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ARTHRITIS AND RHEUMATISM

A Holistic Therapy

By Walter Last

_http://users.mrbean.net.au/~wlast/arthritis.html_

(http://users.mrbean.net.au/~wlast/arthritis.html)

Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints, while the term 'rheumatism'

includes a variety of symptoms, such as inflammation, pain, tenderness and

stiffness of muscles and joints. These conditions are extremely widespread and

most

people develop some form of arthritis or rheumatism during their lifetime.

The most common forms of joint diseases are usually classified as rheumatoid

arthritis, osteoarthritis and gout. Apart from joint and muscle pain,

rheumatism may also involve the tendons, bones and nerves and may manifest as

rheumatic fever, sciatica, lumbago, spondylitis, low back pain, bursitis,

neuritis

and myositis.

Rheumatoid arthritis affects mainly younger individuals and is three times

more common in females than in males. It can persist into old age,

progressively becoming more disabling. Early symptoms include redness, swelling

and

soreness of joints. Often joints are affected symmetrically, that is both

wrists

or knees are involved. Pain and stiffness may also travel to other joints and

affect the whole body. In later life lumps and nodules may appear at the

joints and lead to deformities.

Osteoarthritis starts usually after the age of 40. It is also called

degenerative joint disease. It develops more slowly than rheumatoid arthritis

and

does not spread to different parts of the body. Due to chronic inflammation

around a joint, the protective cartilage wears away, causing bone ends to rub

together, erode and sometimes fuse together (ankylosis).

Gout is characterized by painful joint inflammations, chiefly those in the

hands and feet, usually the big toe is prominently involved. There is a high

level of uric acid in the blood and tissues. Uric acid and other toxins and

metabolic residues accumulating in muscles and around nerves, often in

combination with food allergies, cause the inflammations and pain in muscles

(myositis) and nerves (neuritis).

The common medical treatment for these conditions consists mainly of

anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relief measures and physiotherapy to maintain a

degree

of mobility in affected joints, but it cannot slow or reverse the

progressive deterioration of the disease. As a last resort affected joints may

be

surgically replaced.

WRONG FOOD

Arthritis is sometimes called the 'cooked food disease'. A high intake of

cooked, sweet and fatty food is usually characteristic in the development of

the disease. Alternatively, there is an inability to handle sweet and fatty

food. Other main factors are a high incidence of food allergies, nutritional

deficiencies as well as an unhealthy intestinal flora.

Rheumatoid arthritis in particular is closely linked to food allergy. Most

sufferers greatly improve when they are on a fast or restricted diet, which

eliminates the foods to which they are allergic. Cows' milk products and wheat

products are the most common offenders, but there is usually a whole range of

foods to which individuals react with a worsening of symptoms.

When aspirin and other commonly used pain relieving drugs are taken, the

intestinal wall becomes less effective in blocking harmful partly digested

nutrients and frequently a worsening of symptoms occurs in the longer term. The

same happens if fruit acids are ingested or sweet food is eaten. The

inefficient metabolism of these individuals converts sweet food only partly into

energy; the rest forms lactic acid. Acids liberate histamine, which in turn

causes

swellings and strong inflammatory reactions. Therefore, inflammatory

conditions deteriorate if fruit acids or acid-forming foods are ingested, while

alkaline-forming foods, generally vegetables and those rich in minerals are

beneficial.

Another group of foods to increase allergic inflammations and pain

sensitivity are the polyunsaturated oils. These are converted to arachidonic

acid

(also present in meat) and further into a group of tissue hormones, called

prostaglandins, which are pro-inflammatory. Also inorganic iron in supplements

and

water (brown residues) can trigger inflammations.

The opposite effect, reducing pain sensitivity and inflammation, has another

group of oils containing so-called Omega-3 fatty acids. These are mainly

present in linseed and fish oils and form prostaglandins, which are

anti-inflammatory.

While food incompatibility is a frequent trigger of rheumatoid arthritis,

there may also be allergies to inhaled substances, such as gas from a gas stove

or heater, car exhaust fumes, cigarette smoke, solvent fumes, perfumes, moth

balls or any strongly or persistently smelling substance at home or work.

Even toothpaste, make-up, detergents in dishwater, synthetic clothing,

especially nylon or any environmental, agricultural or food chemicals may

contribute

to this condition.

All of the factors causing or influencing rheumatoid arthritis can also

contribute to the development of osteoarthritis. As the onset later in life

shows, there must be another negative factor, which develops over time. As we

will

see, it is not age itself, which is the real problem, but the declining

health of most people with advancing age and that is an important difference.

Joints need to be well nourished to maintain a healthy structure. Vitamins,

minerals and other nutrients are required in sufficiently high concentrations

to maintain and regenerate the cartilage linings of the joints and the

synovial membranes and fluids surrounding them. Most individuals living on a

'normal' mixed diet are more or less deficient in one or more of these

essential

nutrients and this will lead over time to a gradual deterioration of joints,

especially those which are heavily used but do not receive an adequate supply

of nutrients. Commonly affected are the weight-bearing joints in overweight

individuals and also joints with old injuries.

Medical Evidence

There are various experimental studies, which show the extent of the allergy

problems, especially in the causation of rheumatoid arthritis. In one report

all 45 patients significantly improved in all seven objective and subjective

disease parameters while on a 7-day water fast; a similar result was

reported by another author in a study with 25 patients. Subsequent challenges

with

implicated foods provoked intense reactions with severe deterioration.

Reactions occur mainly against foods, which are overused in a society. While

in Australia these are mainly wheat, cows' milk products and meat, in the

United States there is also a high incidence of allergy to corn and soy

products. However, the deciding factor is the individual food preference of the

affected person. Foods to which we are addicted and like to eat every day are

usually the worst offenders.

Another report concerns 6 patients with rheumatoid arthritis who all had

remissions of joint symptoms when they went on a low-calorie fat-free diet.

When, after 7 weeks, either animal fat or vegetable oil was reintroduced they

all

experienced return of their symptoms within 72 hours. Chicken, cheese,

safflower oil, beef or coconut oil all caused inflammatory deteriorations in

their

joints.

Foods of the nightshade family frequently have a negative effect on

arthritis. These include potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant and capsicum. In a study

with

5000 arthritics who avoided nightshades over 70% reported a gradual

improvement over the 7 years of the experiment.

