All health issues are unpleasant.
Aren't they?
Arthritis is one of these appalling and discomforting health concerns that a large proportion of the world is experiencing.
Would you believe us, if we say there are more than 100 types of arthritis?
Unfortunately, it is true.
Today, We will cover a significant topic related to Rheumatoid arthritis, a recurrent type of arthritis that patients complain the most. You will also come to know about the difference between two major types of RA- Seropositive and Seronegative RA, indicating the role of antibodies along with some natural ways to obtain Rheumatoid arthritis relief.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
It is an auto-immune joint disorder that adversely affects the joints, especially fingers, hands, wrists, elbows, knees, and toes. It is a condition where our immune system mistakenly starts harming healthy cells instead of foreign substances.
In Ayurveda, it is known as “Amavata Roga” caused by the accumulation of Ama (toxins) in the joints. When these toxins are not eliminated throughout the body, they tend to create problems such as joint pain, stiffness, redness, fever, or anemia.
Types of RA
On the basis of the presence of antibodies, Rheumatoid Arthritis can be categorised into two subtypes, namely;
- Seropositive (+)
- Seronegative (-)
Often people confuse Seropositive RA with Seronegative RA because both types share almost similar symptoms. However, there is one more type of Rheumatoid arthritis, called Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) but it is different from the former two types. It (JIA) mainly affects children whereas Seropositive and Seronegative are commonly found in adults.
Seropositive Rheumatoid Arthritis:
If your blood tests show high levels of antibodies called anti-cyclic citrullinated peptides (anti-CCPs), anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs), or RF (Rheumatoid factor), then you are experiencing Seropositive Rheumatoid arthritis. It shows that your body may be producing an immune reaction to the normal tissues.
However, the presence of RF can be due to some other medical complications, such as infection, or viruses. It is the anti-CCP antibody that is more specific for RA diagnosis.
Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis
The absence of mentioned antibodies (Anti-CCPs/ ACPAs, or RF) in the blood, indicates Seronegative Rheumatoid arthritis. Apart from the test, clinical symptoms, reports, X-rays, and other laboratory tests are also taken into account in the diagnosis of Seronegative RA.
Seronegative RA is comparatively less common than Seropositive one. Around 60-80% of patients with Rheumatoid arthritis have antibodies, or RF in their blood, depicting Seropositive type RA.
However, we can not consider that the Seronegative form is a milder form, or less painful. Proper action & medical care are pivotal for the timely diagnosis and treatment of both- Seronegative as well as Seropositive Rheumatoid arthritis.
Symptoms:
The symptoms of Seropositive and Seronegative RA are quite similar. Below are some common symptoms and complications that patients with this auto-immune disorder generally experience;
- Pain, redness, and swelling in the joints.
- Stiffness in the joints. (especially after waking up in the morning)
- Inflamed joints, causing difficulty while moving.
- Deterioration of the joint cartilage.
- Lumps or nodules underneath the skin closer to the joint area.
- Weakness, or weight loss.
- Fatigue, fever, anaemia.
- Deformity in rare cases.
Consult a doctor, or healthcare professional, if you are experiencing any of the mentioned symptoms. You can also consult with our Ayurvedic practitioners, who will provide you with Rheumatoid arthritis relief based on personalised treatment plans and herbal medications.
Ayurvedic Management of Seropositive and Seronegative RA
Ayurveda- a holistic approach to healing has been used by our forefathers since ages to get rid of diseases. It ensures relief using certain natural measures such as dietary transitions, herbal remedies, yoga, and meditation.
Numerous patients of RA have benefited by holding the hands of Ayurveda all over the world. Additionally, it is free from side effects, thus providing a safe medicinal approach to kids, youngsters, women, and aged people equivalently.
Below is detailed information on what comes under Ayurvedic treatment for Seropositive and Seronegative Rheumatoid arthritis;
Ayurvedic Herbs
Mother Nature has helped us in several ways. One of these blessings is available in the form of herbs. Herbs are naturally derived substances, available in the form of leaves, seeds, roots, fruits, spices and pastes.
