Tag: Rheumatoid Arthritis

Effective and Safe Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis with Ayurveda

ABSTRACT

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the lining of joints (synovium). Joints inflammation over the time leads to destruction of Joints and loss of cartilages and bone erosion. RA with the symptoms duration of fewer than six months is considered as early RA and when the symptoms have been present for more than six months then it is considered as established RA. If RA is left untreated then it is progressive disease with morbidity and increased mortality. So, here we will discuss this more in detail with its ayurvedic point of view.

Rheumatoid Arthritis, autoimmune disease, Joints inflammation, Systemic Autoimmune disease, Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ayurvedic treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ayurvedic Overview, Herbal Remedies of Rheumatoid Arthritis, RA Care Pack

Introduction

Rheumatoid arthritis is a Systemic Autoimmune disease. It is characterised by inflammatory arthritis and extra-articular involvement. It is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by many factors such as genetic factors, environmental factors. RA primarily involves synovial joints. It typically starts from small peripheral joints,it is usually symmetric and progresses to involve proximal joints and then skin, heart and kidney. Joint inflammation over the time leads to destruction of joints with loss of cartilages and bone erosion. RA is a progressive disease with morbidity and increases mortality.Onset of the disease is usually from 35 to 60 years of age with remission and exacerbation.It can affect young childrens even before the age of 16 years, this is known as juvenile RA (JRA).

Causes

There is no exact cause of RA as it is an autoimmune disease. Several factors are thought to contribute to its development. That includes Genetics and environmental factors.

  • Environmental factors: Cigarette smoking, Infections
  • Sex: It is two to three times more common in women than in men.
  • Weight: If a person is overweight, their BMI is more than 25, increasing their risk of RA.
  • Hormonal factors: RA is more common in women than in men. Hormones may play a role in its development. Hormonal changes such as during pregnancy and menopause.
  • Immune Defence Dysfunction: RA is an autoimmune disease. This immune system primarily targets the synovium, the lining of the joint that causes inflammation of joints.

Signs and Symptoms

The signs in RA are:

  1. Joint pain
  2. Joint swelling, redness and feeling of warmth
  3. Morning stiffness that lasts up to 30 minutes

Other symptoms may include:

  1. Fatigue
  2. Poor appetite
  3. Fever
  4. Weight loss
  5. Sweating
  6. Dry eyes (As a result of inflammation)
  7. Chest pain (As a result of inflammation)

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of RA is basically based on symptoms, physical examinations, blood scans and imaging tests.

There is a diagnostic criteria for Rheumatoid Arthritis. It includes 4 different domains, which are as follows:

2010 ACR/EULAR Classification Criteria for RA

  • Elevated acute phase reactant (Erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR] or C-reactive protein [CRP]): 1 point
  • Number and size of the involved joints:
    • 2-10 large joints = 1 point (Shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, and ankles)
    • 4-10 small joints = 3 points
    • 1-3 small joints = 2 points (Proximal interphalangeal joints, metacarpophalangeal joints, second through fifth metatarsophalangeal joints, thumb interphalangeal joints, and wrists)
    • Greater than 10 joints (including at least 1 small joint) = 5 points
  • Serological testing for rheumatoid factor or anti-citrullinated peptide/protein antibody:
    • High positive = 3 points
    • Low positive = 2 points
  • Symptom duration of at least six weeks: 1 point

A total score greater than or equal to 6 classifies the patient as having RA.

The Blood Tests and Imaging Tests Include

1. Blood Tests

In blood tests, we look for inflammation and blood proteins (Antibodies) that are linked with RA.

  • ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate): Higher than normal value
  • CRP (C-reactive Protein) levels: Higher than normal value
  • Rheumatoid Factor: Antibody that is found in RA patients.

2. Imaging Tests

In X-rays, MRI, CT scans signs of erosions are found. If these signs don’t show up, that means RA is in early stage.

Treatment

Rheumatoid arthritis treatment includes one or more kinds of medications. And in some cases, surgery is recommended.

