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| by Lynne Gully |
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| Rheumatoid Arthritis - What it is, and what can be done to help. | |
| What is Rheumatoid
Arthritis? Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease, where the body reacts against itself. It most often affects the joints of the fingers, elbows, wrists, ankles or knees but can also affect other parts of the body such as muscles, heart, lungs, blood vessels and skin. RA starts with inflammation of the synovial membrane in the joint. Consequently the joint becomes inflamed and enlarged. The synovial membrane actually produces chemicals that further irritate the joint and start a process of degeneration in the cartilage and ultimately the bone. Rheumatoid joints are often warm and sufferers may have a slight fever. They are likely to feel tired and generally run down. However the symptoms of this disease are not always the same. The typical pattern of development is one of gradual progression over a number of months or, more often, years. A small percentage of people experience a quick onset where the symptoms become severe and the joints are quickly affected. The cause of RA may be due to immune system problems, perhaps triggered by a viral or bacterial infection, or a genetic weakness. RA often starts and flares up when nutrition is under par, probably because good nutrition is vital for immune strength. Most RA sufferers develop antibodies, which attack normal components of the body, as if the immune system has malfunctioned. This is why RA is often called an autoimmune disease. The disease itself does not shorten the lifespan of most patients, but the medication used for RA may, since the long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories can cause gastric bleeding. |
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| The Naturopathic Approach. There is clearly only one way out from this disease. It is not by covering up the symptoms with painkillers, aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs. The mineral balance in the body has to be corrected, the acidity in the tissues of the body has to be reduced, the liver must be strengthened and the bowel wall cleaned and improved in its functions. I know changing your diet and taking nutritional supplements is not easy, but RA can never be reversed using drugs that merely suppress the associated inflammation. RA is a disease in which nutritional treatment can lead to almost complete remission. However it depends on how far the disease has progressed and the age of the patient. The more progressed the disease and the older the patient the less likely the joints will completely repair themselves. It is, however, worth trying as most people benefit from reduced pain and improvement in mobility. |
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| The Food Connection. A detox diet is recommended to cleanse the body and the joints of accumulated toxins. Just try it for a week or so and monitor the changes. If you have less pain and feel better, then continue with it for a period of three months. You probably won't want to go back to eating the food that caused the inflammation once you start to feel better. Do eat / drink Lots of fresh vegetables every day, especially carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, onions, garlic, sweet potatoes, chilli peppers. Some fruit but stick to apples, bananas or pears. Citrus fruits and soft berries are too acidic. Lots of brown rice, millet, mung beans and butter beans. Lots of turmeric as an anti-inflammatory. Oily fish such as sardines, mackerel, herrings or organic salmon. Keep tuna to a minimum as this contains high levels of mercury. The omega-3 oil in fish is an anti-inflammatory. Watercress, asparagus and pumpkin seeds as excellent sources for the extra zinc needed. Lots of fresh water. Try hot water as this is better for you and cleans the body more effectively. |
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| Don't
eat / drink Meat as this contains the wrong type of fat and arachidonic acid, which is highly inflammatory. Dairy produce such as milk, cheese etc, as this food is too acidic and increases inflammation. Wheat products such as bread, pasta, pizza, biscuits, cakes etc as these will increase inflammation. Added salt including baking powder, stock cubes, gravy mixes, packet soups etc. Tomatoes as these are too acidic. Keep to an absolute minimum alcohol, coffee, tea and chocolate but avoid if possible. |
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| Recommended Nutritional Supplements. Antioxidant Arsenal containing Vitamins C, E, beta-carotene, the minerals selenium and zinc and the immune booster graphic. MSM. Contains sulphur and in RA sulphur is always low. It is needed for the detoxification process.. Colloidal Minerals - a liquid mineral supplement that contains a full range of minerals essential for bone and joint health. It also contains boron, which has been shown to help alleviate rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Omega-3 fish oil capsules. There have been a number of clinical trials assessing the benefits of omega 3 supplementation in several inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Bifidophilus (milk free). Increases the immune system and improves bowel health. Aloe Vera Juice. This decreases inflammation and is highly beneficial for RA sufferers. Glucosamine to help repair any damage to the cartilage in the joints.
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