Self Help

Self Help for Arthritis Sufferers

The modern diet contains excess animal protein and fat, refined starches and sugar, additives, pesticides, colouring agents and preservatives, together with salt, alcohol and caffeine.
This results in a concentration of waste products in the body which leads to a state of toxicity which the body has trouble processing. The predominance of acid forming foods as opposed to a diet rich in largely alkaline fruit and vegetables leads to an acidic bloodstream with a corrosive effect on the joints and body tissues.
Ideally a vegetarian diet should be followed, if this is not possible increase your intake of fruit and vegetables so that they form the major part of your diet.

Aims:
Aim to eliminate toxic build up, and prevent new accumulation of uric acid.
Stimulate the bodies own resources to repair damage.
Improve circulation to drain off wastes and improve nutrition to tissues.

Treatments:
Epsom salts baths twice a week add 5 drops of Rosemary (see self help page Epsom Salts Bath)
Or add up to 6 drops of a detoxifying essential oil to your bath i.e. Cypress, juniper or lemon
Or use up to 6 drops of a pain killing essential oil i.e. Lavender, Chamomile, or Benzoin.
*Note all oils should be used with care.
Also consider Aromatherapy Massage, Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Homeopathy, and Osteopathy (only for Osteoarthritis) 
Glucosamine Sulphate – (an amino sugar) stimulates substances necessary for joint function and repair (osteoarthritis). High successes rate – combine with zinc.
Omega 3 Fish Oils – Fatty acids EAP and DHA mitigate swelling and pain in joints. Correct dietary deficiency of fatty acids; help to develop anti inflammatory prostaglandin hormones e.g.
(i) Cod Liver Oil lubricates joints, contains high levels of vitamin D for Calcium absorption, vitamin A fights infection.
(ii) Green Lipid Mussels, high in mineral salts with anti inflammatory properties especially useful in aging spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Evening Primrose Oil – (GLA) stimulates the production of anti inflammatory prostaglandins, which help to produce collagen and are often deficient. Up to 3gms daily 6 x 500mg capsules daily in separate doses (rheumatoid arthritis).
Note condition may worsen for 2 weeks before improving
Selenium- Helps to destroy free radicals which break down joint tissue, Supports anti inflammatory enzyme. Arthritis sufferers often have low levels of selenium, combine with other anti oxidants such as beta carotene, Vitamin C and E.
Note toxic in high doses – take no more than 20mcg in the form of selenium yeast for greater absorption and lower toxicity.
Aloe Vera – Anti viral, and anti inflammatory, rich in vitamins, amino acids, and minerals.
Apple Cider Vinegar – 2 x Tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with honey to your taste
3 x per day – excellent results.

Arthritis Supplements:
Zinc- For maintaining acid / alkaline balance and a healthy immune system, this mineral is often deficient in a modern diet.
Devils Claw – Anti- inflammatory cleanses and stimulates the immune system removing acid body wastes and impurities.
Feverfew – 200mg tablet daily relieves joint pain.  Note discontinue if pregnant or mouth ulcers develop
Vitamin C – 2-3 mgs daily increases anti inflammatory natural cortisone production, deficiency in Vitamin C connected to onset of arthritis.
Vitamin B Complex – Healthy nerves, protection from acid in blood stream.
Vitamin E – 200-800ius improves the circulation, reducing pain and increasing joint mobility.
Calcium Pantothenate – (Pantothenic acid- Vitamin B5) High success rate in rheumatoid arthritis, in reducing inflammation. Stimulates production of anti stress hormones, and natural cortisones. Seriously deficiency in modern diet strongly linked with rheumatoid arthritis. 2000mg daily – 4 x 500mg for no longer than 4 months then reduce to 2 tablets - safe and non toxic.
Starflower oil – (Borage) rich in potassium and calcium – purifying agent
Calcium – 1000mg – 1500mg supplementation daily with Vitamin D - required for calcium absorption.

Arthritis Dietary Recommendations
Avoid
Salt, strong spices, red meat (especially pork products, and old meat – ham, bacon, corned beef, sausage- all contain fibrous tissue and are full of acid), red wine, short drinks (full of acid), corn and wheat (allergy)  dairy products (allergy), spinach (acidic), Omega B vegetable oils (corn, safflower, sunflower trigger inflammation), soft drinks, refined carbohydrates, white flour, white sugar, pastry, bread, cereal, cakes, biscuits, jam & bottled fruits in syrup, citrus fruits - oranges, lemons, grapefruit, nightshade family - tomatoes, potatoes, green peppers, aubergines, canned & processed foods, crisps, salted peanuts.
Reduce
Tea, alcohol
Increase
Oily fish - salmon, halibut, mackerel, fresh tuna, sardines, leafy green vegetables, broccoli, raw celery ( 3x weekly), carrots, raw and lightly cooked vegetables, bananas (3x weekly), apple cider vinegar, ginger, turmeric, cloves, garlic (2-3 cloves daily), ½ lemon juice in hot water first thing in the morning reduces acidity and boosts the immune system, drink potato, cabbage or carrot water daily, drink wild yam or nettle, agrimony & willow bark tea to relieve pain.