Easy to avail and extremely useful, these herbs provide long-term relief to the users and are also free from side effects. Below is a list of some potent herbs that can be used for yielding Rheumatoid arthritis relief:
| Common Name | Ayurvedic Name | Scientific Name | |
| 1. | Turmeric | Haridra | Curcuma longa |
| 2. | Ginger | Shunti | Zingiber officinale |
| 3. | Garlic | Lasuna | Allium sativum |
| 4. | Cumin | Jeera | Cuminum cyminum |
| 5 | Kundur | Shallaki | Boswellia serrata |
| 6 | Holy basil | Tulsi | Ocimum tenuiflorum |
| 7. | Giloy | Guduchi | Tinospora cordifolia |
| 8. | Cloves | Lavang | Syzygium aromaticum |
| 9. | Cinnamon | Tvak | Cinnamomum verum |
| 10. | Fennel seeds | Saunf | Foeniculum vulgare |
| 11. | Fenugreek | Methi | Trigonella foenum-graecum |
| 12. | Indian winter cherry | Ashwagandha | Withania somnifera |
Dietary Adjustments
Your mind and body are influenced directly by the food you consume. You can only dream of good health if your diet is not satisfactory or lacks the required nutrients. A healthy diet is not only good but also necessary for the growth and survival of the human body.
RA Pacifying Diet
- Water-rich Fruits: Papaya, Apple, Kiwi, Orange, Avocado, Pomegranate, Cherries, Raspberries, and Grapes.
- Green Vegetables: Bitter Gourd, Zucchini, Lotus cucumber, Elephant yam, Beetroot, and Mushroom.
- Natural Herbs: Turmeric, Ginger, Garlic, Ashwagandha, Guggulu, Neem, Cinnamon, Clove, Fenugreek, and Fennel seeds.
- Cow’s Clarified Butter: Only Cow’s Clarified Butter (Make sure it is chemical-free and prepared naturally.)
- Soaked Dry fruits: Almonds, Walnuts, Pistachios, Flaxseed, Chia seeds, and Foxnuts.
Dietary Precautions for RA
- Junk, Frozen, and Stale food items: Burger, Pizza, Biscuits, Bread, Chips, Frozen Peas, corn and under, or overcooked food items.
- Gluten: Whole wheat flour, Bread, Pasta, Cereal, noodles, and Beer.
- High-fat dairy products: Milk, Yogurt, Butter, Cheese, Mawa, Sweets, or ice cream.
- Non-vegetarian: Eggs, Chicken, Mutton, Fish, and all types of Seafood.
- Foods high in Sugar and Soda: Jam, Candies, Cold drinks, Alcohol, Cakes, Pies, Cookies, and Donuts.
You must read If Rheumatoid Arthritis is troubling you, follow the dietary modifications
Panchakarma
Panchakarma is a prominent branch of Ayurveda that mainly focuses on detoxifying and cleansing the whole body from outside and within to promote ultimate health. It is based on certain rejuvenating therapies that eliminate the accumulated toxins and initiate internal healing of the body.
Natural herbs, ointments, and pastes are the mere ingredients of the Panchakarma treatment. All these substances are derived from nature directly without any adulteration. Being already powerful and additionally natural, these elements pluck the root causes of the disease to ensure permanent relief to the patient.
Abhyanga is an integral part of the Panchakarma procedure that has been considered best for ensuring Rheumatoid arthritis relief. It involves a gentle massage of the whole body using lukewarm cow’s ghee, or herbal oils. It improves blood circulation in the body and also reduces the inflammation and pain of the joints.
Yoga
Have you heard the phrase “yoga se hi hoga”?
We support it to all extent. Yoga is an ancient way of establishing a smooth balance between the mind, body, and soul.
It originated in India, but now it has gained popularity all over the world due to its healing nature. It has become an integral part of the medical approach whether it is Ayurvedic, Homoeopathic, Unani, or Allopathic.
BEST YOGA ASANAS FOR RA PATIENTS SUGGESTED BY EXPERTS:
- Bhujangasana (COBRA POSE)
- Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (BRIDGE POSE)
- Vrikshasana (TREE POSE)
- Paschimottanasana (SEATED FORWARD BEND)
- Trikonasana (TRIANGLE POSE)
- Padmasana (LOTUS POSE)
Try these yoga asanas on a routine basis. It will surely help you to get rid of rheumatoid arthritis by promoting joint mobility and flexibility. Remember, never force your body, perform these asanas as per your body's nature and capacity.
Meditation
We believe that physical and mental health are the two-wheelers of life that keep it smooth-running. Patients of Rheumatoid arthritis often experience episodes of psychological discomfort, anxiety, and distress. The key to removing these complications is meditation.
Meditation relieves stress hormones from the body, and makes the mind calm and at peace. Try meditating for 10-15 minutes daily to accelerate your healing process.
Take Away
If you or any of your known is experiencing constant episodes of joint pain, stiffness, or any of the mentioned symptoms, then do not delay any more. Consult a healthcare expert, or Ayurvedic doctors for limiting the raging of rheumatoid arthritis at initial stages.
Be wise! Choose Ayurveda! Stay Healthy!
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