Turkey Tail Mushroom and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Autoimmune Issues, Immunity, and Rheumatoid Arthritis
With a staggering number of between 1.3 and 1.5 million Americans suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), many people are considering embracing natural treatments to treat this devastating, painful autoimmune disease. As with other autoimmune conditions, people with RA go through flare-ups, when symptoms get worse, before going through periods of remission. Most commonly, these flare ups are caused by, or are directly related to inflammation.
If this is not managed well, this may cause serious complications, such as hormone changes, neurological impairment, and serious joint injury. There is no known cure for this disease. Managing symptoms is the only available option. Fortunately, natural remedies and changing your life practices can provide the needed relief from this painful condition.
Diet Triggers for Rheumatoid Arthritis
What you eat plays a major role in how well your RA is managed. An anti-inflammatory diet high in antioxidants may have a large impact on the quality of life that you have while living with this condition.
Focus on good fats such as coconut oil and olive oil, plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables (especially leafy greens), bone broth, foods that contain lots of sulfur such as onions and garlic, nuts and seeds, and wild caught salmon. Because they contain a high omega-3 content, fish should be enjoyed a few times per week to help ease symptoms of RA. Avoid inflammatory foods like sugar, preservatives, hydrogenated fats, processed and fast foods, and pasteurized dairy products and gluten.
In addition to eating an anti-inflammatory diet, a handful of healing herbs are extremely useful for treating and soothing a leaky, inflamed gut. These include: Reishi mushrooms, plantains, Slippery Elm, Marshmallows, Turkey tail mushrooms, and Lion’s Mane mushrooms. A handy balanced/leaky gut tonic is available at my dispensary that contains each of these powerful, healing herbs.
Another essential aspect of decreasing the frequency and intensity of pain is staying active. When an individual with RA is sedentary, this makes the swelling and range of motion far worse. Good options include walking, aqua aerobics, Pilates, and bicycling.
Also, stress and a lack of sleep are not friends when dealing with an autoimmune disease. Since fatigue and stressful situations can worsen inflammation, lower immune system function, and contribute to weight gain, it is essential that you make sure that you are getting adequate amounts of good sleep, and that emotional upheaval is kept at bay in your life. Deep breaths, stretching, taking hot Epsom salt baths, and other relaxation activities should be a part of your routine. And do not forget about the power of gratitude and connecting with loved ones to lower stress and promote good overall health.
Does Turkey Tail Mushroom Help with Rheumatoid Arthritis?
As one of the best anti-inflammatory agents found in nature, turkey tail mushroom is another medicinal mushroom which is good for rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. When taken internally in double-distilled tincture form, it decreases inflammation throughout the body. When applied externally, it soothes skin eruptions, swelling, and other skin irritations. Turkey Tail also modulates the immune system, which is especially important for autoimmune issues.
Related studies:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1160565/
