People
About 1.5 million people in the United States have rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Nearly three times as many women have the disease as men. In women, RA most commonly begins between ages 30 and 60. In men, it often occurs later in life.
 
What Are The Symptoms?
The severity of the disease can vary from person to person. Symptoms can change from day to day. Sudden increases in symptoms and illness are called flares. A flare can last for days or months. Key rheumatoid arthritis symptoms are pain, fatigue and warm, swollen, reddish joints. Long periods of joint stiffness in the morning are common. Inflammation in the small joints of the wrist and hand is typical. If a joint on one side of the body is affected, the same one on the other side is usually affected, too.
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What Are The Treatment Options?
There is no cure for RA, but there are a number of medications available to help ease symptoms, reduce inflammation, and slow the progression of the disease. No one drug works for everyone but many people find treatments that are very effective. The goal of treatment is remission, a state when inflammation is gone or is very low. A doctor, likely a rheumatologist – a specialty doctor who treats people with arthritis – should monitor your levels of disease activity, or inflammation, on a regular basis through exams and blood tests that reveal how well treatment is working. The doctor may add or change your medications or adjust the dosage after a few months, if the disease is still active. 
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Self-care
Self-management is an important part of rheumatoid arthritis care. Staying physically active is the key to keeping joints flexible. Too little movement can lead to joint stiffness. Strong muscles protect joints. Overall fitness improves health in many ways. Managing your weight, eating a nutritious diet and getting a good balance of rest and activity each day are important, too.
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Rheumatoid Arthritis Diet
 
Diet won’t cure rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but the right food choices can help by controlling the inflammation, delivering nutrients your body needs and helping you maintain a healthy weight. That’s important because excess weight adds to pressure on achy joints and can make certain RA meds less effective. What’s more, body fat produces proteins called cytokines that promote inflammation.
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Aim to eat a healthy diet with:

• Lots of whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. They should make up two-thirds of your plate.

• Low-fat dairy and lean proteins, which should make up one-third

• Small amounts of saturated and trans fats

• A little sugar

• Limited alcohol

 
Fruits

• Citrus fruits: Oranges, grapefruit, lemon and limes are good source of vitamin C and a source of inflammation fighting antioxidants. Consult with your doctor before consuming citrus fruits if you are on Methotrexate.

• Blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, cranberries, raspberries are rich in anti-oxidants.

• Avocados

• Watermelon

 
Fish oil 
The polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids found in fish have potent anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-3 fats seem to work better for rheumatoid arthritis than for osteoarthritis, most likely because rheumatoid arthritis is mainly driven by inflammation.
When you buy fish oil, make sure the supplement lists the EPA and DHA content, and that you take at least one gram each of EPA and DHA. These are the omega-3 forms that have the majority of the health benefits.
 
Curcumin 
In the body, it acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, blocking the same inflammation-promoting enzyme as the COX-2 inhibitor drug, celecoxib. 
A 1,500 mg daily dose of curcumin extract can be as effective as 1,200 mg a day of ibuprofen, without the gastrointestinal side effects. This supplement also appears to relieve RA swelling and tenderness. 
One downside to curcumin is that it’s hard for the body to absorb. “You want to take it with a source of fat. Some of the supplements will be in an oil base, which is really important.
In addition, some medicinal herbs can help you manage or even minimize uncomfortable symptoms.
It’s important to note that you should never use herbs or supplements in place of standard medical care for RA. Always consult with your doctor before starting on any supplement, as some can pose harmful interactions with medications.
 
Ginger
Aim for taking 1,500 milligrams (mg) of ginger daily. Try stir-frying a chicken or veggie dish with chopped fresh ginger, eating fresh pickled ginger, or adding grated ginger to soups or smoothies.
 
Thyme
A fragrant herb that has high antioxidant capabilities. A sprig of fresh thyme or the fresh leaves can be flavorful additions to meat, poultry, bean, tomato, or egg dishes, as well as soups and stews.
 
Turmeric
Besides having anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric and curcumin (the active ingredient that gives turmeric its yellow color) also have analgesic effects.
Want to try turmeric? Add it to soups, stews, and curry dishes. Helpful hint: Combining turmeric with black pepper helps your body absorb the yellow spice even better
 
Green Tea
Treat yourself to a daily tea break with a cup of hot green tea, iced green tea, or even a cup of matcha, using a powder made from ground green tea leaves. You’ll do your health, and perhaps your joints, a world of good.
 
Cinnamon
A delicious spice, cinnamon has powerful antioxidant properties that help inhibit cell damage from free radicals. Cinnamon has been found to significantly decrease in blood levels of C-reactive protein (a marker of inflammation), as well as reduced disease activity, including tender and swollen joints.
Dried cinnamon can be added to oatmeal, smoothies, soups, stews, or even oranges for a delicious and healthy dessert. Cinnamon sticks can be added to teas or ciders for an extra flavor infusion.