Nightshade foods contain the alkaloid solanine, which is highest in greened

potatoes but also to some degree in green tomatoes and green capsicum. It may

be assumed that it is mainly the occasional ingestion of green parts of

nightshades, which cause the arthritic problems. This may include green

capsicum

and the green inner parts of some commercial tomatoes. Also damaged potatoes

are higher in solanine.

Arthritics frequently do not have sufficient gastric acid for the proper

digestion of proteins. This causes deficiencies in proteins, minerals and

vitamin B12 as well as over-sensitivity to bacteria in food and water. Of a

group

of 35 arthritics 28.6% did not have any gastric acid (achlorhydria) while

another 17% had only very low gastric acid levels (hypochlorhydria).

Supplementing meals with hydrochloric acid to assist in the digestion does

not adversely affect joint inflammations. Such inflammations are aggravated by

insufficiently metabolized fruit acids, such as citric acid, but also

vinegar. However, with advancing age inflammatory processes decrease to be

replaced

by increasing calcifications and stiffness. In this situation it is actually

beneficial to supply plenty of fruit acids and cider vinegar.

This difference in the reaction to fruit acids results from age-related

changes in the metabolism. Initially the ingestion of sweet foods causes

overacidity in the tissues through accumulation of lactic acid and metabolic

fruit

acids from the citric acid cycle. This causes joint erosion by leaching calcium

from the bones. With advancing age, on the other hand, the metabolism slows

down. Sugars may then cause diabetes or be converted to fat and cause

overweight. Now a deficiency of metabolic acids develops. The tissues and

fluids

around the joints become too alkaline, inflammations fade out, instead calcium

starts to deposit around the joints, forming spurs and causing joints to grow

together (ankylosis).

The generally low gastric acid levels in combination with an unhealthy

intestinal flora may be the major causes for the high incidence of malnutrition

in

individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. In one study it was reported that

nearly 75% of patients in Alabama have signs of malnutrition. Most frequently

deficient are protein, zinc, folic acid, pantothenic acid, vitamin C, selenium

and cystine. Cystine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that is high in

connective tissue, skin, nail and hair. In arthritics the cystine content of

fingernails was only 8.9% compared to a normal value of 12%. Raw egg yolk is

the

best source of sulfur-containing amino acids (except if allergic to it). The

best supplement for organic sulfur is MSM.

Sludged Blood

A major contributing factor, especially with rheumatoid arthritis, is an

overgrowth of the intestines with undesirable bacteria and fungi. The main

cause

for this is usually antibiotic treatment, sometimes also the meat from

animals reared with routine antibiotic feeding as well as other drugs. The

problem

is aggravated by low gastric acidity as well as a diet high in sweet foods.

Frequently the intestinal walls are damaged by a high gluten intake as well

as by allergenic inflammations and this allows bacterial decomposition

products to enter the bloodstream and weaken the immune system as well as

aggravate

the joint inflammations. Another contributing factor in this process is the

use of aspirin and other analgesics that make the intestinal walls more

porous.

This invasion of bacterial allergens combined with food allergens not only

produces joint inflammations, but also a phenomenon called 'sludged blood':

the red blood cells begin to aggregate and clump together.

In this condition they cannot be sufficiently charged with oxygen and in

addition they clog the blood capillaries in the muscles, leading to oxygen

starvation, lack of nutrients and accumulation of metabolic waste products.

This

results in a generally sluggish blood circulation, which is a major cause of

the morning stiffness in arthritis.

The clumped blood cells and the resulting sluggish circulation could be

directly observed in the capillaries of the conjunctiva of the eyes of

arthritics. This same condition is responsible for a raised erythrocyte

sedimentation

rate or E.S.R. in the blood with inflammatory arthritis. A raised E.S.R. is

usually indicative of a general infection or of inflammatory and widespread

immune reactions in the body.

In addition to infections, inflammations and allergies, also a high fat

intake induces temporary sludging of the blood. This is probably the reason for

the improvement experienced on a low fat diet. Arthritics often have poor

liver functions and a slow clearance of fat particles (chylomicrons) from the

bloodstream. This makes blood cells stickier, causing them to clump together

and

the resulting oxygen deficiency increases the pain in the affected area.

It has been shown that sludging of the blood occurs temporarily in an area,

which has been traumatized by a sudden impact injury such as a fall or a

strong blow. This localized sludging may be the cause of the frequently

resulting

'traumatic arthritis'.

Meat and Sugar

Calcium leaching out of joints, bones and teeth is a major cause of

arthritis, osteoporosis and tooth decay. There are two commonly used foods,

which

lead to elevated calcium blood levels and subsequently increased loss in the

urine. These are meat and sugar.

Meat stimulates the parathyroid glands to become overactive, due mainly to

high phosphorus content. Also many soft drinks are very high in phosphorus.

Increased parathyroid activity means raised calcium blood levels and the

sources of this additional calcium are the joints and bones. Compared to

vegetarians, meat-eaters lose on average two to four times the amount of calcium

in the

urine; the higher the intake of meat and other animal protein, the greater

is the calcium loss.

It is similar with sugar. After ingesting sugar, insulin blood levels are

raised and these, in turn, raise the calcium level. When individuals with a

normal insulin response ingest 100 g of sugar, the loss of calcium in the urine

approximately doubles. However, many individuals have a poor sugar metabolism

with an exaggerated insulin response as in hypoglycemia. In these

individuals a test load of 100 g sugar increases the calcium loss with the urine

about

four-fold. It is unconceivable that joints could remain healthy with such

huge and continuing loss of calcium.

Another important nutrient for joint health is magnesium, which is also

regulated by the parathyroid glands. If calcium is raised in the blood, then

magnesium is lowered and vice versa. This means, an increased magnesium intake

will lower the calcium blood level and therefore less or no calcium needs to be

leached from bones and joints. With sufficient magnesium intake calcium may

even be redeposited into joints and bones. However, experience shows that a

high calcium intake in this situation leads only to calcifications in the wrong

places, such as spurs, kidney stones, ankylosis and arteriosclerosis.

With these insights we can also understand why the common medical advice for

the prevention of osteoporosis - to ingest more milk products and use

calcium supplements - is generally ineffective. Clinical statistics show that

calcium loss from the bones continues unabated. Instead, the real solution is

to

minimize the intake of animal protein and sugar and increase the intake of

magnesium and boron. In addition, hormonal changes (menopause) play a role as

well as vitamin D deficiency.

