Rheumatoid Arthritis: Integrative Medicine Perspectives

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, progressive autoimmune condition that can lead to joint pain, dysfunction, and even deformation, which may impact the patient’s everyday activities. RA may also have extraarticular manifestations, impacting the cardiovascular system, lungs, skin, or eyes. Early treatment is important for disease control, but, in spite of comprehensive treatment (with nonbiological, biological, or targeted disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs), many patients still suffer from functional disabilities or symptoms that impair their quality of life. Integrative therapies as an adjunct to standard treatment may offer additional benefits. This article reviews the evidence for nutritional interventions (such as the Mediterranean diet or fasting), therapies that modulate the gut microbiome (including probiotics), and natural substances that may reduce inflammation (curcumin, vitamin D, and fish oil) in people with RA. Opportunities for future research in this area are also explored.