Medicines

  • Disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Corticosteroids
  • Biologics

Surgery

  • Knee replacement
  • Hip replacement
  • Other surgeries to correct deformity

Ayurvedic Overview

According to Ayurveda, Rheumatoid Arthritis is correlated with Amavata. Amavata is vitiation of Vata and accumulation of Ama in joints. Amavata is not only a disorder of the locomotor system, but it is also a systemic disease. It is named after chief pathogenic constituents which are Ama and Vata. The main causative factor Ama is due to malfunctioning of the digestive and metabolic system.

Causes (Nidana)

  • Viruddha Ahara (Mutually Incompatible food)
  • Viruddha Chesta (Unwholesome lifetime practices)
  • Mandagani (Low digestive fire)
  • Nischala (Sedentary life activities)

Symptoms

Initially, symptoms are like indigestion and in this condition, the disease has just begun and morbidity did not reach joints. These symptoms include:

  • Angamarda (Generalized body ache)
  • Aruchi (Anorexia)
  • Trishna (Thirst)
  • Gawrav (Heaviness)
  • Jwara (Fever)
  • Apaka (Indigestion)
  • Shinata (Numbness in body parts)

The later stage when the disease spreads to the joints, tissues, and symptoms of multiple organ and tissue damage occurs. These symptoms include:

  • Saruja souph (Painful swelling in joints)
  • Vrischik Danshwat peeda (Pain mimicking the scorpion sting)
  • Agnidaurbalya (Sluggish digestion)
  • Aruchi (Anorexia)
  • Gauravam (Heaviness in body)
  • Utsah haani (Lack of enthusiasm)
  • Shool (Pain)
  • Trishna (Thirst)
  • Chardi (Vomiting)
  • Bhram (Giddiness)
  • Murcha (Fainting)
  • Antra kunjana (Gurgling sound in abdomen)
  • Anaha (Flatulence)

Treatment

According to Ayurveda, treatment of Amavata includes Shaman Chikitsa (Pacifying therapy) and Shodhana Chikitsa (Purifying therapy).

Shaman Chikitsa (Pacifying therapy)

  • Shunthyadi Kwath (Decoction)
  • Shatyadi Kwath
  • Pippalyadi Kwath
  • Dashmool Kwath
  • Shunti-guduchi Kwath
  • Shunthi Gudda
  • Bhallatakadi Churana
  • Phalatrikadi Churana
  • Panchkola Churana

Shodhan Chikitsa (Purification therapy)

  • Langhan (Fasting)
  • Sweden (Sweating therapy)
  • Tikta, Katu Deepan (Pungent and bitter digestion support medicines)
  • Virechana (Purgation)
  • Kshara Vasti (Enema)
  • Abhyanga (Massage)
  • Pinda Sweda (Medicated powder bolus)
  • Upanaha (Poultice)

Herbal Remedies of Rheumatoid Arthritis by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a GMP-certified company. They always provide a combination of the best herbal remedies. They prepare these formulations by following proper Ayurvedic principles. All these herbal remedies are 100% pure and vegan. All these medications are prepared under the supervision of MD scholars. These medicines are safe to use as they have no side effects. Planet Ayurveda provides a combination of effective herbal remedies for rheumatoid arthritis such as RA Care Pack. This pack includes:

  1. Ashwagandha Capsules
  2. Boswellia Curcumin
  3. Aamvatantak Churna
  4. RumoGin 5 Capsules
  5. Joint Aid Plus
  6. Yograj Guggul
Rheumatoid Arthritis, autoimmune disease, Joints inflammation, Systemic Autoimmune disease, Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ayurvedic treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ayurvedic Overview, Herbal Remedies of Rheumatoid Arthritis, RA Care Pack

Products Description

1. Ashwagandha Capsules

Ashwagandha capsules are standardized extract of pure herb Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). As the name says – one that possesses the Gandha of Ashwa (smell of horse), it indicates that the herb imparts the strength of a horse. This herb helps to strengthen the immunity of the body. It is fruitful in neurological disorders and promotes overall wellness.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice a day with lukewarm water after meals.

