There is no denying that natural supplements are very popular and widely used, especially when it deals with relieving rheumatic disease issues. 

They can be helpful when incorporated as part of a holistic treatment plan that also promotes healthy living: a healthy diet, restorative sleep, joyful living and movement. 

We have observed that most patients are taking natural supplements, whether it’s as simple as a vitamin supplement, or as complex as herbals, to alleviate rheumatic diseases.

As much as possible, we want to be a helpful resource center for our patients who want guidance on certain natural supplements that help relieve rheumatic inflammation.

Can natural supplements help with rheumatic disorders?

According to the Arthritis Foundation, more natural medicines are being put to the test in well-designed clinical trials. 

These include at least 9 supplements that are backed by science and have shown to be effective versus some of the most popular rheumatic disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA) and arthritis-related conditions.

In our Natural Supplement Programs, we want to have conversations with our patients about the supplements they are taking, or the specific natural supplements that may help - for example the right amount of calcium vitamin D to take in osteoporosis. 

What Supplements Can Be Taken For Rheumatic Inflammation?

We think that with safe, careful, and intentional use of good quality natural supplements, we can improve a patient’s overall well being. 

Here are some supplements that we recommend here at Southwest Florida Rheumatology:

ANP-Joint Muscle Support

ANP Joint Muscles helps with inflammation. Two powerful ancient and well-studied botanicals, curcumin and boswellia, along with high-grade omega-3 fatty acids provide the backbone of this uniquely sourced product. 

• Synergistic blend to help relieve inflammatory pain 
• Supports healthy response to inflammation 
• Bioavailable ingredients for efficient absorption 

ANE-Fatigue Support

ANE Fatigue helps healthy adrenal function and optimal energy levels. 

The combination of Ginseng, B Vitamins, Ashwagandha and Folate along with other minerals and extracts aid in maintaining a healthy stress response for men and women of all ages. 

• Supports healthy adrenal function  
• Supports optimal energy levels 
• Altered sleep support 
• Helps maintain a healthy stress response 

ANP-Osteo-Mobility

ANP Osteo helps support cartilage and promotes joint health.† High-grade glucosamine, chondroitin, hyaluronic acid, and MSM provide the backbone of this uniquely sourced product. 

• Supports cartilage recovery 
• Promotes joint mobility 
• Helps reduce joint inflammation 
• Maintains healthy connective tissue

RNR-Sleep-Support 

RNR Sleep helps relieve occasional sleeplessness. 

Research shows that 7+ hours of sleep per night equates to better health and a good night’s rest plays a key role in the ability to learn, solve problems, and maintain a healthy mental outlook. 

This product is pharmaceutical grade and made from natural and organic sources. 

• Provides sustained sleep support 
• Provides calming effect 
• Helps relax muscles

CNA-Memory Support 

CNA Memory helps support memory and cognitive function. 

This formulation is made with all natural sources of Carnitine, Alpha GPC and Quercetin as well as powerful adaptogenic herbs Ginkgo Biloba, Rhodiola and Holy Basil to help boost clarity and mental alertness. 

Memory support is beneficial for men and women and helps promote healthy aging. 

• Supports cognitive function 
• Helps boost mental clarity 
• Supports alertness 

BNB Bone Support

BNB Bone helps support bones.† Vitamin D3, K2, micro-crystalline hydroxyapatite calcium, and magnesium form the backbone of this unique product. 

• Supports healthy bone matrix 
• Helps improve bone strength and density  
• Protects against bone loss 

Clear Sky Skin Repair Serum

Oasis Health Clear Sky Skin Repair Serum is a physician designed formula containing hyaluronic acid, retinol, aloe, and green tea extracts. 

Clear Sky provides a clinically-based skin solution to help: 

• Improve texture & elasticity 
• Rejuvenate dry, cracked skin 
• Diminish bruising

Directions: Apply a thin layer to clean, affected area up to three times per day. Massage gently into skin and wait 20 minutes before applying sunscreen or additional moisturizer.

Curcumin Complex

Curcumin Complex is the newest addition to our "Aches and Pains" line of products. ANP Curcumin Complex is a clinical strength formulation developed by Rheumatologists, for ultimate patient benefit. 

ANP CURCUMIN COMPLEX provides anti-inflammatory support by combining three key ingredients: 

• 300 mg UltraCur-Pro Curcumin 
• 150 mg Boswellia 
• 150 mg UltraRes Resveratrol

In comparison to ANP Joint Muscles, ANP Curcumin Complex does not contain Fish Oil or D3.

What Are The Supplements To Stay Clear From?

At Southwest Florida Rheumatology, we want to incorporate the correct use of lifestyle medicine and nutritional supplements as an integrative practice, and create lifestyle change that promotes wellness. 

Sometimes these supplements can help our patients avoid too many over-the-counter drugs like Advil/ibuprofen, or other NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

While it is always best to speak with an expert rheumatologist to determine what to take and what to avoid, the following supplements may be best left on the shelves according to a medical review of Dr. Alexa Meara, MD:

1. Aconite
2. Arnica
3. Cat’s Claw
4. Chaparral
5. Kombucha

Your Diet And Its Effect On Rheumatologic Diseases 

The concept of holistic treatment is important to us: there are things patients can do to improve their baseline wellness, and their quality of life.

A journal from the Frontiers in Nutrition states that it is desirable for rheumatologists to advocate a supplemental “diet therapy” to RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis) patients, and that some dietary interventions clearly indicates beneficial long-term effects for relieving symptoms. Some of the mentioned are:

1. Vegan Diet
2. Mediterranean Diet
3. Elemental Diet
4. Elimination Diet

Additionally, in an average diet comprising of breakfast, lunch, and dinner, there are several food items that are also well known for their beneficial effects:

1. Dietary Fibers and Whole Grains
2. Fruits
3. Spices (e.g. Ginger, Turmeric, Curcumin, Cinnamon bark)
4. Essential Fatty Acids (e.g. Omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids)
5. Synbiotics (probiotics and prebiotics)
6. Tea (e.g. green tea from dried leaves of Camellia sinensis and C. assamica of Theacease family)
7. Herbs (e.g. Sallaki (Boswellia serrata), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera))

Other Lifestyle Changes You Can Make To Relieve Your Rheumatologic Symptoms

Southwest Florida Rheumatology proudly practices our very own Lifestyle Education Program which recognizes and participates in incorporating wellness when counseling our patients on simple lifestyle changes. These include concepts such as:

1. Empowering through exercise and addressing the right way to exercise when you have a certain disease, how much exercise, how intense, and what right types of exercise to do 
2. Managing sleep and moving towards good sleep hygiene by getting a restorative or restful sleep
3. Learning stress management and addressing stressors

Also, there are natural supplements that our patients can take. 

For example, patients who have arthritic pain have had great benefit with turmeric, so turmeric-based natural supplements actually do help in alleviating inflammation and improving  pain symptoms.

Talk to one of our expert rheumatologists in Southwest Florida Rheumatology to help and guide you in defining what's appropriate and what's safe for you to take.