I can see now that this forum is more about using medicine in every aspect of living with arthritis.
I on the other hand do everything I can to help myself using natural remedies. They might not be as affective as the ones prescribed by doctors, but they do work and I believe they are more healthy for you in the long run.
I posted one post up and got one reply. Not much but it was the answer that I was looking for. Thanks for that.
If anyone wants to learn more on how to help yourself using natural remedies. The healthy eating forum would be the best place for you.
I'm unsure why you think this, as a lot of posts re diet. I personally don't believe diet and that includes Paddison, GF (and I'm Celioc anyway) makes any difference to RA and if it did the nhs would be giving us all diet advice and saving a fortune on expensive medications. But I do think that being a healthy weight and being as active as possible does help. I also think that it is imperative to understand that it can sound very patronising to imply that by taking medication (which has proved over many years to be effective, and give people a good quality of life) is somehow less worthy that any natural remedies.
This post bothers me as RA untreated has many factors that may be hidden. And of course whilst its up to the individual to take whatever route of treatment that they choose, be that natural or conventional it is wrong to say that this forum is baised. I'm just wondering what natural remedies can actually have any impact on a disease caused by antibodies.
Not getting into this as sorry not interested, if you want to post about your natural remedies then do I most certainlely have no objection but do find your post slightly strange. I hope that you do find relief in whatever treatment plan you wish to follow but please don't imply this forum is just about medication because it simply isn't.
I don’t agree that this forum is all about using meds, there have been many posts discussing various ‘diets’ or eliminating/adding certain foods etc. If you use the search box you can find them there 😊
I’m glad that you can control your pain with just paracetamol and lemon grass and ginger tea but that would not touch my pain (believe me I’ve tried many natural remedies and alternative medicine) I believe I would be permanently bedridden by now if I hadn’t taken the meds offered to me (As it is I have extensive damage to my joints with naturally fused bones and permanently dislocated toes through joint damage) This was even whilst taking meds. I and I’m sure many others would love to be off the meds but at the moment that is not a possibility sadly but I am very happy for those that are able to do that. One day maybe. I live in hope.
I’m sure others will come along to talk about food soon. I couldn’t see your other post, only one about gout so I couldn’t see what you had written before.
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In a funny sort of way your reply is what I was trying to archive in finding.
Members who have tried or still trying nature remedies.
I thought on this forum with so many members would be a good place to ask.
I think the combination of the medications the hospital gave me has clearly played havoc with my judgement.
No I don't think my cups of lemon grass and ginger tea are as effective as prescription drugs.
I've been saying as much in my other post. How I could not handle the pain any more and went to a private hospital where I new I get the treatment I needed quickly.
I kinda suspect medical scientists have investigated every 'natural' remedy known and those previously unknown whilst looking for something which helps RD.
In the months I've been on this forum I've read many, many different thoughts on treating RA. There are many posts regarding diet. My hypothesis about diet is it probably plays a fairly significant role in whether a person develops RA and the progression and severity of the disease. I just discovered only 1 soda (cola is worst) a day increases a woman's risk of RA by more than 50%. Having said that, while diet and exercise are important, RA is a serious disease and diet plays a role in RA as it does in every disease (i.e. cancer, diabetes, heart disease, even mental illness). Medications all come with risks and potential side effects. Each individual must weigh out whether or not to take meds. They are proven to work, they can lead to remission, and for some are the only option for any quality of life. The other thing to consider is RA doesn't just affect joints. Internal organs can be impacted. I was unaware of that until joining this forum. Then I researched. So you may choose to go the natural way. Or you may choose medication. You'll find people posting about both. RA is different for every person. Some would be housebound without meds. Others can push through with diet and natural remedies and function well. Not symptom free, but well. It's a very individualized decision. Right now Western medicine advocates early and aggressive treatment. Current evidence shows that this approach can be effective at achieving a long lasting remission. So, it's all up to the individual. I'm not yet sure what I have. I only know I'm seronegative for everything and I have some kind of inflammatory arthritis that continues to worsen. I have a healthy diet, take supplements, go to acupuncture, etc. I've taken Naproxen when its been really bad, but its tough on my gut and caused tinnitus. Other pain meds don't do much for me if the pain is really bad. I do know in my case diet and supplements help a great deal, but it still keeps getting worse. Currently, I'm trying to figure out whether I'll jump on the med train right away should I get a definitive diagnosis. Either choice is scary. I think posting about healthy eating as you did is great and we can all benefit from that forum whether on meds or not. This forum, however, is not more about using medication in every aspect. I don't even know what that means. There's a pretty standard protocol, with several different drugs. Steroids help symptoms and immunosuppressants, the older kind, and biologics, which are newer that are second line if the others don't work. Immunosuppressants are the drugs that impact the disease process. I feel like meway-lady, in that your post comes off as patronizing.
