Hi! I’m in a flare. Ouch! I take a biologic and have been able to reduce the dosage which I attribute to the fact that I run and try (big word “try”) to keep my diet straight. This perfect storm came when our governor locked down gyms and the temperature rose to 97 degrees daily: no more running. In the meantime, I found myself complacent and eating everything in sight ... so, the flare came on. In the words of Jimmy Buffett “It’s my own damn fault.”
When it got bad enough that I had a hard time getting out of bed, I ordered a round of Prednisone and started eating the Paddison way. (He surely wouldn’t approve because for dinner I add a couple of “no no’s.”)
I’ve tried this before. For me, it’s a Godsend.The reason I write today is because I happened upon other locked posts where comments were critical of his program and sales pitch. I’m dying to add my comments and cannot:
I believe his program is worth purchasing. For one, it can’t hurt! Most people certainly lose weight and sleep better, no matter what. His plan is similar to others, but he does something more: He incentivizes us to live a healthier life. He targets our special disease, while through his talent for motivational speaking, inclines us to get up off our complacent derrières and do something about it.
I bought the cheaper version of the program years ago, but I think I’ll go back for the whole enchilada just because I like his encouragement!
Thank you, Mr. Paddison. One week into it, I’m a bit better and at least losing weight.
Written by
hjolly
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Did you start the programme and the pred at the same time?
Since April, I’ve overhauled my diet and hugely changed the way I eat. I’m not following any particular diet or programme. I’m eating much more protein, fewer carbs and very limited processed foods. I’ve lost weight and feel better for the changes in terms of energy and joint pain.
I started the diet just before taking Prednisone. Seriously, I know the Prednisone is holding down the flare I’m having.
Also, I modify the program to suit my needs. I know it helps me, because I can feel that I’m sleeping better — even while taking the Prednisone, which would normally keep me awake.
When I gain weight is when I have problems. Even on Prednisone, things are getting better. I have to believe the change in diet is helping.
Good luck to you, and thank you for your comment.
My main support of Paddison is that he gives people hope and encouragement as he encourages a healthy way to live. He also stays up to date with new ideas that have helped people. I like that too.
The medical profession agree it’s helpful to keep a healthy weight when you have RA and follow a good diet that ensures plenty of nutrients. It’s good for our joints and our emotional well-being too. I know it’s not easy though. I do try to keep healthy in terms of diet and weight.
Hi I'm really glad the Paddison diet works for you. Unfortunately it's not the case for others with RA. I purchased the programme and stuck to it for months - all that happened was that I lost a lot of weight I couldn't afford to lose and my RA did not improve at all.
The link between being fat/obese and inflammation is well known. So just being fat can cause you to flare, and loosing that weight however you do it can calm things down.
But you admit you got worse because you ate the wrong food.
So don’t expect miracles with your RA...I think at least 90% of the people on here who have tried it, admit he is a good salesman who has presumably got rich off people who have not managed to control their disease....or their appetite.
Surely no one should need to pay to know what to eat?
And it can really hurt ......your pocket.
Sorry to disagree with you...but I think eating what you enjoy as long as it is healthy is the way to go.....it has served me well for 20+ years.
Gee whiz, thank you. I’ll stay off this site. I certainly did not mean to offend your delicate sensibilities. I believe most of his posts are available for free. I hope you feel better since it sounds like you’re in a funk. 💝🤪
On this site we are all grown up & disagree with each other all the time.......but there are no tears before bed time, because we respect each other’s views.
Unless you want to join his forum (I think there is one?) and so on there is no need to purchase the programme . It is all available for free. If you search for a member called Kai— in the Cure Arthritis Community you will find posts that give links to everything.
As time goes by and more is known about RA, diet, microbiome, inflammation pathways and so on it is becoming more likely that the variation in people’s RA will also be understood better. So far it seems that maybe up to 10% of people with diagnosed RA can get to a drug free remission. And running drugs and lifestyle changes in parallel and then, once you have got to remission, slowly tapering off drugs seems the most successful.
For the rest of us..... not so lucky. And some people who have gone down the Paddison route have actually become quite ill.
I do get quite angry when people tell me that things would be fine if I sorted my diet. That is essentially telling me it is my fault! I do not take these drugs for fun and would happily not do so were there a solution that worked for me.
I made major changes to my lifestyle years back, including diet, and it is now extremely good. It keeps me healthy, helps me tolerate the drugs and I hope helps mitigate risks. I don’t need to loose weight, and sleep just fine. But I need the drugs too.
(I did try listening to one of his motivational talks, and I lasted about 10 minutes. I don’t take to people like that, but each to his or her own!)