A diet high in meat and other animal proteins contributes also to the

formation of high levels of uric acid. Purines are formed from the breakdown of

nucleic acids, which are part of the nuclei of cells. Uric acid is formed from

the oxidation of purines, but it can also be synthesized from simple metabolic

molecules. While it may not be advisable to eat large amounts of cooked

beans and peas due to their purine content, sprouted legumes are still

recommended even with gout.

Sugars, especially fructose and the fructose part of household sugar,

increase the production of uric acid and possibly the breakdown of nucleic

acids.

However, an even stronger effect on uric acid production has alcohol,

especially in the form of beer. 95% of those affected with gout are males and

of

these the most common feature is high beer consumption.

Caffeine from coffee and theophylline from tea are methylated purines. While

they do not seem to have a direct effect on uric acid levels, they greatly

contribute to the loss of calcium and magnesium from the body. 300 mg of

caffeine, which may be found in three cups of coffee, doubles urinary calcium

loss

in both men and women.

SPECIFIC NUTRIENTS

Arthritics of all types generally show a wide range of vitamin and mineral

deficiencies. Often there are abnormalities in the metabolism, which require

much higher amounts than normal in order to be effective.

Nicotinamide (also called niacinamide) is most effective with osteoarthritis

and especially with knee problems. In one controlled study 663 patients on

nicotinamide had a much better range of joint movements than untreated

controls. Decreased pain and increased joint mobility are noted in 2 - 6 weeks.

The

dosage increased gradually to 1 g three times daily and was tapered off once

effective. In addition a high dosage B complex was used.

Pantothenic acid, on the other hand, another B-group vitamin, is more

effective with rheumatoid arthritis. Acute deficiency of pantothenic acid in

the

rat produced pathological joint changes, which were like those in

osteoarthritis. Supplementation of patients produced a limited variable

improvement, which

ended when the supplementation was stopped.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis have significantly lower pantothenic acid

blood levels than controls and the degree of the deficiency has been shown

to correlate directly with the severity of symptoms: the lower the levels of

the vitamin, the more severe were the symptoms. After 2 months on 4 times

daily 500 mg of pantothenate a group of patients showed significant improvement

in morning stiffness, degree of pain and disability.

In another trial a group of patients received a daily injection of 50 mg of

pantothenate either alone or with Royal Jelly. Symptoms had improved after 7

days but showed no further improvement with continued injections. When the

injections were stopped, blood levels gradually fell to their original low

levels with a return of the former symptoms.

Vegetarians generally had higher pantothenate blood levels and responded

better to pantothenate supplements. Interestingly, the degree of sludging of

the

blood and with this the E.S.R. improved with pantothenate supplementation.

Vitamin B6 is mainly beneficial for problems with the hands, fingers,

wrists, arms and shoulders. Numbness, tingling, pain, stiffness and weakness

commonly improved in 8 - 12 weeks while on 100 - 150 mg vitamin B6 daily.

Sometimes

doses of 500 mg or more are given daily together with zinc supplements.

Vitamin E is an inhibitor of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins. In this way it

should be beneficial in all forms of arthritis. During a 10 day trial with

900 I.U. of vitamin E daily 52% of patients reported a good pain relieving

effect.

Vitamin C supplementation has been shown to be beneficial in all forms of

arthritis. Guinea pigs with artificially induced osteoarthritis developed

severe symptoms on a low vitamin C intake but only mild symptoms on a high

intake.

Blood and tissue levels of vitamin C are especially low with rheumatoid

arthritis. With gout 4 g of ascorbic acid daily increased the urinary excretion

of uric acid while a daily intake of 8 g in addition strongly lowered the uric

acid blood levels. High vitamin C blood levels reduce histamine levels and

with this inflammations. A high intake of niacin or nicotinic acid, on the

other hand, may decrease uric acid excretion and provoke an attack of gout.

While folic acid levels are generally low with rheumatoid arthritis,

supplements seem to be most helpful with gout. High doses of 10 - 75 mg daily

have

been used to block uric acid production and have been reported to be more

effective than drugs in reducing uric acid blood levels. Additional vitamin B12

may be required with such high folic acid intakes.

Minerals

Copper has a reputation of being an effective anti-inflammatory agent in

arthritis. Medically it is mainly used in the form of copper salicylate. It can

increase joint mobility, decrease swellings and pain and normalize the E.S.R.

In one study 65% of 620 patients became symptom free, also other

inflammatory joint diseases improved for an average of 3 years. Commonly 60 mg

of copper

salicylate are used twice daily for 10 days, if not available experiment

with chelates or gluconate of copper. Copper deficiency causes uric acid levels

to rise in gout. Copper blood levels in rheumatoid arthritis are elevated as

liver stores are mobilized in response to the inflammatory processes, causing

tissue deficiency.

However, arthritis sufferers have found that it is often quite effective

just to wear a copper bracelet around the affected limb. This practice has been

validated by medical research. When after one month the copper bracelet in a

large group of patients was replaced by a placebo (an imitation bracelet)

those who had previously improved deteriorated again. The average loss of copper

from the bracelets for one month was 13 mg, presumably dissolved by the sweat

and absorbed into the skin.

Zinc levels in the blood and cells of patients with rheumatoid arthritis are

markedly reduced as compared to controls, however, more zinc than normal is

lost with the urine. High-level zinc supplements led to significant

improvements in most patients in regard to all disease parameters. However, if

very

high intakes (e.g. 3 X 50 mg of zinc) are maintained for long periods, say for

more than 6 months, copper deficiency may develop with deterioration in

symptoms. In addition, high doses of zinc sulfate may irritate the digestive

system.

Iron is a problem mineral. Like zinc, it is elevated in the synovial fluid

around the joints but too low in the serum. Iron deposits can often be seen in

the membranes of affected joints. There are reports of female rheumatoid

arthritis patients deteriorating with ferrous sulfate supplements. On the other

hand, there is often anemia in female patients which calls for more iron. The

suggested solution is to supplement meals with ascorbic acid, which greatly

increases iron absorption in an organic form, which is less likely to cause

problems.

Selenium levels are depressed with rheumatoid arthritis. The longer the

duration of the disease and the more severe the symptoms, the lower are usually

the blood selenium levels; conversely, increased selenium levels are also

related to improved hemoglobin levels in the blood.

There is a history of taking sulfur baths for arthritis. The beneficial

effect of this has been confirmed in medical studies. Blood sulfur levels rise

following sulfur baths. Alternatively, patients may take powdered sulfur. This

resulted in an improvement in many cases with the generally reduced cystine

content of fingernails returning to normal values. Cystine is a

sulfur-containing amino acid, which is high in egg yolk. Molybdenum is required

to

incorporate sulfur into cartilage.

