Sick of Side Effects of Rheumatoid Arthritis Medication? Discover 5 Natural Alternatives

Many rheumatoid arthritis (RA) sufferers are seeking natural alternatives to traditional medications like prednisolone, Plaquenil, and methotrexate. These drugs often come with harsh side effects, leaving many patients desperate for safer and more effective solutions.

A Real-Life Success Story: Alice’s Journey

Alice, a 43-year-old mother of two, came to see me after struggling with the debilitating effects of rheumatoid arthritis. Her swollen, painful joints—affecting her ankles, knees, fingers, and hips—weren’t responding to Plaquenil. As a next step, her doctor recommended methotrexate, a chemotherapy drug. However, Alice was hesitant. She had researched the side effects and was terrified of the potential harm.

Alice’s primary goal was to manage her symptoms while caring for her young children and working part-time as a receptionist. After just three weeks of working with me, Alice’s inflammatory markers had halved. By three months, her pain had significantly reduced to a 2/10 on the pain scale, and she hadn’t experienced any flare-ups. Her life had dramatically improved.

Alice’s energy tripled, her sleep quality improved, and her brain fog cleared. She was no longer bloated or constipated. Her daily swims at the local beach became a joy again, and for the first time in years, she felt alive, not just surviving.

The Rise of Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases are becoming one of the most common reasons people seek treatment, and rheumatoid arthritis is among the fastest-growing chronic conditions in Australia. Other autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Crohn’s disease, and psoriasis, are also on the rise.

Interestingly, around 70% of the immune system is housed in the gut. This makes it essential to target the gut microbiome and digestive system when addressing autoimmune conditions. Issues such as food intolerances, gut infections, leaky gut, and nutrient deficiencies can all contribute to autoimmune dysfunction.

Dr. Scher, a well-known expert in the field, stated, “In 10 or 15 years, the microbiome will be a key therapeutic option for autoimmune diseases. While challenges remain, I don’t see why it can’t happen. This isn’t science fiction.”

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) isn’t just the wear-and-tear arthritis seen in older adults. It affects people of all ages, including children, though it is most common in women between the ages of 30 and 50.

RA occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joints, connective tissue, and organs. This leads to inflammation, pain, and eventual joint damage. Over time, this can result in crippling mobility and a significantly reduced quality of life. Without proper management, RA can shorten life expectancy by 10-15 years.

During a flare-up, simple tasks like getting out of bed, brushing your teeth, or even going to the toilet can become impossible. The goal of treatment is to reduce flare-up frequency, intensity, and duration. For many, this means giving up favorite hobbies and struggling to keep up with social obligations due to fatigue and pain.

Many individuals don’t receive an autoimmune diagnosis until years after symptoms first appear, which reduces the chances of remission. As a result, some people are forced to reduce their working hours, take time off, or even quit their jobs altogether.

Important Facts About Rheumatoid Arthritis:

• If left untreated, 60% of RA sufferers will experience permanent disability within 10 years of onset.
• Remission refers to a low level of disease activity but still involves pain and some disability due to joint damage.
• There is no cure for RA; the goal is to reduce symptoms and improve mobility.
• Chronic inflammation caused by RA increases the risk of heart disease and can also damage the lungs, nervous system, kidneys, skin, and eyes.

5 Natural Options for Rheumatoid Arthritis Relief

I’ve found that the best results come from taking a multi-faceted approach. Here are five natural options for managing rheumatoid arthritis:

1. Clean, Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Diet plays a significant role in managing rheumatoid arthritis. By eating clean, you can help reduce inflammation and support overall healing.

• Avoid processed foods, additives, and preservatives.
• Add alkalizing foods, such as greens and vegetables, and drink plenty of water.
• Incorporate anti-inflammatory foods, like leafy greens, hemp seeds, ginger, and turmeric.
• Heal the gut with bone broth (chicken or beef with veggies such as onion, carrot, and leek).
• Limit or avoid alcohol, which is often linked to flare-ups.
• Keep caffeine consumption to a maximum of one drink per day.
• Identify food intolerances through testing or elimination (gluten, dairy, nightshades, eggs, nuts).

2. Detoxification

A naturopath-supervised detox program can be extremely beneficial for reducing inflammation and improving overall health. A quality, sustainable detox lasting 6-8 weeks can significantly decrease autoimmune symptoms and inflammatory markers.

3. Manage Stress

Stress is a major trigger for inflammation. While it’s normal to experience stress, living in a constant state of stress can worsen symptoms. Effective stress-management techniques include:

• Decluttering your life and removing what’s no longer serving you.
• Practicing meditation, deep breathing, or hypnotherapy.
• Spending time in nature.
• Ensuring you get quality sleep.

4. Revitalize Your Gut

Numerous studies have shown that gut health is strongly linked to autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Given that your gut comprises around 70% of your immune system, improving gut function is key. Consider adding probiotics, prebiotics, and gut-healing foods to your diet, as well as reducing stress to support gut health.

Makes sense to start here and work outwards for real lasting results. Click here to book online for gut reset.

What I’ve realised again and again is cleaning up at the beginning means less damage control through hardcore drugs at the end.  Small things repeated often can have a powerful long term effect that’s sustainable.  Worth considering.

You can also read How to Cure Autoimmune Disease Naturally I hope it’s given you food for thought and been useful?