Rheumatoid arthritis can feel like a stubborn and invisible weight, pressing down on everyday moments—tightening jars, brushing hair, or even just getting out of bed. This chronic inflammation often arrives with little warning and stays longer than anyone invites it to. While conventional treatments can help, more people are exploring natural options to soothe symptoms and improve quality of life. At Avena Natural Health, the focus is on working with the body, not against it. And that shift in perspective can make all the difference.
Understanding natural remedies isn’t about replacing care—it’s about expanding it. When paired with expert support, natural therapies can often add comfort, flexibility, and balance back into daily living. Here’s a look at some of the most supportive strategies people are turning to when navigating rheumatoid arthritis the natural way.
Food As Medicine: Eating To Ease Inflammation
One of the most overlooked ways to care for aching joints is to rethink what’s on the plate. Food, when chosen with intention, can either fan the flames of inflammation or gently quiet them. It isn’t about going on a strict diet or eliminating everything enjoyable—it’s about tuning into what helps the body feel less swollen, stiff, and sluggish.
Many people living with rheumatoid arthritis find that meals rich in leafy greens, colorful vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids from sources like flaxseeds or walnuts bring some relief over time. These types of foods help counterbalance inflammatory compounds in the body. Whole grains, like quinoa or brown rice, offer energy without the crashes that come from processed options. And there’s something to be said for warm, homemade broths that comfort both joints and digestion.
On the flip side, highly processed snacks, excessive sugars, and dairy or red meat in large amounts may aggravate symptoms. That doesn’t mean those foods must be cut out entirely, but awareness goes a long way. Listening to how your body reacts after certain meals can help build a pattern—and patterns can lead to real changes.
If this kind of shift feels overwhelming, it can help to get guidance. Naturopathic consultations in San Diego often include a deep dive into food, sensitivities, and how nutrition interacts with inflammation. At Avena Natural Health, practitioners don’t hand out one-size-fits-all food lists—they listen, assess, and create a plan that actually fits a person’s lifestyle.
Gentle Movement And The Power Of Circulation
When joints hurt, the last thing many people want to do is move. But movement, when done gently and with care, actually helps those same joints feel less stuck. The key is finding ways to stay active without causing more irritation. This doesn’t require a gym membership or a bootcamp mentality. It starts with motion that brings relief instead of strain.
Stretching slowly in the morning can ease that “rusty hinge” sensation that many feel upon waking. Walking at a relaxed pace allows the body to generate warmth and support circulation, which helps flush inflammatory compounds through the system. Swimming, particularly in warm water, is a favorite for many because it offers resistance and relief at the same time.
Even light yoga or tai chi, with their focus on breath and balance, can do wonders—not just for flexibility but for mood and energy as well. These practices help connect the body and mind, which matters deeply when managing chronic conditions that are often unpredictable.
It’s important not to overdo it. The goal is consistency, not intensity. Short, regular sessions are often better than long, exhausting ones. If flare-ups happen, rest is part of the process too. Movement should feel good. And if it doesn’t, it’s okay to adjust or pause. The process is not about pushing—it’s about flowing.
Natural Supplements And Botanical Support
Plants have always played a role in human healing, long before pharmacy shelves filled with synthetic options. For those living with rheumatoid arthritis, certain herbs and natural compounds have been shown to offer meaningful support, especially when used alongside other therapies.
Turmeric, with its bright golden color, contains curcumin—known for its ability to calm inflammatory pathways. When taken consistently in a well-absorbed form, it may reduce joint stiffness and swelling. Ginger, often used in teas or capsules, supports both digestion and circulation. Boswellia, sometimes called Indian frankincense, is another botanical that many naturopathic doctors recommend for long-term inflammation support.
Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oils or algae-based sources also help regulate inflammatory responses. These supplements are often used when dietary intake isn’t quite enough. And magnesium—commonly found in leafy greens or taken as a gentle powder before bed—may ease muscle tension and improve sleep quality, both of which affect how pain is experienced.
Not all supplements work the same for everyone. That’s why working with experts matters. Naturopathic doctors in San Diego can help identify which options are best suited to individual needs, based on symptoms, sensitivities, and any medications currently in use. At Avena Natural Health, supplement recommendations are backed by careful review and thoughtful planning, so nothing is left to guesswork.
Exploring Advanced Therapies Like IV Nutrient Support
While oral supplements have their place, sometimes the body needs a more direct route. That’s where IV therapy comes in. For people with rheumatoid arthritis, certain nutrients delivered through an IV can bypass the digestive system entirely, going straight to the bloodstream where they’re absorbed efficiently and quickly.
This kind of therapy is especially useful during flare-ups or when fatigue, nutrient deficiencies, or gut absorption issues are present. Ingredients might include vitamin C, magnesium, B-complex vitamins, or amino acids—each tailored to how the body is functioning at the moment. It’s not just about getting more nutrients—it’s about getting the right ones, in the right way, at the right time.
Many people report feeling more energized, mentally clearer, and physically lighter after a few sessions. And while IV therapy isn’t a cure, it can be a strong tool in a broader healing strategy. It’s important that treatments are overseen by licensed professionals who understand both the art and science of healing. At Avena Natural Health, IV therapy in San Diego is always customized and delivered in a safe, calming environment where whole-body wellness is the focus.
Explore Natural Relief
When paired with supportive lifestyle changes and regular check-ins, IV support can offer that extra nudge the body needs to repair, reset, and recharge.
Rheumatoid arthritis may be complex, but the path to comfort doesn’t have to be confusing. With thoughtful guidance, nourishing habits, and gentle therapies, the body can be supported in ways that are both effective and empowering. At Avena Natural Health, care isn’t just about protocols—it’s about people, and how to help each one move through life with more ease and less pain.
Media Credit: All photos licensed from Adobe.
Dr. Laura Kostrzewski, a San Diego native, completed her undergraduate degree at California Polytechnic State University, earning a BS in animal science with minors in Spanish and Psychology. She then earned her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and taught fifth grade in the central coast of California for two years. After being extremely involved in her grandfather’s journey with Parkinson’s disease and end-of-life care, Dr. Kostrzewski decided to move back to San Diego and enroll at Bastyr University California. Dr. Kostrzewski received her doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University California in June of 2019, and then went on to complete her residency at Bastyr. Before AVENA Wellness, DR. K started her own private practice, focusing on management of neurodegenerative conditions, and continued teaching at Bastyr as adjunct faculty, until founding Avena Health.