RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS- FOR A HEALTHIER YOU ANGELA CARMER-HANSEN KAPLAN UNIVERSITY UNIT 4 HW499 PROFESSOR HENNINGSEN
HISTORY ON ARTHRITIS Arthritis has been known to mankind since ancient times. Very little was known about the disease except signs and symptoms. References to arthritis are found in texts at least as far as 4500 BC. A text dated 123 AD first describes symptoms that appear similar to rheumatoid arthritis. Before the 1600’s the disease was rare, but then spread across the Atlantic during the Age of Exploration. One of the most important publications on arthritis was by William Musgrave called the De Arthritide Symptomatic in Arthritis History, 2012
R HEUMATOID A RTHRITIS AND C OMPLEMENTARY H EALTH A PPROACHES Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a health condition that causes pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of function in the joints and is often very painful and can cause swelling. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory autoimmune disease, a type of condition in which the immune system, which normally protects the body by fighting infections and diseases, instead targets the body. People with RA are also encouraged to make lifestyle changes such as balancing activity with rest, eating a healthy diet, and reducing emotional stress. Many patients with arthritis use magnets as a complementary treatment for pain. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health-Rheumatoid Arthritis and Complementary Health Approaches (2013)
CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT OF RA Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to slow the progress of the disease Other treatments include surgery, physical therapy, modified exercise programs, and devices that ease physical stress on the joints, such as splints. Corticosteroid medications, such as prednisone, reduce inflammation and pain and slow joint damage. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health-Rheumatoid Arthritis and Complementary Health Approaches (2013)
SCIENTIFIC STUDIES ON COMPLEMENTARY HEALTH APPROACHES Results from clinical trials suggest that some mind and body practices, such as relaxation, mindfulness meditation, tai chi, and yoga, help people with RA manage their symptoms and therefore may be beneficial additions to conventional treatments. Yoga incorporates several elements of exercise that may be beneficial for arthritis, including activities that may help improve strength and flexibility. Researchers found that tai chi improved muscle strength and endurance, but there was no evidence that it reduced disease activity or pain. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health-Rheumatoid Arthritis and Complementary Health Approaches (2013)
YOGA, TAI CHI, AND MEDITATION
DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS Clinical trials on RA have found that fish oil supplements may help to relieve tender joints and morning stiffness. Frankincense produce a resin that has shown anti- inflammatory and immune system effects in laboratory and animal studies, but no rigorous clinical trials in people with RA have been conducted. Several recent studies show that turmeric has anti- inflammatory properties and modifies immune system responses. A 2006 study showed turmeric was more effective at preventing joint inflammation than reducing joint inflammation. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health-Rheumatoid Arthritis and Complementary Health Approaches (2013)
DIET FOR RA Following a diet, low in processed foods and saturated fat and rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts and beans is great for your body. Health authorities like the American Heart Association and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommend three to four ounces of fish, twice a week. Omega-3s is a good source of anti-inflammatory. Fruits and vegetables are loaded with antioxidants. These potent chemicals act as the body’s natural defense system, helping to neutralize unstable molecules called free radicals that can damage cells. Plus they are yummy! Arthritis Foundation (2015)
RA All photos by google.com
REFERENCES Arthritis History (2012) Retrieved on 02/24/15 from History.aspxhttp:// History.aspx Arthritis Foundation (2015) The Ultimate Arthritis Diet Retrieved on 02/24/15 from do/eating-well/arthritis-diet/the-arthritis-diet.phphttp:// do/eating-well/arthritis-diet/the-arthritis-diet.php Photos by National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Rheumatoid Arthritis and Complementary Health Approaches (2013) Retrieved on 02/24/15 from