I totally agree Helix, and I have a disease caused by a rogue genetic condition not because I've been lazy or am overweight. I'm eating sensibly to loose the lbs put on through high dose steroids and will get there and back to my usual weight. Only got 4lb to go and the Renal Dietician said steroids alter the metabolism which is why weight loss is a bit harder and should be done slowly.
Oh god, I've had lots of 'diet' advice over the years too! All of it unwanted! It has driven me nuts at times. The level of offence some have taken when you're forced to admit to them that no, you haven't tried it, can be quite shocking! I've had things said like 'so, you want to be ill then' or ' well, if you really want to get better you'd try it.' As you said Helix, there is that definite sense that you are to blame! One of the best one's I ever had was when I was about 15 and some kind soul said to me "well, you must have done something really bad to be punished like this!" I was 15 for goodness sake, I hadn't had chance to do anything that terrible yet!!😉 I have to admit, that one did hurt me and I've never forgotten it - grrrr😳
* sorry had to edit it this morning, as I realised I'd misremembered one of the comments and written it down slightly wrong. So much for not forgetting it, eh?!🙄
I agree Helix. I did look at a free link to it & didn't like it. It would not stand up in a reputable peer reviewed journal. Working in the NHS I especially didn't like the patient-blame tone. Implying if you don't help yourself then you have yourself to blame (?!?!) The idea that patients can request NHS bloodtests to monitor the diet was also way out (!) I have been helped by gluten/dairy free but I didn't need to pay to do a programme. Everything I've read (google scholar & SLR) indicates only 10-40% patients are helped by diet changes.
I can't think of anything good to say about the OP. At best why order a dose of steroid as would it not be better to simply increase the RA medication. I think this is a post that is full of generalisation and I find a wee bit offensive. I do not sit on my derriere nor am I overweight or even eating junk. I think one post since 2016 and it's promoting an expensive diet by purchasing a programme. Really odd.
Geez, I just tried to unsubscribe. How do I cancel this post? This site?? I’m done! Nobody is accusing anyone of anything or blaming bad diet on a disease, but it does kind of seem that trying to stay healthy in other ways is a good idea. I hope some editor kicks me off since I can’t seem to cancel. Please don’t respond as I’m sick of the bitching.
Keeping healthy, eating well and exercising (this means different things for different people) is very important. We should definitely discuss this and share any tips. However, I don’t promote/recommend a ‘diet’ or programme any more than I would promote/recommend a medication.
You are, of course, very welcome here if you need our support or advice or you simply have support and advice to give.
It’s certainly not bitching hjolly.....Just maybe we have had our fill of being told about this man.......by people who think they have found Nirvana......when our collective common sense tells us to run a mile?
I was so intrigued by the Doctor bit that I looked him up he's an Australian comedian ( now that explains a lot) with a degree in Physics please do read the Science today article on his "cure" its hilarious and details why its not based in science and so much more.
It's worked for me extremely well but I learned to watch my weight so I didn't get too thin and ways to allow me to eat things that would normally give me flares. I still can't eat certain things, but I was able to learn how to eat avocados and coldwater fish--but not until I was on the diet for over a year. At first, I had to stick to the diet strictly.
I did make a couple of mistakes, mainly not juicing which lowered my daily caloric intake. While I had weight to lose, eventually, after a year of very slow weight loss, I lost about ten pounds too much, giving me the symptoms of anorexia, despite always being a good eater. I had no limitations on how much I could eat, but I didn't weigh myself and didn't realize I was underweight. I didn't like being so thin but thought I just looked different that thin than when I was younger. Once I realized that I was getting some physical symptoms of anorexia (peach fuzz on my neck, low blood counts, feeling cold), I quickly set out to gain weight and learned how to stay on the diet while doing that. I did also choose shortly after that to add some coldwater fish. Between avocados, a specific kind of dark chocolate, almonds, and coldwater fish, I was able to easily gain back enough weight to make my symptoms of anorexia go away. I never deprived myself of food, mind you. It was just that it was very low fat and I didn't take care to juice and not let my weight go below normal. So, I don't really blame that on the diet. I will say that I do feel I need salmon, mackerel, and sardines to complete my nutritional requirements, but I didn't have any problems for a long time. That might be because I always have benefitted from B-12 and D3 supplements and it helps me now if I eat the cold water fish. I also take liquid B12 and D3 under the tongue daily. I also realized that eating so many sweet potatoes and so much turmeric and ginger can have an effect of lowering blood cell counts. So, that helped me tremendously, but I learned after I made a lot of progress to cut back on those things. I still eat them, but I laid off of them for a while once I realized I'd overdone it.
