Green Tea Helps Arthritis With Its Anti-inflammatory Properties

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly prescribed for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other types of arthritis. While NSAIDs are effective against inflammation, they also are associated with adverse events. You may be interested in an alternative treatment that would still battle inflammation but with less adverse effects -- one that may even be good for you.

Animal studies have shown that green tea significantly reduced the severity of arthritis. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), green tea affects arthritis by causing changes in arthritis-related immune responses. For example, green tea suppresses cytokine IL-17 and antibodies to Bhsp65 -- and it increases cytokine IL-10. Based on this evidence, researchers suggest that green tea -- one of the most widely consumed drinks in the world -- be taken seriously as a dietary treatment for rheumatoid arthritis when used together with conventional arthritis treatments.

Related Resources:

• What Are Cytokines?
• Inflammation - The Battle Within
• Test Your Knowledge - Inflammation
• Green Tea May Combat Arthritis
• Green Tea Compound May Benefit Rheumatoid Arthritis

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