Choosing the best rheumatoid arthritis supplements may involve a bit of trial and error, as each person responds differently to these supplements. Occasionally, some vitamins or herbs may interact negatively with other medications or may be contraindicated for those with certain health conditions, making it important to check with a doctor before beginning a treatment program involving rheumatoid arthritis supplements. Some of the most commonly used supplements for this type of arthritis include borage oil, ginger, and omega-3 fatty acids. Glucosamine and chondroitin are often used to treat this condition and, when combined, are among the most popular rheumatoid arthritis supplements.
Borage oil is among the most frequently used rheumatoid arthritis supplements due to its natural anti-inflammatory properties. Joint swelling may be reduced when using this supplement on a regular basis, sometimes causing a significant enough reduction in pain that the need for over-the-counter or prescription pain medications may be reduced. Some of the possible side effects of borage oil include bleeding disorders, stomach discomfort, or damage to the liver.
Ginger is one of the most versatile rheumatoid arthritis supplements, as it may be taken as a capsule, in powder form, or used in a variety of recipes. This herb is thought to reduce inflammation, although the patient may experience greater results when taking ginger along with other anti-inflammatory herbs, such as turmeric. Most people are able to use ginger without experiencing any negative side effects, although mild symptoms such as heartburn may occur.
Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids, commonly found in certain types of fish, may be among the most helpful rheumatoid arthritis supplements. This type of supplement has been proved to reduce inflammation throughout the body and may significantly reduce the pain and swelling caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Due to product inconsistencies and a lack of official regulations ensuring the quality of fish oil supplements, a doctor or pharmacist should be consulted for advice when choosing this type of supplement. Mild gastrointestinal disturbances may occur when taking fish oil supplements, and patients who are being treated for high blood pressure should use this product only under physician supervision.
Glucosamine and chondroitin may be the most popular rheumatoid arthritis supplements. Thought to ease the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis and increase joint mobility, these supplements are relatively safe for most people and widely available in most pharmacies and grocery stores. Patients who have seafood allergies or disorders affecting the blood should consult a doctor before using these supplements.