I can see now that I only looked in on this forum when the posts were about medications.
I have never been pain free by using natural remedies, the one that works for me is lemon grass and ginger tea...lots of it. But I do get fed up with it. It could be the paracetamol help.
I do know that the combination of the medications I was given form hospital has given to side effects that I can't talk about. But I am pain free.
This was the main reason I put this post on, to see what other might be doing to help themselves...
I reread my post when I read that you also see my post as patronising.
And it's not in any way intended to be read like that.
I think so much gets lost in posting that our posts are often interpreted differently than intended. The fact that my mom is currently embarking on medication treatment for her myesthenia gravis probably influenced my interpretation of your post. Her disease has one medication that isn't do bad, but the others are steroids and immunosuppressants. She's getting side effects from the first one, so if she can't take it options are going to be the stronger ones with worse side effects or live life mostly unable to get out of her chair from physical weakness. I'm worried about her and we're talking a lot about the benefits of medication versus living like she has been for several years now. Of course, my own symptoms are worsening and I'm in limbo with no diagnosis, yet oddly enough was offered Plaquenil "just to see if I had anything". I declined. Since I live in my body I know I have something. I am getting so me benefit from some chinese herbs I got from my acupuncturist. Wasn't sure at first, but I am able to cut down on tylenol when taking it. Anyway, I apologise for calling the post patronizing.
I know from experience that we do reply to people within the mood that we are in at that particular moment. Don't know how many times I thought I could have said something in a different way. When reading this post the next day I knew I could have written it in a few other ways.
Am very sorry with what's happening with your mum. And ofcourse you.
My mum suffered with arthritis from a little girl. She passed away a year ago at the age of 93. She suffered tremendously in her old age and that was very difficult to handle. Actually it still is.
I really do hope that there is a diagnosis for you soon. Its always better to know what you are facing.
I thought I’d weigh in on this given my background As a natural health practitioner before I become very ill from my Ra. I love and am well versed in natural remedies and believe they have a place but I also know from experience and education that they are limited. If only they treated my Ra I wouldn’t be so sick today. They are what they say... complimentary. Unfortunately science and experience shows that natural remedies are in most cases unable to reverse or control the underlying causes of the disease. Perhaps in early stages? But as for me teaching about them, educating others about them and using them daily for me never prevented, delayed, improved or helped my Ra. It continues to progress. I use medications prescribed by my Rheumatologist and I use natural remedies cautiously and carefully to compliment my treatments recognizing their potential contraindications, benefits, risks and limitations. I do believe in eating well, the very best for me and not a special diet and I use a few natural remedies that are safe but mostly they help with some of the symptoms rather than the cause. I think that we all need to find what works for us. If we want to go natural or not. That being said, I’m sure we all want to control the disease so we can gain a measure of our lives back. This seems only possible for most of us through the use of disease modifying medications.
Thank you very much for your reply, specially as it is very much in line with how I live.
Mostly I try and eat a well balanced diet.
There are foods that said to be bad for arthritis and for Gout, I've given up trying to separate them along with others that are said to be bad for other health issues I have.
I think my problem been that my other health issues have dominated this ones and I haven't understood what I was doing.
I like your approach. I have a friend who is Natural Therapy practioner who almost died after a diagnosis of uterine cancer at 35yo. She is now very firmly of the opinion that one uses Western medicine for diagnosis and treatment if necessary, and the natural therapies for supporting the body’s health system during and after treatment. Fortunately after surgery, chemo and radio therapy, she is still with us 20 years later
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I've liked this post Yanni, because the outcome for your friend was good.
The thing to recognise is that inflammatory arthritis comes in a huge range of varieties. Not only are there over 50 separate diseases under that general heading, but each of the diseases varies in speed, severity and how much of your body it affects. At it's worst this disease can rapidly and very painfully cause severe damage to your joints, your organs, your skin, and your eyes and doesn't respond to any drugs at all. At it's best it causes occasional swelling and localised pain that is eased by simple anti-inflammatories. It takes time, sometimes many years, for each of us to work out what our disease is like.
In all cases living well will help you. Even if it doesn't directly tackle the disease process it can improve your general health, reduce your risks of other diseases that are more common with RA, and make you feel better. To me it's not just diet; but not smoking, controlling your weight, taking daily exercise, sleeping properly and doing what you can to reduce stress in your life.
I am on a lot of drugs, and I have virtually no side effects. I put this down to living well, and particularly eating well to support a good metabolism. So no processed foods at all, and I avoid high fat and high sugar foods where I can. Lots of fish, fruit and veg and not much meat - but if I suddenly want a steak I'll have one! I don't bother with supplements and spend the money on better quality food. It works for me.
