Arthritis a different approach

Rheumatoid Arthritis 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rheumatoid_arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the entire body, but especially the joints. The joints typically involved are the hands, feet, wrists, ankles, and knees.

The onset of RA is usually gradual, but occasionally it can be quite abrupt. First signs can be mild symptoms such as Fatigue, low-grade fever, weakness, joint stiffness, and vague joint pain initially preceding the appearance of painful, swollen joints by several weeks. A number of joints are often involved in the onset, usually in a symmetrical fashion, i.e., both ankles, wrists and most often both hands. About 30% of all people with RA, initial experiences are usually confined to one or just a few joints. These joints will characteristically be quite warm, tender, and swollen. The skin over the troublesome area will appear with a ruddy purplish hue. Usually X-ray findings show soft tissue swelling, erosion of cartilage, and joint-space narrowing. As the disease develops, deformities appear in the joints of the hands and feet. The most common terms used to describe these deformities include: swan neck, boutonniere, and cock-up toes.

A wealth of evidence shows that RA is an autoimmune reaction, this is where antibodies formed by the immune system attack elements of joint tissues. What triggers these autoimmune reactions remains largely unknown. There is speculation and investigations have been based around genetic factors, lifestyle and nutritional factors, abnormal bowel permeability, , food allergies, and microorganisms. RA is an example of a multi-factorial disease, where by an assortment of genetic, dietary, and other factors contribute to the disease developments and progression.

There has been a long standing high correlation between RA and Diet for many years, with regard to both cause and relief. One major focus in dietary therapy is to indentify and eliminate food allergies, increase antioxidant nutrients, follow a vegetarian diet, and focus on the intake of good dietary fats and oils. One long-term study conducted in Norway at the Oslo Rheumatism Hospital showed that following these simple dietary guidelines can be "curative" in some individuals with RA, and significantly reduce symptoms in others.

Often the first step is a therapeutic fast / elimination diet to indentify Food Allergy or blood test, then a careful reintroduction of foods to detect allergens. In is important to use supplementary methods for diet during this period including a high dose multi vitamin mineral.

Almost any food can aggravate RA, but the common offenders are wheat, corn, milk and other dairy products, beef, nightshade family foods (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, peppers, and tobacco) as well as coffee. Once the offending allergens are indentified and eliminated, a diet rich in whole foods, vegetables, and fiber, and low in sugar, meat, refined carbohydrates, and animal fats is recommended with exception of any aggravating factor..

Of most importance is a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables in the dietary treatment of RA this cannot be overstated. Foods which are the best sources of dietary antioxidants, including vitamin C, beta-carotene, vitamin E, selenium. A number of studies have shown that the risk of RA is highest among people with the lowest levels of dietary antioxidants. Some excellent sources of antioxidants include flavonoid-rich berries, such as cherries, cranberries, hawthorn berries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and strawberries. Carotenoids are beneficial antioxidants found in yellow and green vegetables, including squashes, yams, carrots and the cabbage family vegetables.

Often a vegetarian diet can be beneficial in the treatment of inflammatory conditions like RA, probably due to decreasing the availability of arachidonic acid for conversion to inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes. One other way in which a more vegetarian diet may be helpful with RA is that is has a higher alkalinity than a meat-based diet. The severity of RA has been shown to be inversely related to the pH of the joint fluid - the lower the pH (high acid) the greater the pain and inflammation.

A very interesting remedy during flare-ups of RA is, fresh pineapple juice along with some fresh ginger root often helps to relieve symptoms of RA due to their anti-inflammatory activity.

·         Ginger possesses anti-inflammatory action by inhibiting the manufacture of inflammatory compounds and by the presence of an anti-inflammatory enzyme similar to bromelain, which is found in pineapple. In one clinical study, seven patients with RA in whom conventional drugs had provided only temporary or partial relief were treated with ginger. One patient took 50 g/day of lightly cooked ginger while the remaining six took either 5 g of fresh or 0.1-1 g of powdered ginger daily. All patients reported substantial improvement, including pain relief, joint mobility, and decrease in swelling and morning stiffness.

Base level supplements.

Multiple vitamin and mineral formulas (high potency)

Greens supplement.

Omega-3  - high quality

High potency digestive enzyme -enzymes have been shown to be useful in RA and other inflammatory conditions.

Curcumin - exerts excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

·         Curcumin is as effective as either cortisone or the potent anti-inflammatory drug phenylbutazone in models of acute inflammation. However, while phenylbutazone and cortisone are associated with significant toxicity, curcumin is without side effects. In human studies, curcumin has demonstrated some beneficial effects that are comparable to those of standard drugs. The recommended dosage for curcumin as an anti-inflammatory is 200 to 400 mg three times per day. For maximum absorption take curcumin along with an equal amount of bromelain.

Improvements in symptoms is the best monitor.

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