2. Boswellia Curcumin

Boswellia Curcumin is a capsule blend of 2 herbs. It is a pure extract of Shallaki (Boswellia curcumin) and Haridra (Curcuma longa). Boswellia Curcumin is indicated in inflammatory and painful conditions and this works effectively in rheumatoid arthritis. It helps to relieve infection. It also helps to improve blood circulation and flexibility in joints.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice a day with lukewarm water after meals.

3. Aamvatantak Churna

Aamvatantak churna is a powerful powder that is a blend of herbs. The literal meaning of ‘Aam’ is endotoxins. This churna helps to digest ama (endotoxins/waste products) in the body. It contains the standardized extract of herbs – Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Meth (Trigonella Foenum graecum), Suranjan (Colchicum autumnale), Gorakhmundi (Sphaeranthus indicus), Sonth (Zingiber officinale). It helps you to improve metabolism and corrects liver functions. It also reduces local pain, stiffness, and swelling. It improves the blood flow of the effective joints.

Dosage: 1 tsp with warm water before meals.

4. RumoGin 5 Capsules

It is a capsule with pure herbal formulation. It comprises Curcumin, Saunth (Zingiber officinale), Shallaki (Boswellia serrata), Maricha (Piper nigrum), and Pippali (Piper longum). It works as an anti-inflammatory. It aids in managing Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) due to its Vata balancing nature gives relief in joint pain.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice a day with lukewarm water after meals.

5. Joint Aid Plus

It is an herbal formulation in the form of a capsule. This is a powerful blend of many wonderful herbs. It is standardized pure extract of Nirgundi (Vitex negundo), Shallaki (Boswellia curcumin), Sonth (Zingiber officinale), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), Guggulu (Commiphora mukul). As Shallaki (Boswellia curcumin) has Vata balancing nature so it gives relief in joint pain.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily with warm water, after meals.

6. Yograj Guggul

It is an Ayurvedic formulation in the form of tablets. These tablets of Yograj guggul are prepared from the herbs like Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Amla (Emblica officinalis), Pippali (Piper longum), Chavya (Piper chaba), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica) etc. All these ingredients help in maintaining proper digestion by stimulating the digestive fire. Rheumatoid arthritis can occur because of digestive problems so these herbs are very useful in RA. These herbs also work as anti-inflammatory. This classical formulation is very effective in musculoskeletal disorders. It specifically works on Vata dosha.

Dosage: 2 tablets twice daily with lukewarm water after meals.

Conclusion

Rheumatoid arthritis can be taken parallel to the Amavata in Ayurveda. Ayurveda provides the best solution for this disease. When treated with an Ayurvedic treatment schedule as described in Ayurveda according to the condition of the patient and the state of the disease, it showed the best results. Planet Ayurveda’s RA care pack has shown amazing transformation in many patients as these medications are a pure combination of the best drugs.

AYURVEDA FOR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Abstract

Feel like your good mornings aren’t that good lately? Have you been going through the morning struggle of getting those painful joints to help you out of bed? Does that morning stretch feel like a torture to your joints? Do you dread getting up after a long rest from a busy day’s work? Feel like you can’t even stop to rest? That unexplainable swelling and pain on your knees or hips getting you all worried? If you are being constantly bothered by these then it might be time for you to take a moment and give some attention to your joints because you are most likely to be suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis. Did you know that our body’s immune system could be the savior and the villain at times!! That our immune cells can attack our own body cells, tissues and organs?

Well, this is exactly what happens in auto-immune diseases like Rheumatoid Arthritis. Our immune cells attack the connective tissues of various joints in our body mostly affecting the knees, hip, joints on the fingers, etc, causing inflammation which results in swelling and pain.

 So What Causes This And Why Is Not Everyone Suffering From Rheumatoid Arthritis Even Though Everyone Has The Same Immune Mechanism

Certain individuals are genetically susceptible to such attacks from their immune system when they are exposed to environmental stimulus in the form of infections which trigger the immune system.  Although  genetic susceptibilities aren’t under our control, you can always pay attention to your lifestyle, quit smoking and rather run after your goals. Because, cigarette smoking is another important risk factor for the disease which lands you in the Orthopedic department several times with joint stiffness (which is more marked in the morning), multiple joint pain, swelling and difficulty in carrying out the daily activities.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Is Rheumatoid Arthritis The Reason For Your Bleeding Gums

Yes. Individuals suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis have a higher risk of acquiring gum disease. Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis experience gum bleeding so often during brushing, followed by their difficulty in doing the same adequately. This will lead to plaque formation and gingivitis i.e., inflammation of the gums as a result which can ultimately cause weakening of the gums and loss of tooth. Thus it’s comprehensible enough to say that episodes of gingivitis can flare up your Rheumatoid Arthritis.