I had blood tests 4 years ago and it was found that I had allergies to some foods and it affected my immune system by 50%. Worst part it was the food I eat the most.
I'm not surprised that you say it was food you eat the most - this seems to be a feature of food allergy. It is often foods that a person prefers or thinks they cannot live without, that cause them problems.
I love all sea food but there was some that I eat more then others. Even though the tests say it reduced my immune system... I still eat some of those foods but only a very small amount and not very often.
Be very careful spurning RA drugs...it’s no good feeling good then down the line you end up needing surgery on damaged joints.By all means eat healthily, don’t smoke & watch your weight. I’m 20 years post diagnosis ......have no seriously damaged joints & although some RA meds have been very unpleasant I am glad I took the advice of my rheumatologist & took them.
I do eat healthily, but within reason........I have honestly never found any particular food group has any effect on my RA.
I have taken on board most everything people have said, and I will give it some thought if I should go back to specialists I was seeing to see where I am with this.
Your right there is no particular group of food that have an impact on R A. But I do seem to get by better when I stop eating and drinking somethings
The difference between the two is so small its unlikely I will be changing my diet any time soon.
I got some of the answers that I wanted to know from posting on here, so it's been well worth it.
If you have been diagnosed with RA it would certainly be sensible to see your specialist for advice- early treatment for any change in your condition could save problems in the future.
Great to know there are others looking for alternative options. Trying my best to stay off any medication. The ones I’ve tried so far had side effects worse than the problem they tried to solve. Sulfasalazine didn’t agree nor did prednisone. Mtx is next on the list. So far it’s a no from me. Check out dr John Bergman on you tube for more on a non medication approach.
I have reversed my symptoms entirely with diet. It has taken a lot of sacrifice but I feel amazing and it has been worth it. Progressive/incurable disease? Not true!!
When I read comments like this it brings home to me just how diffrent all our experiences are, and reninforces the variety of diseases that we call RD.
You do not mention your diagnosis, whether your disease progression was slow or aggressive, how ill RD has made you, nor what diet you follow. Nor indeed even if you have a formal diagnosis.
For peoole like me for whom RD has been a complete lifechanger that has brought both body and soul to a complete hault, makes me think you have not experienced RD at all.
Or are you trying to sell a well known diet programme?
Well that's a very cynical response my friend! I have Psoriatic arthritis, diagnosed November 2017. Inflammation to left foot, left hand, chest plate, right shoulder and collar bone at its worst. Couldn't get down the stairs in the morning. (although I would describe my symptoms as moderate compared to some people I know) I spent 9 months taking pain killers, methotrexate and sulphsalasine which put me on the floor physically and emotionally. I was about to take Humira, which I know works wonders for many people, when my wife suggested we research some alternatives... That's when I found a man in Australia who reversed his symptoms. I followed his program rigidly and it's worked! I'm not selling anything, just telling my story.
We regularly see people join this group, give no details of their disease, contribute one or two posts about a marvellous cure, that must be paid for, then delete themselves and / or disappear no more said.
I'm really pleased you have found something that works for you and that you are not trying to sell an expensive dietary programme and look forward to your contrubutions.
I think as I have you'll have realised we have come across this type of 'cure' before Marie. I won't give it the opportunity of raking up old coals by naming it, particularly as ckno22 is a new member & may be unaware how awry things have gone when discussing the plan previously. Actually it's been a while, I suppose it was due to re-emerge. You & I both know it's very restrictive, a lifestyle change, & there are those of us who prefer or choose to live a relatively normal life alongside taking our meds. We all have choices to make, we need to be fully informed but stating that RD (& other associated autoimmune diseases inc PsA) isn't progressive or incurable are falsehoods. I'm in little doubt if the plan is stopped or halted then those on it will soon experience that it isn't the case! In that instance it's no different to taking meds, they're not cured because they're eating this plan.
Hi there would you be able to give me a king or name to the man who’s diet you followed please as I would like to try this, always interest in giving these things a go. Glad this worked for you
Hi there, could you go into more detail about diet please? I’ve just started the Paddison Program and it’s very early days but I’ve definitely had some improvement. I’ve never taken any Meds as I caught this in its early stage. Thanks
If you have been officially diagnosed with RA it really is a good idea to keep in touch with, & listen to, your rheumatologist’s advice.
If you have a rheumatology nurse do have a talk with her- she will know the exact situation and will explain your prognosis if you don’t taking the medication your doctor advises.
Damaged joints don’t spring back - they hopefully just don’t get any worse if the right meds are taken.
