Supplements for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Omega 3 Fatty Acids (such as fish oils, flaxseed oil and algal oil). Although you can increase your intake of Omega 3 from fish like salmon, tuna, halibut, and certain plants and nuts, if you suffer from this disease you may wish to significantly increase your intake through supplementation. Benefits of Omega 3 Fatty Acids include the decrease of inflammation as well as relief from joint tenderness and stiffness. Permanent supplementation of Omega 3 Fatty Acids will work well against this particular disease but also the rest of your body, from your heart to your blood circulation (they are mild blood 'thinners'). Make sure you buy the type derived from anchovies and similar fish and, very importantly, that it's been purified or 'distilled' (namely, that the mercury has been removed). Interestingly enough, during a holiday we bought our fish oil capsules in Italy (at a pharmacy) and it was absolutely the best omega 3 fish oil we ever took (we actually felt the difference in our body almost overnight); when we came back home we started to read the labels seeking the same good quality omega 3 fish oil.

Gamma-Linolinic acid (GLA, Omega 6 Fatty Acid) is also very useful in that it acts as a precursor to prostaglandins, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Ingredients which contain this substance are Evening Primrose oil (sold in capsules), borage oil and black currant. Make sure that you always take Omega 3 if you decide to take Omega 6: whilst you can take Omega 3 without Omega 6 (we often do), you should not take Omega 6 without Omega 3 (it will create a not-so-healthy imbalance in your body, simplistically put).

Antioxidants (from a wide range of sources, such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Beta-Carotenoids, Green Tea extract, Turmeric and Matcha powder). Useful against this disease for 2 reasons:

1 - Inflammation increases the damage that free-radicals inflict on the body (including the joints); since antioxidants help protect against free radicals, they contribute to the fight against the damage that Rheumatic diseases (because it causes inflammation).

2 - Rheumatic sufferers are often deficient in anti-oxidants, so increasing their intake is important. Vitamin E, one of the many antioxidants to be taken, has shown some pain relief properties.

Minerals like Zinc, Copper and Selenium are also beneficial against this disease in that they work in synergy with antioxidants; moreover, Rheumatism sufferers are also very often deficient in these important trace minerals.

Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) seems to be able to reduce morning stiffness and general rheumatic pain. Rheumatic patients often have lower levels of this vitamin than normal.

The oleic acid in olive oil is also beneficial against inflammation. If you use oil in your food, make sure it's extra virgin olive oil rather than other oil.