Rheumatoid Arthritis, Natural Remedies?

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Today's Question

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Natural Remedies?

 

I have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Do you have any suggestions for

natural methods of pain management or to control the disease?

 

-- Anonymous

 

Today's Answer

(Published 12/13/2002)

 

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common autoimmune disorders, diseases

caused by the immune system attacking the body’s own tissues. Autoimmune

reactions may be triggered by infection, tissue injury, or emotional trauma in

people with a genetic predisposition to them. Conventional medicine treats

rheumatoid arthritis (and other autoimmune diseases) with steroids and other

immunosuppressive medications, most of which are toxic when used long-term. Try

to avoid these strong drugs if you can. Patients who are dependent on them are

less likely to respond to natural treatments.

 

Lifestyle changes can moderate autoimmunity, and other strategies can help you

control the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

 

Here are my basic recommendations:

 

Follow a low-protein, high carbohydrate diet; minimize consumption of foods of

animal origin.

Eliminate milk and milk products including commercial foods made with milk.

Avoid all polyunsaturated vegetable oils, margarine, vegetable shortening and

products made with partially hydrogenated oils of any kind.

Increase intake of omega-3 fatty acids by eating more cold water fish, walnuts

or fresh ground flax seeds. You may also want to consider taking a fish oil

supplement to help keep your protein intake low.

Get regular aerobic exercise (swimming is best for those with rheumatoid

arthritis).

Practice relaxation techniques. In addition, visualization can help moderate

autoimmune responses; psychotherapy can help you change emotional states that

keep the immune system off balance.

Try hypnotherapy or guided imagery Look for a therapist willing to take on an

autoimmune disease. Meditation and yoga can help, too.

Avoid health care practitioners who make you feel pessimistic about your

condition.

Eliminate or reduce intake of coffee and tobacco as both have been liked to an

increased risk for rheumatoid arthritis.

 

Here are specific recommendations for rheumatoid arthritis management:

 

One at a time, eliminate the following categories of food for two months: (1)

all sugar except natural fruits; (2) all citrus fruits; (3) wheat, corn and soy.

At the end of each trial period, restore the eliminated items to your diet. You

may find that one or more has an influence on your arthritis symptoms.

For symptomatic treatment use aspirin and other over-the-counter

anti-inflammatory drugs.

Take feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) for its anti-inflammatory effect; one to

two capsules twice a day

Use anti-inflammatory herbs Ginger and turmeric are particularly effective. I

recommend Zyflamend, made by New Chapter Company, which includes both. You can

continue to take these herbs indefinitely.

Experiment with traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, homeopathy,

Native American medicine, and healers.

Try long term fasting in a facility staffed by experienced health professionals.

For additional information on fasting, check out www.dmoz.org.

Investigate apitherapy (bee-sting treatment); a local bee keeper should be able

to advise you.

 

Dr. Andrew Weil

www.drweil.com

_________________

JoAnn Guest

mrsjoguest

DietaryTipsForHBP

http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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