I had a great life pre RA. I take biologics to continue with my great life. I really don’t want to make sacrifices to come off the meds to change it. The meds work, I have a great social life, mostly with friends visiting fabulous restaurants. Without the meds and IF following a strict diet worked, I’d be a hermit and as miserable as hell. Not for me!
Good for you!! My social life has taken a massive hit as a result of my new eating habits. I haven't seen a lot of friends in about 6 - 8 months, but I ate, drank and partied so much over the past 25 years, I figured a little sacrifice wouldn't do any harm! (I also think it's what got me sick in the first place) ;0) So it's been a big trade off for me, but I'm turning 40 next month, I have a second child on the way and I've got my body back so my new vice is fitness! 5km swim for Marie Curie coming up and then on to triathlons... Chances are I will be on the Humira and eating out like a King in the not too distant future, but I am very happy right now!!
The great thing about a forum, everyone can share their experiences with RA, no one is biase, just keen to learn how others manage their RA. I for one am interested in your experiences with natural remedies, likewise I am interested in the various medical treatments, thanks for sharing your opinion.
I purposefully didn't mention the plan or the person by name because I mentioned it once before on here and it was met by A LOT of very defensive comments. I say each to their own. If the drugs work for you, great! If you want to try something different, there are other means which also work wonders. My reluctance to take Humira was because I suspected, with time, I would just have to take more and more of it leaving myself with no immune system and vulnerable to infection / other illnesses. The diet program is extreme in its first few months and intense and takes monumental sacrifice, but it's getting easier every week that goes by as my diet is expanding simultaneously... Anyway, I'm not trying to convert anyone. I just feel sorry for people that have no understanding or awareness of the actual cause of their terrible symptoms. Inflammation is a tap that can be switched off. Good luck to you all!
I know the cause of my RA I have ANA antibodies, so I'm just going to scoff a large gf cheese sandwich and pkt of crisps with a milkshake and follow it up with a yogurt. I eat heathily and am Celioc grew up on a farm and still get free vegetables as well as those we grow in the garden. I still have RA and life has to have some pleasures. I am not suprised this post has come back to the ?? diet programme. Which may have a placebo effect who knows but to say it cures any disease must be backed up with a proper controlled study. Reading something on the internet does not make it true, does it ? The only thing I think is true is that its making someone very rich by selling books.
I wish all well but avoiding an entre food group is actually hard and following a highly resticted diet might cause other issues such as a lack of vit B12 or other essential minerals and vitamins.
The cause of your RD isn't known to you or anyone else. If we understood what caused RD we would be well on the way to curing it. All we can do at the moment is manage it, drugs are best for that. Some people seem to get benefit from lifestyle changes, great, if it helps do it. But I kinda suspect many decades of research has more to offer than a guy peddling a book and making himself a lot of dosh. If he does have a cure, why not put it to test with the best scientists around for free ? See if it stands up to scrutiny.....like all good research based treatments. If he is convinced it works what is there to loose ?
No, YOU don't understand it and all YOU can do is manage it with drugs. Or do you speak on behalf of the world's RA sufferers? I don't know why the program hasn't been clinically trialled and frankly I don't care. All I know is it works better than any drug I was given and I now have a very clear understanding of the food/pain relationship of my condition. I'm no conspiracy theorist, but I'm not sure any diet is going to win a fight against the pharma industry - you can't put a patent on vegetables.
I would agree with you that diet is an important factor in the maintenance of good health and fighting illness, the adage that we are what we eat is not too far from the truth. I saw an answer to your post saying that if diet was the answer the NHS would be bombarding us with information on diet and nutrition. If only that were true. Apart from dedicated dieticians and nutritionists most doctors would openly admit that their knowledge is at best sketchy. Diabetes is a great example of this. For years we were bombarded with dietary information, The wrong information. Now that sufficient, reputable studies are being done the NHS has been forced to tear up the old advice book and start again. Much of the traditional information made absolutely no sense to me. I am not sure how many studies have been done on RA and nutrition but there is some evidence emerging that a largely plant based diet, high in fibre can help, oily fish are also good. Also there was a study in the USA which showed that people with RA are often deficient in Selenium, however they did not show any cause and effect. There are also foods which have shown evidence of inflamatory compounds. overly charred fried and grilled foods spring to mind, there goes this summers barby. I have recently started to keep a diary to see if there are foods that cause my situation to improve or deteriorate. I am quite careful about what I eat anyway as I have Type 1 Diabetes and some gastric problems. Having said all this I won't be giving up my medication until there is far more research done and the NHS drastically improves it's dietary and nutrition advice for those with Chronic illnesses.
I have read on the effect on heating oils some time ago.
Olive oil has always been the main one we have ever used for cooking and for salads. Unrefined red palm oil is the only other oil we have in our house, but that hardly ever gets used as stopped eating things requires a lot of oil to cook it.
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