Boron has been reported to be of help to many arthritics. This may be

because boron lowers the urinary excretion of calcium and magnesium and raises

the

blood level of sex hormones, especially in post-menopausal women. Boron

occurs naturally in fresh fruit and vegetables or may be supplied as borax or

boric acid.

Other Anti-Rheumatic Agents

While polyunsaturated oils from oil seeds tend to produce inflammatory

tissue hormones or prostaglandins, fish oils, the linolenic acid in linseed and

a

rare kind of oil in evening primrose oil (gamma linolenic acid) help to

produce anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. Commonly linseed oil, cod liver oil

or

capsules of fish oil concentrates are used. With evening primrose oil (e.g. 4

times daily) it may take 4 - 12 weeks for benefits to be felt. Some patients

who show the best long-term benefits may feel worse during the first 2 weeks.

Also other anti-inflammatory remedies are helpful, such as fresh ginger,

turmeric, feverfew, golden seal and propolis.

Flavonoids are mainly yellow, orange, pink or purple plant pigments as in

various fruits and flower petals. Some of the more potent ones are called

biofla

vonoids; these include rutin and hesperidin. Flavonoids strengthen the blood

capillaries, improve the absorption and action of vitamin C, they are strong

antioxidants and have anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties. In

this way, they are especially beneficial with inflammatory forms of arthritis.

In particular, some flavonoids inhibit the autoimmune reactions around the

joints. A good diet contains 1g or more of flavonoids. They are also available

as supplements.

The amino acid D,L-phenylalanine is quite effective as a pain reliever. It

may take up to 3 weeks to get results. Commonly 750 mg 3 times daily has been

used; if not effective double the dose for another 3 weeks. Inflammation and

swellings may be reduced. A similar beneficial effect has been found with the

amino acid tryptophan. Patients who had been treated with tryptophan for

depression also had relief from arthritis. Also the amino acid L-histidine may

be beneficial.

Mucopolysaccharides, also called proteoglycans, form long chains which are

the basis of the cartilage and connective tissue. Normally proteoglycans make

up about 80% of cartilage. In arthritic cartilage this may be reduced to 40%

or less. Ingesting proteoglycans as food or supplements has been shown to be

very beneficial.

These can be supplied from green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus). Several

experimental studies have shown significant improvement in most patients with

long-term supplementation. In addition, calf cartilage has been used with

good results, especially injections of pre-digested cartilage. Now also liquid

oral bovine cartilage is available. I regard it as preferable to shark

cartilage, which is difficult to digest and absorb. Other foods rich in

proteoglycans are Aloe vera, oats, okra, sweet potato leaves, shark fin soup,

Irish moss

and especially broth of fish heads. The amino sugar glucosamine is a main

raw product for the synthesis of proteoglycans. Supplying sufficient

glucosamine, about 1.5 g per day, helps to restore normal cartilage composition

and is

very beneficial for affected joints. Another basic building block of

cartilage is chondroitin sulfate.

Yucca is one of the few herbs’ that have been scientifically assessed in the

treatment of diseases. Of 149 arthritics 61% had less swellings, pain and

stiffness. Some required several months of treatment before improving.

Encouraging reports are also available for the bitter root of devil's claw.

Protein-digesting or proteolytic enzymes are well known for their

anti-inflammatory properties. Bromelain, an enzyme from pineapple, was found to

improve

most inflammatory arthritic conditions.

WASTES, TOXINS AND MICROBES

Tense muscles surrounding a joint have a further strong influence on joint

deterioration. Such muscle tensions may originate from overwork of this

particular muscle group or the cause may be unreleased emotional tensions. If

we

feel an emotion but do not properly act to release it, then this energy is

stored in a corresponding muscle in the form of a permanent contraction of some

muscle fibers.

This is called muscle armoring. Unreleased anger may, for instance, affect

the shoulder muscles and unreleased sexual tension may amour pelvis and hip

muscles. An armored muscle has a permanently contracted core with greatly

reduced blood and lymph circulation. This in turn encourages the accumulation

of

toxins and metabolic wastes in this area. Such armored muscle groups around a

joint will also prevent an adequate supply of nutrients from reaching the

joint.

Furthermore, armored muscles, because of their lack of nutrients, tend to

produce large amounts of lactic acid. This in turn liberates histamine and

leads to inflammations. At the same time, these over-acid conditions contribute

to the erosion of bones and joints (e.g. osteoporosis). On the other hand,

when conditions are too alkaline (e.g. when the metabolism slows down with

advancing age) then calcifications will occur as with joint deformities.

While armored muscles will in this way lead to malnourishment of joints and

to arthritis, also the reverse is true: an inflamed joint will lead to muscle

tension and armoring around it and this in turn will further contribute to

the long-term joint deterioration.

Dental Hazards

In addition to an unhealthy intestinal flora, another main source of

endogenous toxins, those produced within the body, are dead teeth. Dead teeth

are

even more dangerous than mercury amalgam fillings and having two different

kinds of metal in the mouth. Teeth with a root canal filling, a post-crown and

sometimes also teeth with large fillings or pins are dead.

Dead teeth slowly disintegrate and cause a chronic osteitis with softening

and inflammation of the surrounding jawbone. Toxins are continuously released

into the surrounding tissue and blood stream. This process may continue even

after removal of a dead tooth if the diseased bone is not curetted or scraped

out back to the healthy jawbone, or if any fragments of root or metal remain

embedded.

In addition, in the acupuncture system each tooth is related to a specific

energy meridian, organ and also joint. Therefore, an interference field in a

specific tooth can trigger or intensify arthritis in a related joint. To give

some examples, number 3 teeth in all locations are associated with the hips,

the lower 6 to 8 and the upper 4, 5 and 8 are related to the shoulders and

elbows, also to the hands, feet and toes in various locations, numbers 1 to 3 in

all locations connect to the feet, back of knees and sacrococcyx and lower 4

and 5 and upper 6 and 7 to the front of knees and the jaws.

To avoid problems, all dead teeth should be removed and any areas of

osteitis curetted. If in doubt about the condition of the jawbone with missing

teeth

consult a therapist who does electro-acupuncture testing as with Vega

equipment. As there are no nerves, there may be no pain to indicate osteitis.

Many

testimonials of former sufferers attest to the benefits of having hidden

dental hazards removed. For further details see the article on _Dental Problems_

(http://users.mrbean.net.au/Health & Spirit/dental.html) .

