affected areas due to the risk of damage or exacerbation.

  • Dance/Movement Therapy Practices MediumClinical

    During active flares of Rheumatoid Arthritis, physical movement in Dance/Movement Therapy can significantly exacerbate joint inflammation, pain, and damage. Participation requires medical clearance and careful modification during remission.

  • Integral Yoga Practices MediumClinical

    During active flares of rheumatoid arthritis, avoid yoga that places stress on inflamed joints, as it can worsen pain and joint damage. Focus on gentle movement or rest.

  • Power Yoga Practices MediumClinical

    During active flares of rheumatoid arthritis, Power Yoga's strenuous movements can significantly worsen joint pain, inflammation, and long-term joint damage. Avoid this practice during flares and consult your rheumatologist for guidance.

  • Yin Yoga Practices MediumClinical

    If you have rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory joint conditions, particularly during a flare-up, practicing Yin Yoga may worsen joint inflammation and pain. Avoid deep stretches and prolonged holds during active inflammatory periods.

  • 5Rhythms Dance Practices LowClinical

    During active flares of rheumatoid arthritis, vigorous movement can worsen joint inflammation and pain, potentially leading to further damage. Consult your rheumatologist for guidance.

  • Astragalus Supplements HighTheoretical

    If you have Rheumatoid Arthritis, astragalus may not be a good choice. Its effect on the immune system could potentially worsen inflammation in your joints.

  • DHEA Supplements MediumTheoretical

    As an immune modulator, DHEA might affect the course of autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, potentially exacerbating symptoms in some cases.

Related conditions