Complementary And Alternative Medicine For Rheumatoid Arthritis Syndrome

Controlling the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis syndrome is not restricted to changes in lifestyle, medications and behavioral therapies. There are several current treatment regimens that make use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine.  However, seek your Rheumatologist’s advice before attempting any new therapy because when it comes to illness  and medicine, what you don’t know–especially when it comes to alternative therapies–can often be deadly.

Since many conventional treatments do not guarantee absolute success, alternative medicine, for most people, prove to be very attractive treatment options. Below are some of the most common complementary and alternative treatments used in relieving patients from the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis Syndrome.

Ginseng In Asia, ginseng is a popular herbal treatment for fatigue as well as in increasing energy which to a large extent is precisely what many early stage sufferers of RA need. It turns out, the claims around this ancient energy booster herb hold water even when tested through contemporary research. Based on the study conducted by the University of Iowa,  ginseng is among the more reliable and effective herbs for the chronic fatigue often suffered by victims of RA. An independent study conducted in California further proved that ginseng is a powerful herb for treating the chronic fatigue which often results from a diagnosis of Rheumatoid
Arthritis.

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NADH) In a pioneering study conducted among chronic fatigue patients, it was proven that Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, more commonly known as NADH, helps in providing extra energy for patients with chronic fatique, including those suffering with RA.

Carnitine is a substance found in almost all living cells, and has the main function of transporting fatty acids to the powerhouse or the mitochondria of cells. This substance, in a way, is instrumental in the production of cellular energy. Carnitine supplements can be helpful to Rheumatoid Arthritis suffers who need to cope with chronic fatigue since it is found out that among these people, Carnitine levels are very low which is linked to some types of pain, muscle fatigue and decreased tolerance to physical exertion. Supplementation, therefore, can help fix low Carnitine levels.

Carnitine supplements, in general, work well with patients of Rheumatoid Arthritis Syndrome. However high dosage of these supplements may lead to side effects such as diarrhea, rashes, increased appetite and body odor.

Coenzyme Q10 or Co Q10 This is another compound that is found in the energy-producing organelle of the cells- the mitochondria. It is known to play roles in the production of ATP, a chemical compound which produces energy used during muscle contraction.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) DHEA is a type of hormone that is released by the adrenal glands. Small quantities of DHEA are also found in the testes and the ovaries where it is converted into testosterone and estrogen. This hormone plays a great deal in the regulation of sleep, moods and memory. With Rhemautoid Arthritis, this hormone is sometimes found in abnormally lower levels. In these cases, supplements are therefore needed to normalize these levels.

However there are downsides to using DHEA supplements. Since this hormone is converted into testosterone and estrogen, conditions that are controlled by these hormones may be affected. It is therefore very important that DHEA supplements are used only with doctor’s prescription and supervision.

The alternative treatments and therapies discussed above are potentially helpful in relieving or ameleoriating the chronic fatigue often suffered by those diagnoised with Rheumatoid Arthritis. However, it should be remembered that although these come from natural sources, the “natural” factor does not guarantee that the
substance is safe. These substances can potentially interfere with other medications and may pose serious danger to the health of individuals who are taking them without sufficient professional assistance.

So once again, I cannot stress strongly enough.  Rheumatoid Arthritis can be a deadly serious degenerative disease, if you are diagnoised with RA find a reputable Rheumatologist and follow his advice to the letter.  Your life–or at the very least–your quality of life can depend on it!

Smiles and Good Health,

Teresa Thomas Bohannon

PS Be sure to visit us scroll down to check out all the latest news, information, and tools for living a long healthy life once you have been diagnosed  with Arthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.