The P.C. Microbe

As a result of the accumulation of waste products and the chronic release of

endogenous toxins in combination with food allergies there is a serious

decline in our immune functions, which then allows the proliferation of harmful

internally generated microbes.

Virginia Livingston-Wheeler has named this endogenous microbe Progenitor

Cryptocides or short P.C. It normally lives in a virus-like form in a

beneficial

symbiosis within our body cells, but when our immune system becomes too

weak, P.C. can leave the cells and start an uncontrolled growth with changes in

size and shape to bacterial and fungus-like forms.

In its virulent condition P.C. has been shown by various researchers to be a

major factor in the development of the group of collagen and connective

tissue diseases. These include rheumatoid arthritis and even cancer. P.C.

attacks

mainly the areas with the lowest vitality by releasing enzymes, which lead

to a localized disintegration of the collagen structure.

This allows any cancer cells, which may be present to become embedded and

start growth as a tumor. If this process of connective tissue disintegration

starts in the joints the immune system initially contains the damage by

infiltrating the attacked area with a large number of white blood cells. These

release enzymes, which dissolve the fragments of denatured cartilage resulting

from the activity of P.C. and most likely also try to kill P.C. This process

looks superficially as if the immune system destroys its own tissue and is

therefore called an autoimmune disease.

In animal experiments it has been shown that the injection of large doses of

virulent P.C. culture leads to tumor development while lower doses lead to

various forms of degenerative connective tissue diseases, including rheumatoid

arthritis. Finally, the immune system becomes too weak and the body limits

the damage by calcifying the joint.

Poor Elimination

Generally, in arthritis the organs of elimination are weak, leading to mucus

congestion of the lymphatic system and to fatty degeneration of organs and

muscles.

Uric acid is an especially unpleasant metabolic residue because of its low

solubility, which leads to deposits of needle-like crystals. These crystals

irritate muscles and joints and greatly add to the pain caused by tight muscles

with tension and inflammation. This results in gout and various forms of

rheumatism.

High levels of uric acid are formed by a diet high in meat, sugar, coffee

and tea. Because uric acid is only slightly soluble, it needs plenty of water

and well functioning kidneys to flush it out of muscles and joints and remove

it from the body.

Other organs that are usually weak in arthritis are the stomach, the liver,

gall bladder and generally the whole of the digestive system. The prominent

involvement of the big toes with gout is especially significant as these are

the starting points of the acupuncture meridians of the liver. While the sugar

metabolism is especially weak with other forms of arthritis, with gout it is

mainly the protein and fat metabolism.

Besides the kidneys, other organs of elimination are the bowels, the liver,

the skin and the lungs; all of these need to be greatly stimulated to remove

toxic and obstructive waste residues from arthritic joints and rheumatic

muscles.

DIET

The basic arthritis diet consists of plenty of raw food such as sprouted

seeds, fresh vegetable juices with plenty of wheat or barley grass and

beetroot,

also vegetable salads in increasing amounts according to the strength of the

digestion. You may cook lentils and brown rice, usually eaten together at

the same meal, and also steamed vegetables, especially onions, green beans,

okras, sweet potato leaves and beetroot. Generally, sweet vegetables, such as

carrots, pumpkin turnips and sweet potatoes are best eaten raw and finely grated

as part of a salad. Frequently have raw food days.

Instead of using commercial bread, experiment with sourdough baking from

lentils, buckwheat and brown rice, soak and blend the seeds, possibly use

acidophilus culture as starter. Use free-range raw egg yolk (e.g. as part of a

salad dressing), otherwise soft-boiled egg. Fish and seafood are good and

especially the broth of simmered fish heads and bones. Liver may be used

occasionally except with gout. Other helpful foods are avocado, almonds,

pecans, celery,

coleslaw, peanuts, peanut oil and extra-virgin olive oil.

The more sensitive the skin is against cold, insect bites and irritants, the

less fruit should be used or, alternatively, any fruit acids may be

neutralized with sodium bicarbonate. With insensitive skin use a fair amount of

fruit, including bananas, before or instead of meals. Mix 1 tbsp. of ground

linseed (grind in blender or coffee grinder and refrigerate) and 1 tsp. of

lecithin

with most meals.

Some arthritis sufferers improve when avoiding foods of the nightshade

family: tomatoes, potatoes, capsicum and peppers, eggplant or aubergine. These

may

contain the toxic alkaloid solanine, especially high in green parts of

potatoes and tomatoes.

Best avoid these until sufficient improvement, then introduce gradually with

careful self-observation. Use only red capsicum, not green ones. However,

raw potato juice and broth of potato peels are helpful to some sufferers and

you may experiment with these.

Avoid cows' milk products, wheat products (except wheat grass juice), and

other gluten foods such as rye, barley and oats; sweeteners and sweetened food,

salt, red meat, yeast fat, fried products, commercial polyunsaturated oils,

margarine or other highly processed food or food containing preservative,

coloring or other unbiological chemicals. If sensitive avoid also unneutralized

food acids, such as lemon juice and vinegar, fruit juice or dried fruit.

Avoid alcohol and smoking; be careful with coffee and tea. Try to avoid

chlorinated and fluoridated water for cooking and drinking. Minimize cooked

legumes

with gout.

Because of the usually weak digestive powers, it is important to have only

small meals, chew very well. Have breakfast as the main meal or possibly

lunch, but only a light, early evening meal. Ingest any water in which

vegetables

or brown rice has been cooked. If meat, fish or nuts are used, eat these as

the first part of any meal. If possible, lie down after lunch.

While it is important to have plenty of fluid-intake, this should not be

taken with or after meals so that digestive juices are not diluted. Drink about

one liter of preferably warm water, weak herb tea (peppermint is good) or,

most recommended, fresh diluted vegetable juice about 30 minutes before

breakfast. Use mainly wheat grass, barley grass, celery, parsley, edible weeds

and

other green leaves as well as beetroot for a vegetable juice and only a

smaller amount of flavoring sweet vegetables (e.g. carrots, pumpkin) and apple.

A

further glass of water, herb tea or fresh juice may be taken before other

meals. Drink juices slowly and spaced out to minimize any rise in the blood

sugar

level. For further information on allergy testing, juices, food selection

and preparation as well as metabolic types and blood groups see _Healing Foods_

(http://users.mrbean.net.au/~wlast/contents.html) .

Cleansing Periods

Fasting or cleansing periods are of greatest importance, the more so, the

more the disease has progressed. Frequency, duration and food restrictions are

to be selected according to the severity of the disease and the sensitivity

of the body.