What Can You Do To Prevent Bleeding Gums Prior To The Worsening Of Arthritis

Maintaining good oral hygiene is the ultimate way and in case you detect any gum disease, then prompt treatment to prevent further progression and complications. This will also help to keep the inflammatory levels from becoming worse.

Ayurveda And Autoimmune Disorders

In the pathogenesis of almost all diseases, Ayurvedic concepts are based upon the endotoxins build-up within the body tissues, forcing the body to readjust itself into acting against them. So the attack or immune responses of the body against its own cells doesn’t happen automatically but when the body is trying to clear out this cellular endotoxic content known as Ama.

Ayurveda and Amavata

Amavata is correlated with Rheumatoid Arthritis in Ayurveda. The classics have clearly mentioned the etiological factors responsible for the formation of the disease amongst which the following are important ones. Arthritis is mostly seen as occurring on a hereditary basis but in Ayurveda, the explanations indicate few other factors as well.

Are You A Victim To Incompatible Food And Regimen

There are copious food articles which we eat everyday and which have become a part of our daily chart but which are misunderstood as healthy combinations but in reality are to be recognized as Virudhaharam. In Ayurveda we contribute the idea of antagonistic food as Virudhaharam. The concept has made it amply clear that the different combinations of food seems to have the corresponding effect on our body. Some bring out the best of effect while some bring out the worst effect from within the body tissues.

Antagonistic food comes into the toxic state when they are consumed in the following situations for example, upon their untimely intake, unfavorable food to the climate, the quantity and the property of the food article etc. They seem to interrupt the cellular activities, cell nutrition and metabolic functioning of the body, And this ‘Virudha’ as the name suggests, they imparts negative effects out of the food preparations we serve our body with.

Virudha Cheshta

Virudha cheshta refers to unfavorable physical activities like a bath right after meals, constant suppression of natural urges, awakening at night, daytime sleep, and sedentary lifestyles all are minor but important physical responses that lead to endotoxin buildup in the cells.

Gotta Boost The Bio-Fire

Kayagni aka a robust bio-fire is extremely necessary to keep the metabolic reactions lively and proper within the body. The half-digested food articles that are formed as a result of mandagni leads to the further toxification of food articles getting ingested into the stomach. Mandagni can be caused due to Kapha prakopa or due to Virudha cheshta or Viruddha ahara. All of it leads to Ama build-up as well as cellular degradation paving way for tissue damage aka dhatu kshaya.

Find Time For Exercise In Your Sedentary Life

Lack of exercise and necessary corresponding physical activities to the diet and regimen you have been following will only end up in making your body weak although you might appear healthy as a horse. The truth is you need to practice healthy diet as well as you should be able to do necessary exercise to keep cellular health and to keep the energy levels in check compatible enough to maintain a healthy bio-fire and metabolism. Those who engage in physical activities will have a higher metabolic rate than people having little to no participation in the same. Sedentary habits and a sedentary lifestyle serves no good for your body.

So, What Ayurveda Do In Clearing Out This Endotoxic Content

Endotoxin build up is the ultimate reason behind the tissue degradation and the connected diseases. A build up related to a particular tissue or one of the Tridoshas can be brought to a balancing state by correcting our way of living. Sometimes our lifestyle might be the one, who is calling out the diseases into our body.

Therefore, primarily the detoxification is to be done to remove all the toxic buildup within the cells which will help in regenerating the tissues via cleansing of the body.

So, what Ayurveda does in making things better, for someone troubled with joint pain and dislocations for a long period, is by improving their lifestyle quality thereby tying a knot on the pace of joint damage.