How to Use Aloe Vera for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation, can lead to muscle pain. The immune system mistakenly attacks the body, often targeting the membranes between the wrist and finger joints. In addition, rheumatoid arthritis can also cause pain in the neck, shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, ankles, and feet. Managing pain by controlling inflammation can help alleviate discomfort. Using aloe vera, following an anti-inflammatory diet, and making lifestyle changes can all help reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Learn about aloe vera gel and juice. Aloe vera gel is a traditional remedy for treating wounds, burns, infections, and some types of joint pain and arthritis. You can apply aloe vera gel directly to the joints or drink aloe vera juice to reduce inflammation. Aloe vera’s anti-inflammatory properties, pain-relieving effects (primarily due to its anti-inflammatory nature), and its ability to accelerate wound healing make it highly effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, aloe vera is a safe moisturizer and anti-aging ingredient.

• Aloe vera gel is the main part of the aloe vera leaf, often referred to as the "inner flesh." It contains more complex sugars than aloe vera juice, and these sugars are the key to its benefits.
• Aloe vera juice is extracted from the outer part of the leaf and also contains complex sugars.

Harvest aloe vera gel. For mature aloe vera plants, you can use a knife to cut and peel off the outer layer, then extract the inner gel. After that, use your fingers to scoop out the gel or cut off both ends of the aloe leaf and squeeze the gel out.

• If you prefer to purchase aloe vera gel, you can find it online or at stores that sell natural products. It is recommended to buy organic aloe vera without additives or preservatives.

Apply aloe vera gel to the joints. First, apply the gel to a small area to check for allergic reactions. Stop applying if you notice a rash or other issues. If there are no problems, apply the gel to the entire painful joint area. Applying aloe vera gel is similar to using a moisturizing cream. This method can provide temporary relief from rheumatoid arthritis pain. As long as the skin does not react, you can apply aloe vera gel as often as needed.

• Most people do not experience side effects when applying aloe vera gel. However, the gel may cause temporary redness, a burning sensation, or a sharp feeling with a rash (though this is rare).

Learn about the side effects of aloe vera juice and its health interactions. Reports suggest that aloe vera juice can help reduce immune responses, making it potentially useful for rheumatoid arthritis. However, if you experience cramps, diarrhea, or bloating, you should stop drinking it. Aloe vera juice may also lower blood sugar levels and interact with diabetes medications, so it is recommended not to drink it for more than 3-4 weeks. Additionally, aloe vera juice can decrease the absorption of steroid creams and lower potassium levels. Therefore, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider before combining aloe vera with any medications, both topically and in juice form.

• While no long-term studies have shown internal benefits of aloe vera, one study did find a correlation between drinking aloe vera juice and colon cancer.
• The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) does not recommend drinking aloe vera juice, advising that aloe vera gel should only be used topically.

Drink aloe vera juice. Look for organic aloe vera juice (e.g., brands like Lily of the Desert or Nature’s Way) that contains no additives or preservatives. Start with a small amount, about 60-90 ml once a day, to see how your body reacts. Then, gradually increase to 60-90 ml three times a day. Aloe vera juice has a slightly bitter taste, so it may take time to get used to it. You can add a teaspoon of honey or mix it with fruit juice to improve the taste.

• Never drink aloe vera gel, as it contains a strong laxative that can cause diarrhea.

Enhance your diet with high-quality foods. It's recommended to eat organic foods as they are free from pesticides and other chemicals like hormones and antibiotics that can increase the risk of inflammation. Moreover, it is wise to minimize processed foods and packaged items. This helps reduce the intake of additives and preservatives, substances that could trigger inflammation in some individuals. By choosing whole, complex carbohydrates over simple carbs, you ensure you're not adding to your risk of inflammatory issues.

• Try cooking your meals from whole foods. This method preserves more vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.
• The top rule is to avoid overly refined foods (such as white bread, white rice, and pasta). Opt for whole-grain bread, brown rice, and whole-wheat pasta instead.

Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables. Two-thirds of your diet should consist of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Vegetables and fruits are rich in antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation. It's best to choose fresh produce. Frozen vegetables are okay, but avoid those in heavy sauces or with added fats. Limit consumption of high-sugar fruits or overly sweet syrups. Instead, go for brightly colored fruits and antioxidant-rich vegetables, such as:

• Berries (blueberries and raspberries)
• Apples
• Plums
• Oranges
• Citrus fruits
• Leafy greens
• Squash and zucchini
• Bell peppers

Increase your fiber intake. Fiber plays a significant role in reducing inflammation. Aim for 20-35 grams of fiber daily. High-fiber foods include whole grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes, and seeds. Here are some fiber-rich foods:

• Brown rice, wheat bran, barley, oats, millet, and quinoa
• Apples, pears, figs, dates, grapes, and berries
• Leafy greens (spinach, mustard greens, chard, kale), carrots, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, bok choy, and beets
• Peas, lentils, and all types of beans (kidney beans, black beans, white beans, Lima beans)
• Pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and nuts like almonds, walnuts, cashews, and pistachios.