On the average, fast about one week each month until much improved, then

gradually less. However, you may start with one-day fasts and then three days

before proceeding to a full week. Insensitive individuals and those with gout

may often fast on fresh fruits, especially (unsprayed) apples. Sensitive

individuals should use mainly fresh green vegetable juices, sprouted seeds and

vegetable salads, flavored only with herbs and a small amount of olive or

peanut

oil.

On the first morning of each fasting period take a tablespoon of Epsom salts

in water to clean the bowels. If your digestion is rather weak, use mainly

freshly pressed raw vegetable juices; wheat grass or barley grass juice is

excellent. The first cleansing period may have added cooked brown rice. After

fasting reintroduce new foods gradually and watch for signs of allergy or

worsening of symptoms, exclude any reacting food.

Sanitize your intestinal flora by taking a course of cultures of acidophilus

and bifido bacteria. Preferably eradicate most harmful bacteria and fungi by

drinking one liter of water with the addition of 1 tbsp. of Epsom salts or

if this is not tolerated with 1-heaped teaspoon of table salt and also one

large crushed clove of garlic.

Drink this first thing in the morning of each fasting day. Then take a

suitable acidophilus - bifido culture as yoghurt or as high potency capsules or

powders in a large glass of diluted vegetable juice one hour after the last

garlic drink. After starting with the cultures use only small amounts of fresh

raw garlic to flavor meals, large intakes would kill the beneficial bacteria.

For further information see _The Basic Cleanse_

(http://users.mrbean.net.au/~wlast/basiccleanse.html) and also _Intestinal

Sanitation_

(http://users.mrbean.net.au/~wlast/HF1-2.html) .

Supplements

As a basic supplement take a B-complex tablet with each meal. Additions of

specific vitamins may be of vitamin B6 used for certain problems, such as 500

mg or more for hand, arm and shoulder problems, up to several grams of

pantothenic acid with rheumatoid arthritis and up to 3 g of nicotinamide with

osteoarthritis, especially effective with knee problems, all to be taken in

divided doses during meals and snacks. Mix half a teaspoon of sodium or calcium

ascorbate with each meal and a natural form of vitamin E in tablet form for

easier absorption, preferably also mixed tocopherols.

Minerals that have been found to help are 30 - 50 mg of zinc, 10 - 20 mg of

manganese, 500 mg of magnesium, 100 - 200 mcg of selenium and also chromium

and molybdenum. The therapeutic dose of boron commonly is 9 mg and the

maintenance dose 3 to 6 mg. 50 mg of borax or boric acid contain about 6 mg of

boron. To measure this amount, dissolve one level teaspoon of borax in one

liter

of water and take a teaspoonful twice daily with meals.

Chelated or otherwise organically bound copper has been used to reduce

inflammations; mainly as copper salicylates (copper salicylates do not appear

to

cause problems like other salicylates). Often it helps instead to wear a

copper bracelet around the affected limb. Sulfur is an important ingredient of

cartilage. If one or two egg yolks are not used daily or plenty of onion, use 5

- 10 g of MSM, alternatively the amino acids methionine and cysteine or, if

these are not available or affordable, even about 300 mg of powdered sulfur may

be helpful.

Kelp and dried thyroid (absorb in mouth) increase energy. Preferably use

plenty of magnesium chloride as recommended in the article on _Magnesium

Chloride_ (http://users.mrbean.net.au/~wlast/magnesiumchloride.html) or

alternatively

use vinegar of fruit acids neutralized with dolomite. Dolomite supplies

calcium and magnesium in the ratio of 2:1. For details see _The Acid - Alkaline

Balance_ (http://users.mrbean.net.au/~wlast/calcium.html) with inflammations

also select foods high in calcium and low in phosphorus.

Highly recommended is glucosamine, 500 mg before or with each meal, if

available also liquid bovine cartilage (1 tsp daily) or possibly extract of

green-lipped mussel, about 350 mg 3 times daily. Also try chondroitin sulfate.

Cod

liver oil is very helpful. You may shake a tablespoonful together with some

lecithin and fresh orange juice in a jar, some recommend taking this before

going to bed. This provides the essential omega-3 fatty acid DHA and the

vitamins A and D. If you suspect fat malabsorption you frequently need to rub

cod

liver oil into the skin. You may rinse it off several hours later.

If insensitive, elderly or with signs of mineral deficiency (soft

fingernails), a hydrochloric acid supplement with meals may be beneficial,

especially

with protein foods. For further information see _Hydrochloric Acid_

(http://users.mrbean.net.au/~wlast/HF1-2.html) .

Also digestive enzymes from supplements or pineapple, pawpaw or ripe

Kiwifruit will be helpful in advanced conditions with cooked food meals. The

protein-digesting enzymes bromelain and papain (pineapple and papaya) can also

be

taken before meals to reduce pain and inflammation. If food or chemical

sensitivities remain a problem even after allergy testing and avoiding

offenders,

then several grams of the amino acid glutamine can help to make the intestinal

wall less ‘leaky’.

D-or D,L-phenylalanine (but not L-phenylalanine) reduces pain by blocking

enzymes which destroy natural pain-killing hormones in the brain. Start with

500 mg 3 times daily. It may take up to 3 weeks until it becomes effective;

possibly increase to 1500 mg per dose, once effective decrease again to a

minimum maintenance dose. White willow bark may be used as herbal salicylate for

pain relief but is not recommended for long-term use as it may increase

allergies, it is much better to use _copper salicylate_

(http://users.mrbean.net.au/~wlast/copper.html) . With gout copper salicylate

and 5 mg of folic acid with

meals are helpful.

Other beneficial supplements are Royal Jelly (absorb under the tongue),

evening primrose oil, octacosanol, spirulina, bee pollen, ginseng and yucca;

with

rheumatoid arthritis also immune stimulants such as propolis, echinacea, and

freeze-dried thymus (absorb under the tongue). Good anti-inflammatory herbal

remedies are golden seal, feverfew, ginger, pau d’arco or taheebo and

turmeric.

To improve liver functions use Kyolic aged garlic, milk thistle, and after

meals half a cup of a bitter liver herb such as centaury, devils claw or

gentian. At other times also diuretic herb teas are useful, such as meadowsweet

and sarsaparilla which both help to remove uric acid. For osteoarthritis the

homeopathic remedies Rhus.Tox and Bryonia taken in alternation may be

beneficial.

