Did you know that homeopathy is one of the most popular alternative medicine treatments in the United States? And its FDA approved.

Homeopathy is based on the idea a person can use very small amounts of a disease-causing substance to help treat the same symptoms a larger amount of the same substance causes. It sounds confusing, but it’s a lot like the theory of getting a vaccination so you don’t get a disease later on.

One reason why homeopathy has become such a popular alternative medicine treatment for those with rheumatoid arthritis is because there are no side effects. Some people who use homeopathy also find that they are able to slowly reduce the amount of rheumatoid arthritis medication they’re taking.

Homeopathy may be a good alternative medicine treatment for your rheumatoid arthritis. I will help you see how homeopathy may fit into a therapy designed just for you and your rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and pain.

Steps to Improve Your Health

Dr. Steven Dell

Today, many sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis are turning to alternative medicines like medicinal oils as a treatment for their rheumatoid arthritis pain. This is something you may want to consider because…these oils, if taken properly, have no risky side effects.

Here’s what you should know about the 4 oils that rise to the top:

• Fish Oil:

o Reduces rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and improves tolerance to cold exposure.

• Primrose Seed Oil:

o Relieves rheumatoid arthritis symptoms like joint tenderness.

• Borage Seed Oil:

o Like primrose seed oil, it relieves rheumatoid arthritis symptoms like joint tenderness, but is more potent than primrose seed oil so you can take less.

• Flaxseed Oil:

o May reduce inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis.

You may recognize turmeric as a spice widely used in Indian cuisine. But did you know turmeric is also becoming a popular alternative medicine treatment for rheumatoid arthritis?

The yellow-colored turmeric powder comes from the root of the turmeric plant, and it’s what gives curry powder and mustard their bright yellow color.

To understand why turmeric works, it’s important to know what it can do for you.

For starters, turmeric is extremely rich in antioxidants. Some, like vitamins C and E, I’m sure you’re familiar with. But turmeric also contains some lesser-known powerful antioxidants like curcumin.

Antioxidants have a huge impact on your rheumatoid arthritis and we will look at this topic in great length. Stay tuned!

Now that you know what turmeric is and why you can use it as an alternative medicine treatment for your rheumatoid arthritis, let’s take a look at how much turmeric you should take.

It’s important to discuss with your doctor your interest in taking turmeric to treat your rheumatoid arthritis and any potential interactions with the drugs you are on. But, here’s the problem. Most doctors I know are not aware of turmeric’s value in rheumatoid arthritis. So…don’t be surprised if you don’t get much support.

So, now we know fish oils are a good alternative medicine treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.

But how do you know what to take?

The usual dose is 2,000 - 4,000 mg per day of EPA/DHA, which is the main ingredient in fish oil. I recommend you look for high potency capsules so you can take fewer capsules each day.

If you opt to take cod liver oil, the old fish oil standby, make sure it doesn’t contain vitamins A or D because these vitamins can be toxic in large doses.

Also…most of the time, unless you have a “wellness spending account”, your health insurance will not pay for these alternative medicines. The cost of this alternative medicine treatment averages about $35-45 a month.

Keep in mind you have to be very careful about the company you buy them from. The worst thing you can do is take bad oils.

Stay tuned as I help you continue to discover how fish oils fit into an overall supplementation program for rheumatoid arthritis.

Steps to Improve Your Health

Dr. Steven Dell

Okay…. We’ve looked at how fish oils work, and how to add fish oils to your overall supplementation program for your rheumatoid arthritis.

Now, let’s review a couple of other things that are good to know if you are using fish oil as an alternative medicine treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.

Once you start taking fish oil, it’s important to allow 3 months for the fish oil to work. With any alternative medicine treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, don’t worry about evaluating its effectiveness for at least 90 days.

Also, very rarely, some people experience gas or an upset stomach when they begin taking fish oil. You might want to start out taking a smaller dose of fish oil and work your way up to the recommended dose of 2000 - 4,000 mg per day to reduce the chance of getting an upset stomach.

If you get a “fishy” reflux, try freezing the capsules before you take them. If this doesn’t work…switch brands.

Stay tuned as I continue to help you discover new alternative medicine treatments and supplementation programs for your rheumatoid arthritis.

Steps to Improve Your Health

Dr. Steven Dell

Dealing with stress can be tough, but it can be even tougher when you’re also trying to manage your rheumatoid arthritis.

Let’s take a look at some easy and effective ways to manage your stress while suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

The first step you need to take in learning how to manage your stress is to identify what really matters. A lot of times, we end up getting stressed over things that just aren’t that important. Learning to identify what’s really important to you is the first step in successfully managing your stress.

Exercise is another great way to manage both your stress and your rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Exercises like walking and swimming are great stress releasers, and they’re also easy on your joints. Gradually work yourself up to 60 minutes of low intensity exercise per day, moving at a pace where you can breathe through your nose. This amount of movement is the gold standards for health. You will sleep better and battle another symptom of stress – sleeplessness!

You now know adding deep paced breathing can be a great alternative medicine treatment for your rheumatoid arthritis symptoms like depression and stress. Now let’s take a look at how to add a great alternative medicine treatment like deep paced breathing to your daily routine.

We’re going to take a look at 2 different deep paced breathing techniques that are great alternative medicine treatments for your rheumatoid arthritis:

• Simple Deep Breathing

Simple Deep Breathing is the most basic form of deep paced breathing.

To begin Simple Deep Breathing the first thing you need to do is exhale completely.

Once you get all the air out of your lungs, your body will be ready to inhale fully.

Breathe in slowly through your nose, counting to 5.

As you do, your belly will expand.

Hold the breath in for 2 seconds, and exhale slowly while counting to 5 again.

Close your eyes and repeat.

Your body will begin to relax and de-stress.

• 3 Part Breathing

If you are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, I’m sure you understand how joint damage, pain, stiffness and fatigue caused by your rheumatoid arthritis can prevent you from doing many of your daily activities.

Ordinary activities like buttoning your shirt, brushing your hair, or starting your car can be difficult to do. Rheumatoid arthritis sufferers know all to well how these simple, everyday activities can become frustrating and challenging.

But, people with rheumatoid arthritis may be able to find some relief from their frustration and some assistance in their ev