Rheumatoid arthritis causes symptoms treatment & diet

AILMENTS OF JOINTS, GLANDULAR & METABOLIC PROCESSES

This section contains the details of eight most commonly complained diseases affecting the joints, as well as the glandular and the general metabolic processes.

These are detailed in the following sub-sections:

(1) Rheumatoid arthritis;
(2) Rheumatism;
(3) Obesity;
(4) Lumbago;
(5) Gout;
(6) Goitre;
(7) Diabetes; and
(8) Cervical spondylitis.

Let’s now analyze each one in details:

1. RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Rheumatoid arthritis is a painful progressive ailment. The joints become swollen. Rheumatoid arthritis requires immediate attention.

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS SYMPTOMS

In the initial stages, the finger joints are affected. Gradually, the small muscles in the hand fall prey to the ailment. As a consequence thereof, the fingers curve inside and finally stay fixed.

Next, the infection spreads to the trunk. The areas most prone to the ailment are the knee joints, waist, hips, shoulders, and the jaw besides the joints in the wrist, ankle, elbows and the knees. In extreme cases, the spine also becomes affected.

The cartilages, synovial membrane, ligaments and the muscles get inflamed.

One experiences acute pain while moving the joints.

One may also experience difficulty while making any movements.

ANKYLOSIS

If Rheumatoid Arthritis goes unchecked, it can also lead to ‘Ankylosis’. It occurs when the joints remain immobilized or are not used for a long period. This may ultimately cause deformity.

DIETARY REGIMEN

Drink as much water you can.

Regularly consume bitter vegetables. Mention may be made of neem flowers, drumsticks, and bitter gourd.

The patient should regularly consume ginger and garlic.

Give at least five cloves of garlic to the person concerned twice daily. He/she can have it along with other food items as well. The garlic can be slightly fried in cow’s ghee prior to consumption.

WHAT NOT TO EAT

• Shun rice, sour things and fried food items.
• Similarly, avoid those items that cause constipation.
• Also don’t eat food items prepared with pulses.

POINTS TO REMEMBER

• Stay away from sexual intercourse.
• Don’t sleep immediately after supper.
• If you have your supper around 7 O’ clock, you can retire for the night at around 10 O’ clock.
• Avoid bathing in cold water.
• Don’t expose yourself to rain or cold wind.
• You must never drink cold water as well.

TAKE REST BUT MOVE THE JOINTS

Yes, that’s true! Owing to inflammation, you may not be able to make much movement. In other words, you will badly need rest. However, do move your joints whenever you can. It is important to keep them active. But, don’t overwork.

AYURVEDIC TREATMENTS

There are four Ayurvedic medications to cure Rheumatoid Arthritis. These are Maharasanadi kwattha, Brihadvata chintamani, Mahayogaraj guggulu, and Mahanarayana taila.

MAHARASANADI KWATTHA

Maharasanadi kwattha is a decoction. It is given along with Brihadvata chintamani and Mahayogaraj guggulu. This combination of three medications is prescribed to patients suffering from chronic Rheumatoid Arthritis.

The dose: Six teaspoonfuls of the medications should be first slightly warmed and then tendered to the patient twice daily.

BRIHADVATA CHINTAMANI, MAHAYOGARAJ GUGGULU

Brihadvata chintamani, Mahayogaraj guggulu should be prescribed only when the patient does not suffer from constipation. Hence, constipation should be first cured. To cure this condition, the patient needs to be given castor oil every evening. It acts as a purgative. Castor oil is an ideal therapeutic medicine for the joints of the patient.

Brihadvata chintamani is prescribed to patients who suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis of the spine. The dose is of six teaspoonfuls (0.250 gm) of Brihadvata chintamani thrice daily. This high dose needs to be taken for at least a week. It can be mixed with honey. Subsequently, the dose can be reduced.

Mahayogaraj guggulu is the medication that is prescribed to the patient at the beginning. After taking the pills, the patient should be given hot milk or water. The pills must be taken on an empty tummy.

The dose: In summer, the patient should take two tablets twice daily. On the other hand, in winter, the dose is of two pills for times daily.

MAHANARAYANA TAILA

Mahanarayana taila is used for spreading lightly over the inflamed joints. However, don’t massage. During the wintry season, one should warm the oil before applying to the body.