Adrenal function plays a complex role in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), an inflammatory autoimmune disease affecting the connective tissue around the joints. Adrenal hormones and their interactions with the immune system may influence the development and progression of its symptoms. RA, in turn, acts as a chronic stress on the adrenals, and may contribute to adrenal fatigue.

The adrenal hormone, cortisol, is necessary for quelling inflammatory immune processes in the body. When adrenal function is low, as it is during adrenal fatigue, cortisol levels may not be sufficient to effectively keep these inflammatory processes in check. In addition, arthritic pain may seem more intense during adrenal fatigue.

This negative relationship between RA and adrenal fatigue is aggravated by the routine treatment of RA with corticosteroids (synthetic cortisol). Although corticosteroids may be helpful in temporarily reducing some of the inflammation and pain of RA, they also tend to suppress natural cortisol production, and dampen overall adrenal and immune function.

It is difficult to retain optimal adrenal function while taking strong corticosteroids, and it can take a long time for adrenal function to fully rebound after a prolonged course on these drugs. It requires patience and the careful guidance of a skilled physician to successfully come off corticosteroids and optimize adrenal function. Full adrenal support can be a crucial aid to health for people with RA.

Home Remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis
1. Baking soda is a cheap yet effective home remedy for rheumatoid arthritis. It can neutralize the acidic state of the body by elevating the pH level in the body. People with arthritis have a high acidic PH level in their body. The alkalinity of the baking soda can dissolve the uric acid crystal in the gout and relieve the pain. The advantage of drinking baking soda is that it does not produce any negative side effects. Baking soda can easily dissolve in water. You should drink baking soda in between your meals. If you add the baking soda on your food, it can reduce the efficiency of your digestive system. You can drink a pure bicarbonate powder drink if you don't want to drink baking soda. Pure bicarbonate powder drinks offer the same alkalizing properties as baking soda.

2. Apple cider vinegar works great for relieving arthritis when it is combined with baking soda. The apple cider vinegar will also heal your stomach digestion and kill the bacteria in your body.

3. Taking magnesium can help your rheumatoid arthritis problem by relieving muscle stiffness and mineralize the bones. People who take magnesium regularly have a higher bone density and stronger bones. To get enough magnesium, you can take magnesium capsules. You can also eat food that has a high level of magnesium such as leafy greens, nuts, and legumes.

4. Fish oil supplements can help you to reduce arthritic pain. But before adding fish oil supplement into your diet, you should discuss with your doctor as it can cause interference to your medications.

5. Plant oils can reduce stiffness of the joints in the morning. Taking plant oils can cause negative side effects such as diarrhea and nausea. One of the plant oils you can take is evening primrose oil. The gammalinolenic acid found in evening primrose oil can provide some relief to your arthritic pain. Just as fish oil supplement, you should discuss with your doctor first before adding it to your diet.