Increase and decrease high-dosage supplements gradually, such as initially

or before and after fasts and with improvement. The more you use fresh green

juice, raw food, cleansing and suitable additional therapies, the less

supplements will be needed

BLISTERING

Blistering, also called counter-irritation, is a direct cleansing method for

local conditions and has been used successfully for centuries with arthritis

and other rheumatic complaints. It often gives results quicker and more

reliably than other methods.

The usual technique to irritate the skin over a painful or stiff joint is by

applying a blistering agent. One may also vigorously brush affected joints

or even intentionally expose them to insect bites or stings. A folk remedy for

arthritis it to hold a stiff or sore joint in an ants nest or let it be

bitten by sand flies or mosquitoes, even bee stings have been used. Another

folk

remedy is beating the affected area with a bunch of stinging nettles.

The principle is to draw the toxins and congesting energies from the inside

to the surface. Liniments, compresses and plasters may be used. Vegetable

turpentine or kerosene are suitable as blistering agents, but most commonly

used

are cayenne, mustard powder and Cantharides. Cayenne or mustard powder may

be mixed with water to make a paste. This is spread on a linen or cotton cloth

and applied to the affected area. Leave it on until the burning becomes too

uncomfortable. Preferably a blister should have been raised or pussy pustules

may appear. Wash off any remaining paste residues and open the blister with

a needle to drain the fluid. For healing the skin keep a fresh cabbage leaf

over the blistered area, later rub vitamin E oil onto it.

If Cantharides plaster is available cut out and apply a piece the size of

one to several postage stamps. Leave for 12 - 24 hours, depending on the

sensitivity of the skin. With rather insensitive skin, the skin must first be

pricked in many places or otherwise mechanically irritated over the affected

joint

before applying the plaster. In long-standing conditions blistering may have

to be repeated several times in different places around the joint or along

the course of an infected nerve as with shingles.

Blistering can also be used with low back pain, sciatica, myositis,

bursitis, neuralgia and neuritis, lumbago, spondylitis as well as with pain,

inflammation and infection of inner organs. While in many countries Cantharides

plaster is not for sale, in Germany it is freely available in health food

shops

(Reformhaus). In Germany also a combination of cantharidin and croton oil is

available as Oel Braunscheidtii (Pyonex Oil), which is rubbed into the

pricked skin (Pyonex Treatment or Braunscheidtismus). Continue the blistering

process until the pain or stiffness has disappeared.

I found kerosene very effective. Moisten a cloth with kerosene and wrap it

around the affected joint. Possibly cover the cloth with plastic. After some

time the skin may start burning but try to keep the pack on as long as you can

stand it. This may be less than half an hour with sensitive skin or several

hours if the skin is insensitive. After removing the pack, the burning will

stop very quickly, but do not wash with water. The skin should be very red as

after sunburn and it may start peeling after a few days, just like sunburn.

FURTHER MEASURES

In addition to the direct elimination of harmful residues through the skin

it is of greatest importance to improve the elimination through the bowels and

kidneys. Much of the morning stiffness with arthritis is due to water r

etention. This, can improve by avoiding salt and taking herbal diuretics, such

as

juniper berries or tea of elder or peach leaves, also meadowsweet,

sarsaparilla or sassafras.

Bowel Cleansing

Fatty and fat-soluble toxins and wastes are released through the liver and

gall bladder into the bowels. Bitter herbal teas as recommended to improve the

digestion will also assist in this task. In addition, the bowels must be

kept active and open. The cleaner the bowels are the easier and quicker it is

to

clean the rest of the body. Congested bowels lead to congested lymph, blood

and tissues.

Use sufficient laxative food, foremost ground linseed and magnesium

chloride, to have 2 - 3 bowel movements daily. In addition, you may take 1 tsp.

of

Epsom salts with warm water first thing in the morning or at bedtime. A good

herbal cleanser is aloe, which may be combined with senna for an occasional

thorough cleanout, especially before and during fasting. If available, have

initially a series of professional colonics (colonic irrigations). See also the

page on _Hydrotherapy_ (http://users.mrbean.net.au/~wlast/Hydrotherapy.html) .

Packs, Rubs, Baths, Colors

Packs, baths and rubs can be very helpful. As a rub use warm peanut oil. Rub

it into affected joints while at the same time and for 5 - 15 minutes

afterwards keeping the area warm with an infrared lamp or heater. For more

immediate pain relief, you may also add some oil of sassafras, wintergreen or

cloves

to the peanut oil.

As a pack use Epsom salts. Soak a cloth in a saturated solution of Epsom

salts or alternatively in very warm water, wring out lightly and cover with a

heavy layer of Epsom salts. Apply this to a painful or stiff area and keep warm

for 1 - 2 hours with a hot water bottle. If the problem is in the hands or

feet, make a concentrated Epsom salts solution and bathe the affected part in

it while keeping the solution as hot as possible. For the hips or if joints

and spine hurt in many places, you may buy a big fertilizer bag of Epsom salts

and dissolve 1 - 5 kg in a hot bath, the more concentrated the better.

Repeat all of these once or twice a week. Often induce sweating after a bath.

If you can obtain the necessary herbs, a very warm hand or foot bath with

the following may bring relief: one crushed head of garlic, one handful each of

greater celandine leaves, dandelion (whole plant), buttercup (whole plant),

meadowsweet flowers and two handfuls of nettle (whole plant). Even if not all

of these are available, you may try it with part of the ingredients.

If you like to experiment with color therapy, you may shine a strong blue

light at close range onto a painful or inflamed area, while for chronic

weakness and stiffness use an orange light. You may use a colored light bulb,

or

alternatively a color-filter or colored cellophane may be used with a normal

light bulb or the sun as a light source. Expose the affected area for about 60

minutes at a time with a colored light bulb as close as possible to the skin

but far enough that excessive heat is not a problem. Eliminate other light

sources during this time, for instance by covering the colored light source and

the irradiated area with a blanket. It may be more convenient just to wrap the

affected joint or area with colored cellophane and expose it to normal

daylight or sunlight or electrical light.

Deep muscle massage can be extremely effective. Unfortunately it is also

rather painful, but if you have the opportunity and courage, I strongly

recommend it. If it cannot be done professionally you may ask a friend or

relative to

press deeply into sore or tight muscles or you may even do it yourself. Also

press sore spots in the shoulders for arm problems and in the buttocks for

leg problems.

Vomiting Therapy

Another method that can bring surprisingly good results in difficult cases

is induced vomiting. This not only clears the stomach of any accumulated waste

but more importantly, it relaxes the digestive organs and stimulates the

solar plexus.

