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 organic 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.

 

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

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