I'm very surprised there isn't more on this topic.
Surely someone has tried alternative or natural remedies to ease their symptoms?
I was searching the web yesterday and found that studies have been done into the use of "Elks Antler Velvet" as relief for RA sufferers. Apparently it has been said to be very helpful for some people, so they decided to see if they could back up the anecdotal with science.
It has been on the market for some time already and has been used by Natives for hundreds of years. Have any members here tried it - or found something else that has been effective for you?
Have been searching some more and found this interesting:
an excerpt from this link: http://www.softecare.com/Ingredients/omega_3_rheumatoid_arth ritis.cfm
"In addition, there is considerable evidence that omega-3 fatty acids can benefit patients with rheumatoid arthritis, a severe autoimmune disease. In one study, 66 patients were randomized to receive omega-3 fatty acids or placebo. Those who received omega-3 fatty acids had clinical improvement including a decrease in the number of tender joints and other arthritic symptoms.
To study the long-term effects of supplementation with Omega-3 fatty acids in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis, ninety patients were enrolled in a 12-month, double-blind, randomized study comparing daily supplementation with either 2.6 gm of Omega-3, or 1.3 gm of Omega-3 plus 3 gm of olive oil, or 6 gm of olive oil. Significant improvement in the patient's global evaluation and in the physician's assessment of pain was observed only in those taking 2.6 gm/day of Omega-3. The proportions of patients who improved and of those who were able to reduce their concomitant arthritis medications were significantly greater with 2.6 gm/day of Omega-3"
My mother takes glucosamine and chrondritin(sp?) RELIGIOUSLY. She used to wake up in the middle of the night screaming with neck pain from RA, and her hands use to cramp and swell so bad she couldn't get her wedding ring on. Since she's been on the G&C she sleeps through the night and is even back to her gardening. It doesn't work for everyone, and the few times that I could afford the bottles (one month supply) It seemed to work pretty well.....[QUOTE=arriscolwell]My mother takes glucosamine and chrondritin(sp?) RELIGIOUSLY. She used to wake up in the middle of the night screaming with neck pain from RA[/QUOTE]
Thanks Katie - that's interesting! I was under the impression that glucosamine was aimed more at Osteoarthritis. You and your mum find it works for RA? I will keep that in mind
Have you tried the Herbalife products. They have helped me so much! I started the products in August and my over all health has improved so much. I have hope again. I was so impressed with the products that I became a distributor. If anyone is interested in more information feel free to contact me or even a different distributor. If you check my messages you will see that I posted about my problems with PMR and Prednisone. These products really have been an answer to prayer for me.
Take care.........
Hey
I have JRA and I find that taking vitamins or suppliments oraly takes a long time to start working... and they are sutble changes day to day... What really works for me to help with a major energy boost and less pain is vitamins by injection... they go in to your system right away instead of going getting absorbed by your digestive system. My naturopath gives them to me, its called a Myers cocktail. there are probably other names for them. It helps me alot, maybe it will help you too.
[QUOTE=kd_darkangel]Hey
I have JRA and I find that taking vitamins or suppliments oraly takes a long time to start working... and they are sutble changes day to day... What really works for me to help with a major energy boost and less pain is vitamins by injection... they go in to your system right away instead of going getting absorbed by your digestive system. My naturopath gives them to me, its called a Myers cocktail. there are probably other names for them. It helps me alot, maybe it will help you too.
[/QUOTE]
When you take vitamins/minerals/etc in pill form the problem is absorption, as it takes time for your body to break it down. The absorption rates are anywhere from 7% for low quality products to around 30% for higher quality products. I.E. a 100mg tablet you may actually only absorb 7 to 30mg, depending on qaulity. If you can take them in a liquid form, such as a powder mixed with water, it is more bioavailable in your body and the absorption rates can be over 90%
Hi - Yes I have tried alternative therapies. I can honestly say, acupuncture was absolutely the best. It really relieves pain, however it does not stop or help the RA factor in the blood. I have tried the chinese herbal teas and Native American herbs. They help quite a bit with detoxifying the body and I felt better internally. All of these alternative therapies are expensive, but if you can afford, I KNOW they are worth a try.
[QUOTE=arriscolwell]My mother takes glucosamine and chrondritin(sp?) RELIGIOUSLY. She used to wake up in the middle of the night screaming with neck pain from RA, and her hands use to cramp and swell so bad she couldn't get her wedding ring on. Since she's been on the G&C she sleeps through the night and is even back to her gardening. It doesn't work for everyone, and the few times that I could afford the bottles (one month supply) It seemed to work pretty well.....[/QUOTE]