To induce vomiting, drink five or six cups of lukewarm water within a few

minutes and then touch or tickle the throat far down. Repeat induced vomiting

until the water comes back clear. If this is not successful to induce

vomiting, herbal emetic may be used, such as bayberry bark, black root,

boneset,

horehound, lobelia, mustard, ragwort or vervain. Afterwards drink mint tea to

settle the stomach. Best consult an herbalist or herb book about the correct

use

of herbal emetics.

Exercise

The best exercises to energize and relax tight muscles are tensing and

shaking exercises. Sometimes you may shake the whole body, at other times just

the

affected parts. You may do this standing, sitting or even lying down. Shake

the limbs or the whole body for one minute or longer while at the same time

breathing as rapidly and deeply as you can.

Tensing, too, may be practiced in any position. You may either just tense

the muscles around a painful, weak or stiff joint or leg, or gradually tense

all your muscles, starting with the feet and proceeding towards the top. At the

same time inhale deeply. Hold breath and maximum tension for several seconds

and then exhale while at the same time relaxing the muscles from the head

downward. Do this about ten times and repeat several times during the day. Also

isometric exercises may be done: press with the arms or legs against a wall

or other unmovable objects. Hold a deep breath while pressing and pay

attention to relaxing the muscles afterwards.

If you can walk without much pain, then go for long walks and practice deep

breathing in clean air at the same time. If you have difficulty walking, try

swimming. As a general health measure, get into the habit of doing suitable

yoga exercises, especially those, which strengthen the spine or the back and

the intestinal area.

Emotions and Imagination

Unreleased emotions contribute significantly to muscle armoring and with

this to the development of arthritis. The most frequent problems are suppressed

anger, suppressed sexuality and resentment.

If you have arthritis in the leg joints or hip, violently kick a cushion or

something similar for several minutes. If the problem is in the arms or

shoulders, hit a cushion or mattress with the fists. If you remember having

felt a

grudge against a particular person, you may imagine hitting or kicking him

or her. Make angry sounds at the same time, you may also cry or shout. You may

have to repeat this on subsequent days. When you feel that you have reacted

out all the stored resentment, frustration and anger and feel emotionally

empty, begin creating an imaginary scene in your mind in which you forgive that

person and any others you do remember. Try to send out some kind thoughts in

the end.

Even if you do not remember a particular incident or person that caused you

to be frustrated and resentful, do the exercise anyway. Some memories may

come up while you are doing it. Finally, forgive yourself formally for problems

you may have caused to others or which others may have caused you.

Another very helpful exercise is mental imagery. Sit or lie in a comfortable

position and do one of the many available relaxation exercises. Then imagine

that with each inhalation you draw in a cool blue stream of healing energy,

which you mentally direct to any painful area. Imagine the pain as a red fire

ball around the inflamed joint. See the blue healing energy washing away at

the fireball and with each exhalation a murky mixture of red and blue energy

leaving the body. Gradually the fireball becomes smaller and smaller until

after several minutes it has completely disappeared. Feel the joint being

immersed in the soothing blue healing energy. Repeat this exercise as necessary

to

control any pain.

If a joint is weak or stiff, you may imagine the healing energy to be orange

or golden-yellow and see it washing away any constricting grey or black

waste matter or calcifications. Then see the joint in a perfect shape and

condition, have a look at an anatomical picture to know what a healthy joint

should

look like. Finally, see yourself in a mental movie exercising, working and

using the diseased joint and also the whole body in a normal way or as you

would like to use your body.

Other Aspects

There are various other aspects, which may have either a positive or

negative influence on your condition. I want to mention briefly just some of

them.

Keep warm during cold nights. It may be beneficial to sleep in a natural fiber

sleeping bag during cold periods. A featherbed, on the other hand, may

aggravate symptoms due to static electricity generated between feathers. Have a

pillow of some natural material and preferably the same for the mattress. If

you want to continue sleeping on a foam rubber mattress, put several natural

fiber blankets on top.

Do not sleep or work for long periods close to operating high-powered

electric appliances, avoid being exposed to fluorescent lighting for long

periods –

see _Electromagnetic Pollution_

(http://users.mrbean.net.au/~wlast/electropollution.html) . Do not sleep with

the head resting on an arm or sit with your

knees crossed. Do not wear synthetic clothing. Preferably have natural fiber

carpets and curtains and only a minimum of large synthetic or plastic items

in living and work areas.

Minimize wearing glasses, frequently look without glasses at the blue sky

and green surroundings; be outdoors as much as possible. Walk barefoot on moist

grass. As an elderly male restrict semen loss from sexual activity until

much improved. Females should avoid strenuous activity during period time,

which

may suppress menstruation and worsen arthritis. However, it is fine for the

period to stop due to a vegetarian or raw food cleansing diet.

Have any dead teeth removed and osteitis in the jawbone curetted. Preferably

have also amalgam fillings replaced with biocompatible composite fillings,

if in doubt find a therapist who does electro-acupuncture testing, also called

electro-dermal screening.

Try reflexology, it is very effective; see the article on Reflexology. Also

stimulate the skin with alternating hot and cold showers and with vigorous

skin brushing, especially over stiff areas.

Low back pain is often due to problems in abdomen and sexual organs. An

excellent therapy for low back problems, beside yoga exercises, is to hang

upside

down. Special inversion equipment is available from sporting goods stores.

However, if you are sufficiently adventurous, you may also hang from a firmly

secured ladder. Cushion two upper rungs, sit on the lower of these and let

the torso hang down, the feet find safe support behind the upper cushioned

rung. Have a helper for support.

As you can see there is so much you can do to help yourself that you may not

know where to start. Begin with the most essential items: diet improvement,

basic supplements, cleansing, blistering and improving the intestinal flora.

By and by as your time, money and energy allow experiment with other

recommendations. Your reward will be proportional to your efforts. For

interesting

and helpful articles on arthritis and related skin and collagen diseases see

_http://www.glucosamine-arthritis.org_ (http://www.glucosamine-arthritis.org/)

or _http://www.arthritistrust.org_ (http://www.arthritistrust.org/) (click

" Education " and then " Articles " ).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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" A featherbed, on the other hand, may

aggravate symptoms due to static electricity generated between feathers "

 

Very long post but this assertion cannot possibly be based in science.Some of

the concepts seems plausable but this one just sounds wacky. If I'm wrong, I

stand corrected.

 

Zolette

 

 

 

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