Limit red meat consumption. If you choose to eat red meat, opt for lean cuts, such as grass-fed beef (as it naturally has higher levels of omega-3 and omega-6) and skinless poultry. Ensure the meat comes from animals not treated with growth hormones or antibiotics, and remove all visible fat. Cutting back on meat helps reduce the intake of saturated fats. The American Heart Association recommends keeping saturated fat intake below 7% of total daily calories.

• Reduce saturated fats by avoiding margarine, butter, and lard when cooking. Instead, use olive oil or canola oil.
• The American Heart Association also advises avoiding trans fats. Read food labels carefully and avoid products with "partially hydrogenated oils". Even if the label says "0 trans fats", the product can still contain trans fats.

Incorporate fish into your diet. Fish is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation. The best sources of omega-3s include salmon, tuna, sardines, and mackerel.

• Don't forget to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Incorporate anti-inflammatory spices and herbs into your meals. Certain spices and herbs can help alleviate pain caused by arthritis. Many of them are also available as supplements (such as garlic, turmeric, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins C and E). However, it's always a good idea to consult with your doctor before using them. It's best to get these benefits through your diet rather than supplements. Herbs and spices known for their anti-inflammatory properties include:

• Garlic
• Turmeric
• Thyme
• Oregano leaves
• Cloves
• Cinnamon
• Ginger
• Chili peppers

Engage in moderate-intensity exercise. Regular physical activity helps maintain overall health, strengthen muscles, and improve bone density. A physical therapist can guide you to the most suitable exercises. Additionally, keep in mind that exercise can also include low-impact activities such as aerobics, weightlifting, walking, hiking, Tai Chi, or yoga. These exercises all promote health and flexibility.

• Maintain a balance between exercise and rest. Even when arthritis pain intensifies, it's important to rest periodically instead of staying in bed all day.

Take disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). These medications contain anti-inflammatory agents. Your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics - drugs that fight tumor necrosis factors. While the exact role of these drugs in treating arthritis remains unclear, they are often combined with anti-inflammatory medications. Alternatively, a doctor may prescribe biologics—artificially engineered proteins—alongside anti-inflammatory drugs. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and pain relievers are also used in combination with other treatments.

• DMARDs like Methotrexate can cause severe liver damage and allergic reactions. Other side effects include fever, fatigue, coughing, and difficulty breathing.

Identify the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. The first signs are joint pain, swelling, and warmth when touched. Many individuals with rheumatoid arthritis experience mild pain, joint stiffness, and even occasional "flare-ups" when symptoms worsen. Others may suffer from chronic and persistent symptoms. Early treatment can prevent joint damage, but as the disease progresses, joints and bones may deteriorate, leading to loss of function. Additional symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include:

• Fatigue, muscle pain, and stiffness that lasts at least an hour after walking or prolonged rest (in contrast to the pain and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis, which usually resolves more quickly).
• Frequent occurrences of other disorders compared to those without arthritis, such as other autoimmune diseases (like Sjogren's syndrome), vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels), anemia (reduced red blood cell count that carries oxygen to tissues), and lung disease.
• Rheumatoid nodules, which appear in about 35% of those with rheumatoid arthritis. These nodules, which resemble small bumps under the skin, typically form near the affected joints, often around the elbows. Rheumatoid nodules are usually painless, move under the skin, and vary in size, ranging from the size of a pea to as large as a lemon.

Understand the risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis. While the exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis remains unclear, the condition seems to be linked to genetic factors. It's possible that inheriting a group of genes (not just one single gene) can increase the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Hormonal and environmental factors also play a role in triggering the disease.

• Both men and women of any race or ethnicity can develop rheumatoid arthritis. However, it is more common in women than men. The risk of rheumatoid arthritis in women is 2-3 times higher than in men, typically during middle age.

Understand how rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed. Rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed based on symptoms, medical history, family history, and physical examination findings. The doctor will use the diagnostic results to create a treatment plan, with the primary goal of reducing pain by controlling inflammation and preventing joint damage. To diagnose rheumatoid arthritis, the doctor will perform:

• Tests, including X-rays or imaging of the affected joints.
• Blood tests, particularly to check for Rheumatoid Factor (RF) and other routine tests. The RF test can diagnose rheumatoid arthritis, while other tests may indicate underlying inflammation.
• Diagnostic tests to rule out other conditions that could resemble rheumatoid arthritis (such as joint infections, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), ankylosing spondylitis, which typically affects the spine and large joints, and fibromyalgia).

• Young children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers should not ingest aloe vera.