Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms And Natural Pain Relief

Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms are very painful and can affect anyone at any age. But simple, highly effective natural rheumatoid arthritis pain relief is possible.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a form of arthritis causing swelling, stiffness, pain and limited movement in the joints - mainly a person's wrists and fingers. However, RA is very different from osteoarthritis, which often comes with older age.

While the cause of RA is unknown, it's clear that healthy lifestyle changes and a good rheumatoid arthritis diet can slow or even stop joint damage and greatly reduce the pain.

Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

RA is more prevalent among women than men. It generally starts between the ages 25 and 50 and the rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can come and go. Or, they may last for only a short period of time. However the severe form of RA can last a lifetime.

The symptoms usually begin with pain, inflammation and stiffness in the joints of fingers, hands and wrists. These joints may become swollen, tender and warm to the touch.

Loss of appetite, sleeplessness, fatigue and depression are also common symptoms.

RA is an autoimmune disease. This means that it's the result of an immune system breakdown, where the body attacks it's own tissues. Rheumatoid arthritis can therefore affect other body parts besides joints, such as the eyes, mouth and lungs.

If measures aren't taken to safely manage RA, it can spread throughout the body causing permanent damage and severely limited range of motion. However, the unsafe painkillers usually prescribed for RA, such as Aleve, Vioxx and Bextra, etc, provide only risky, temporary pain relief and do NOT strengthen the immune system.

To control the spread of the disease, it's important to begin immediately to safely manage the pain and inflammation and to naturally strengthen the immune system.

Natural Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain Relief

As more and more evidence proves that lifestyle changes and a good rheumatoid arthritis diet can both help prevent the disease and provide symptom relief, a more holistic approach is being taken and people with RA are living happier, healthier lives.

Although any kind of exercise may be the last thing on a person's mind when they're experiencing pain, exercise is essential for improved range of motion and for strong, healthy bones and muscles. Moderate exercise such as walking, swimming and yoga are excellent ways to stay active with a minimum of stress.

For immune building phytonutrients and essential fiber, include more colorful vegetables, fruits and whole grains in your diet. And since cold water fish is nature's richest source of anti-inflammatory omega 3 oil with EPA and DHA, add more fresh fish, such as salmon.

Also, cut back on red meat. People who eat red meat daily have twice the risk of arthritis as those who eat red meat no more than twice a week or not at all.

Drink lots of pure, clean water - at least eight glasses a day.

And since excess weight puts extra stress on the joints, particularly the hips and knees, it's important to reach and maintain a healthy weight by reducing calories, eliminating high glycemic carbohydrates and keeping fat intake below 30% of calories.

Supplements for Rheumatoid Arthritis

The key to effective natural rheumatoid arthritis control and management is basically the same as it is for getting healthy and preventing any degenerative disease.

In the case of RA, begin by avoiding injury and reducing stress, fatigue and depression as much as possible. Then get healthy and fit with moderate exercise and a good rheumatoid arthritis diet that includes whole food supplements, particularly fish oil.