text: Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto immune disease.  Unlike osteoarthritis, which is pain from joints that are already damaged, RA is inflammation from your immune system attacking your joints.  Even when you aren't having any symptoms, your immune system is attacking and deteriorating your joints.  In order to slow this damage, you  need to be on prescription medications as guided by your rheumatologist.  Drugs like Enbrel, Remicade, and Humira are new biological agents that work wonders in many patients.  I have been on Enbrel on six months and am in full remission, I have little pain, no inflammation, and no morning stiffness.\n\nIf you rely solely on home remedies, you are ignoring permanent, debilitating damage that may be being done to your joints.  RA causes disability in many people.\n\nIf you are already on prescription medications, ask your doctor what supplements he reccomends you explore for additional relief.  Be sure to talk to your doctor, because some supplements may counteract your current treatment.\n\nFor the most part, many supplements are not proven, and rely on skeptical data.  Some may offer some relief, but the best way to supplement your prescription medication is with a healthy lifestyle.  Healthy diet and exercise will help your immune system become more healthy.  Remember, this isn't something you get because you are old, this is a disease caused by the immune system going haywire, that effects people of all ages.  Talk to your doctor about what kind of exercises are ok for you, eat healthy, and make sure you are taking care of your unbalanced immune system with the medication your doctor prescribes.\n\nGood luck with your treatment, and visit http://www.arthritis.org for more info, and a discussion board where you can get lots of feedback and support.