Rheumatoid factors (RF) are autoimmune antibodies, produced by your own body that attack your body’s healthy tissues producing a variety of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Sjogren’s syndrome. Scientists do not yet understand what produces rheumatoid factors in the blood but the higher the levels, the more likley you are to have some kind of autoimmune problems, explains the Mayo Clinic. In certain instances, healthy people may have rheumatoid factor in their blood with no evidence of related disease. If you have a rheumatoid factor blood test that is positive, and you have reason to believe you have rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune disease based on symptoms and other diagnostic test results, there are things you can do to control and slow down the progression of disease in your body.
Step 1
Start taking Omega 3 fatty acids in the form of fish oil capsules or by eating oily fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines. Consuming these types of fish will protect yourself against the progression of RA and other autoimmune diseases, suggests Dr. Andrew Weil, holistic healthcare practitioner.
Step 2
Continue taking fish oil capsules even if you do not have RF in your blood. It’s good for you and will help keep those most joint and muscle aches and pains at bay, says Dr. Weil.
Step 3
Use green tea to help control RF in your blood. Science Daily.com explains that green tea is high in polyphenols, chemicals that contain anti-oxidants which are reputed to work to protect joints and other bodily tissues from free radicals that cause pain and disease. There is some scientific evidence suggesting that drinking several cups of green tea daily may lessen or prevent the onslaught of RA and other autoimmune diseases.
Step 4
Alkalize your body to protect against the advancement of RF in your blood. Dr. Theodore A. Baroody discusses the effects of acidosis on the body in his book, “Alkalize or Die”, where he explains that a system to high in acids creates pain and disease of all forms. He explains that the body needs to be slightly alkaline at all times to protect against all forms of disease and disorder. He suggests eating and drinking certain foods that contribute to this alkaline-forming state keeping the body in health and able to resist disease.
Step 5
Control inflammation with turmeric, an Indian spice shown to stop the onset and development of RA, reports the Senior Journal.com. Take it in capsule form available at health food stores and use it in your food. Speak to and herbal specialist at the health food store for dosing and directions.