The gel comes from the central part of the aloe leaf, known as the “inner fillet. " It contains larger complex sugars than aloe juice does. These complex sugars are thought to be responsible for the benefits of aloe. [4] X Research source [5] X Research source Hart LA, Nibbering PH, van den Barselaar MT, van Dijk H, van den Burg AJ, Labadie RP. Effects of low molecular constituents from aloe vera gel on oxidative metabolism and cytotoxic and bactericidal activities of human neutrophils. Int J Immunopharmacol. 1990;12:427–34. The juice is extracted from the outer leaves and also contains complex sugars.

If you want to purchase the gel, check online or at your local health food store. Buy organic aloe vera with no additives or preservatives.

Most people don’t experience side effects, but aloe may cause redness, a burning or a stinging sensation and rarely, a short-term rash. [6] X Research source Edwards, SE. , Phytopharmacy: An Evidence-Based Guide to Herbal Medicinal Products. 1st ed. (2015), Wiley&Sons, NYC.

While there are no long-term studies of internal aloe vera’s effects, one study found a link between the juice and colon cancer. [8] X Research source Hart LA, Nibbering PH, van den Barselaar MT, van Dijk H, van den Burg AJ, Labadie RP. Effects of low molecular constituents from aloe vera gel on oxidative metabolism and cytotoxic and bactericidal activities of human neutrophils. Int J Immunopharmacol. 1990;12:427–34. The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) does not recommend drinking aloe vera. But, it strongly recommends using aloe vera topically.

Never drink the gel, since it contains a strong laxative and can cause diarrhea. [9] X Research source

Try to cook from scratch, using whole foods. This will preserve most of the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. A rule of thumb is that if the food is too white—like white bread, white rice, or white pasta—it has been processed. Instead, eat whole grain breads, brown rice, and whole grain pasta. [11] X Trustworthy Source Arthritis Foundation Main organization devoted to arthritis support and education Go to source

Berries (blueberries and raspberries) Apples Plums Oranges Citrus Leafy green vegetables Winter and Summer squash Bell peppers

Brown rice, bulgur wheat, buckwheat, oats, millet, quinoa Apples, pears, figs, dates, grapes, berries of all kinds Leafy green vegetables (spinach, mustard, collard, Swiss chard, kale), carrots, broccoli, brussels sprouts, bok choy, beets Peas, lentils, all beans (kidney, black, white, lima) Pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and nuts, including almonds, pecans, walnuts and pistachio nuts

You can avoid saturated fats by not using butter, margarine, and shortening in your cooking. Instead, use olive or canola oils. The AHA also recommends that you avoid all trans fats. Read food labels and avoid any that have “partially hydrogenated fats. " This means the product has trans fats, even if the label says “0 trans fats. “[16] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to source

Don’t forget to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.

Garlic Turmeric/Curcumin Basil Oregano Cloves Cinnamon Ginger Chili peppers

Be sure to balance rest and exercise. If you have a rheumatoid arthritis flare up, it’s more helpful to take a short break instead of prolonged bed rest. [20] X Research source

DMARDs, like methotrexate, can cause serious liver injury and hypersensitivity reactions. Other side effects can include fever, fatigue, cough, and trouble breathing. [23] X Research source

Fatigue, muscle pain, and general stiffness that lasts at least 1 hour after waking or after a long rest period (unlike the pain and stiffness of osteoarthritis, which dissipates faster). [25] X Research source Suffering from other disorders more frequently than those without the disease. These may include other autoimmune diseases (like Sjogren’s Syndrome), vasculitis (an inflammation of the blood vessels), anemia (lower than normal numbers of red blood cells that carry oxygen to tissues), and lung disease. Rheumatoid nodules, which develop in up to 35% of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. The nodules show up as bumps under the skin near the affected joint, most commonly near the elbows. They’re not usually painful, are freely movable under the skin, and can range in size from a pea up to the size of a lemon. [26] X Research source

Men and women of any race or ethnic background can get rheumatoid arthritis, but it occurs in women more frequently than in men. Women are about 2 to 3 times more likely to get the disease, which most often begins in middle age.

Lab tests, including x-rays or other imaging of the affected joints Blood samples, specifically one to examine blood for Rheumatoid Factor (RF) and other non-specific tests. The RF test can diagnose rheumatoid arthritis, while the non-specific ones indicate underlying inflammation. [29] X Research source Diagnostic tests to rule out other conditions that mimic rheumatoid arthritis, such as infectious arthropathies (painful joints from infection), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), ankylosing spondylitis (which primarily affect the spine and larger joints), and fibromyalgia. [30] X Research source

You should see a doctor any time you have persistent pain or swelling in your joints. [32] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Possible serious complications of untreated rheumatoid arthritis include osteoporosis, infections, carpal tunnel syndrome, heart problems (such as hardened or blocked arteries), and lung disease.

In addition to making healthy lifestyle changes, your care team may recommend using medications (such as DMARDs and anti-inflammatory drugs), physical or occupational therapy, and surgical treatments (such as tendon repair or joint replacement) to manage your RA.

Ask your doctor how often you need to come in for regular checkups. They may recommend coming in every 1-2 months. Research shows that frequent checkups (i. e. , between 7 and 11 times per year) are associated with better treatment results for patients with RA than less frequent checkups (fewer than 7 per year). [35] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source

For example, see your doctor if you notice increasing pain and swelling, changes in the appearance of your joints, or symptoms of related health problems (such as shortness of breath due to damage in the lungs). [37] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source