I'm interested to know what dose anyone else takes. I take 1000mg daily and buy the large packs from a well known chemist.

I used to take Glucosamine & Chondroitin but gave up when my surgeons told me I had no cartilege left in my hips & shoulders and not much left in my elbows. I felt I was wasting money fighting a losing battle.

I started drinking green tea about 11 years ago after a colleague at work introduced me to it. I drink it for its supposed anti-ageing benefits and to maintain a flat stomach. I haven't read anywhere where it helps RA though.

Glad you are persisting with the green tea Jean. I agree, the taste does take some getting used to. I've found some brands taste better than others. My favourite is Clipper.

Hi Jean

Over the years and in my 'spare' time I have checked out many of these so-called 'cures, remedies and supplements'. I have also wasted goodness only knows how much money trying these things out in the misguided belief I would find some relief if only I continued a bit longer!! Alas the only one that has had vast search done into its effects/side effects is the Omega 3 oils. The results show that this product can be beneficial in the treatment of RA; sadly not enough to warrant getting it on prescription though! I don't take it myself, can't stomach anything else and definitely not anything fishy, but I do think used soon enough in the disease process it could be helpful. So for me its not a 'no no', everything else is!! The following link is up to date and provides lots of info about complimentary therapy and the research done. Interesting reading!

It concerns me when I read about people (usually newly diagnosed looking for an answer) trying all these different things in the belief something is going to make them better. Yes, something may help in the short term but so does the power of positive thinking! Food for thought ... "medical treatment may be able to slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis; it is not likely that any of the alternative options have the same power."

Lyn x

P.S. Carol, I think 1000mg is a common dosage for someone with RA.

Jean don,t leave the tea bag in your tea as it tastes yuk if left .Or leave the tea in the pot for long .
christine

The advice on Omega oils is so contradictory. I've read articles - some in respected arthritis organisations - that say Omega 6 is more beneficial than Omega 3. Others say Omega 3 is more beneficial and Omega 6 should be avoided. Some other state that it all depends on where the fish oil originates and that cod liver oil, or any oil made from the liver of the fish, is a waste of money.

Who do you believe?

Me, I ignore the lot of them. I'm an amateur herbalist and have been for over 20 years who has researched, studied and experimented with every so-called natural remedy known to mankind and have been disappointed with most, quietly surprised with some. I tried a vegan diet, anti-acid diet, anti-nightshade diet - everything - and you know what happened? I got worse. So now I maintain a healthy, vegetarian, mediterranean based diet with lots of fresh vegetables, pulses, garlic and olive oil and I feel a million times better. The swelling has reduced, the pain has reduced and my general health has improved. I have more energy and I've even lost a little weight. And all this before I started MTX (which actually seems to have made things worse lol).

Despite the 'experts' telling me to avoid dairy products the minute I started cramming cheese down my neck to satisfy the craving I had after giving up on a vegan diet my symptoms improved dramatically. Food for thought, huh.