As stated in my product review policy, my reviews will always be honest. I was provided with free samples of products to review, but I was not otherwise compensated for this post.
In my experience - and from what I've seen in the wider RA community - the most effective way to get the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis under control is to make sure you being treated by a qualified rheumatologist. Your rheumatologist is the person best qualified to evaluate the impact of the disease on your joints and to offer you treatment options. Working as a team with your rheumatologist gives you the best chance to find a working treatment.
But even if you are lucky enough to find a working treatment, you may still experience some RA symptoms. Personally, that's when natural treatment options become useful for me. I take a fish oil supplement regularly and I also try to incorporate natural anti-inflammatory foods and spices into my diet when possible. I also find a lot of relief from massage and I know others who have had success with acupuncture. As long as you check with your rheumatologist to make sure natural treatments don't conflict with any medications you are taking, I think they are always worth a try.
Schwartz Bioresearch sent me a sample of their probiotic to try. While digestive issues aren't directly linked to RA, you may remember that I had issues with a stomach infection about a year ago. Once I got that infection under control, my doctor had me start taking a probiotic to help keep things more regular in the future. I also sometimes find that my stomach gets a bit upset when I have to take additional pain medications, such as NSAIDs or opioids. In general, I find that taking a probiotic really helps my digestive system feel more comfortable. It's honestly rather difficult to compare how this particular probiotic works in comparison to others I have tried, because there are so many factors that play into digestion, but so far I'm feeling pretty good about it.
I was also given a sample of their turmeric supplement. Turmeric is a yellow spice that is part of the same family as ginger. The active ingredient, called curcumin, has natural anti-inflammatory benefits. Several studies have found that people suffering from RA who consume turmeric on a regular basis experience additional relief from joint pain and inflammation. An easy way to incorporate more turmeric into your diet is to eat more curries and other Indian and Asian dishes. Or, with your doctor's approval, you could try a turmeric supplement. I had been taking an extra dose of prednisone while I was riding in the California Coast Classic, so I have been in the process of weaning down to a lower dose. I'm hoping that the turmeric supplement may provide just enough anti-inflammatory benefit to help make it possible for me to stop taking prednisone all together, and so far my weaning has been mostly successful.
Unfortunately, as useful as nutritional supplements may potentially be, they are ordinarily not covered by health insurance - and money spent on them is also not deductible - so cost can sometimes make it rather difficult to consider trying these options. For that reason I wanted to share that Schwartz Bioresearch is offering a giveaway that runs from now until November 30th. You can enter to win a $100 Amazon gift voucher that will allow you to try the products of your choice. If you are interested, you can enter the giveaway here (but please remember to check with your doctor before trying a new supplement!)
Schwartz Bioresearch sent me a sample of their probiotic to try. While digestive issues aren't directly linked to RA, you may remember that I had issues with a stomach infection about a year ago. Once I got that infection under control, my doctor had me start taking a probiotic to help keep things more regular in the future. I also sometimes find that my stomach gets a bit upset when I have to take additional pain medications, such as NSAIDs or opioids. In general, I find that taking a probiotic really helps my digestive system feel more comfortable. It's honestly rather difficult to compare how this particular probiotic works in comparison to others I have tried, because there are so many factors that play into digestion, but so far I'm feeling pretty good about it.
I was also given a sample of their turmeric supplement. Turmeric is a yellow spice that is part of the same family as ginger. The active ingredient, called curcumin, has natural anti-inflammatory benefits. Several studies have found that people suffering from RA who consume turmeric on a regular basis experience additional relief from joint pain and inflammation. An easy way to incorporate more turmeric into your diet is to eat more curries and other Indian and Asian dishes. Or, with your doctor's approval, you could try a turmeric supplement. I had been taking an extra dose of prednisone while I was riding in the California Coast Classic, so I have been in the process of weaning down to a lower dose. I'm hoping that the turmeric supplement may provide just enough anti-inflammatory benefit to help make it possible for me to stop taking prednisone all together, and so far my weaning has been mostly successful.
Unfortunately, as useful as nutritional supplements may potentially be, they are ordinarily not covered by health insurance - and money spent on them is also not deductible - so cost can sometimes make it rather difficult to consider trying these options. For that reason I wanted to share that Schwartz Bioresearch is offering a giveaway that runs from now until November 30th. You can enter to win a $100 Amazon gift voucher that will allow you to try the products of your choice. If you are interested, you can enter the giveaway here (but please remember to check with your doctor before trying a new supplement!)
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