I do recommend the program, but I also recommend you find a doctor who will help you navigate it, check your blood counts regularly, and a nutritionist who will help you ensure you're getting the nutrition you need individually. Also, get a scale and be careful to avoid being underweight. I understand why Clint did it in his case, and he's had great results. For me, I was only underweight after a year and I quickly recognized it, did some thorough research about blood counts and weight and then learned how to gain weight safely and to supplement the diet to help me do so.
So, most people don't read scientific studies like I do all the time, and so I think that figuring out how to adjust things to avoid problems will be hard for many people. Perhaps the support program will help them, but I also think they could use an open-minded doctor and nutritionist as safety guardrails.
I have never taken medication for my symptoms other than one time when I got off the diet due to some life circumstances and had a horrible flare after about three weeks. I could barely walk, but by using what I knew already, I was able to end the flare in less than 24 hours. So, knowledge is power. If you're not a science geek, get professionals to help you do this diet.
Clint is smart and I think he's done the right thing by promoting this, but he is not a doctor or nutritionist and I don't think he figured out a few things that I had to learn for myself to support my best health. This diet may work differently for different people, so others might not run into what I did or might have other issues. I will simply say that it saved me, but I had to save myself from some of the issues I developed after a year on it. That's why, as Clint recommends, you should be working with a doctor and get monthly blood tests.
You are of course perfectly entitled to eat any diet you choose. I have managed my own diet for many years & even reading about the lengths you feel you need to go - to eat- exhausts me. Plenty of Healthy fresh food is good for us all....RA or not. Unless of course you have allergies or a health condition that needs an exclusion diet.
You say you can’t eat certain stuff, that you’ve gotten too thin with symptoms of anorexia...but you don’t blame that on your diet....but say following your diet needs professional help?
You advise we would need a doctor to help us understand CP’s recommendations.... OK....but please don’t patronise those of us who don’t scour the web looking for alternatives to our treat our RA. I’m sure we could all understand everything we read...we just have better things to do with our time.
Sadly I think we have noticed that old thin is very very different from young thin - when we have all that wonderful collagen propping up our skin. Nothing to do with diet....it’s age related...just ask Jane Fonda.
If you have been diagnosed with RA by a medical doctor...I really hope you are still being monitored.....you say you like eating the CP way...but does it really treat RA......if so why do you advise it is necessary to be monitored by a medical doctor....and a Nutritionist?
I admit I have never read a word about this diet, I’m afraid it sounds too much like hard work for me. I wish you well with it.
SJ - I would be careful recommending something that is not properly tested & is lacking in clinical scrutiny.
Many of the papers referenced in the programme would not be acceptable for the evidence based approval systems (especially NICE in the UK & other EU organisations).
Also I noticed a lot of the programme reads almost as a 'case study' (of the author !) & is observational rather than as a standard randomised control trial (RCT). Again, this wouldn't be acceptable for approval.
I often use Jimmy Buffets comment, but not in this way. It’s not my fault I have RA. It’s not really my fault that some days are more difficult than others. I use this phrase about my business though. Yes, it is my fault as it’s down to me what happens with my team, clients etc...but my RA isn’t my fault. And that’s pretty hurtful to say otherwise.
No one is being bitchy. Really we aren’t. Some people on this forum are very poorly indeed and any diet, Paddison, AIP, chocolate whatever, is not going to make a scooby of difference. Infact, it may even remove the small enjoyment they have already. This is why you’re getting the response you have 😊
Don’t leave though as we are interested to see how it works for you long term. Hopefully it will and you will get into remission which would be fantastic. 🎉
Honestly, I think with a little research and common sense we can all write our own programmes.
Clean eating and some fasting, undoubtedly helps me at least. The quickest way to stop a flare in its tracks is to fast. A clean eating approach; ie plant based, nothing processed, no sugar or dairy, is the way to keep my RA at bay. But it doesn't always work on its own, I need low dose meds to help these days. I just try hard to not feed the inflammation with inflammatory food choices.
I am pleased you find the programme helps.
I quite like Micheal Mosely and his fast 800 or 5/2 approach. He has also written a good deal about health benefits. Also you can access it all for free.
Hi brushwork, can i ask in your opinion, is sugar bad for arthritis? I have a very sweet tooth and consume alot of sugar! I eat pretty healthy otherwise but my sugar intake is awfull. Do uou think sugar maybe affects inflammation? X
Sadly I really do. Sugar feeds inflammation and actually can cause it. I too have a sweet tooth, so I resort to lots of fruit. Oddly foods that naturally contain fructose don’t have the same effect.
I’m no doctor, but I do a lot of research and over 23 years, have experimented a lot.
My blood inflammation levels are always normal, occasionally very slightly raised. My RA bucks the trend for someone who has “off the scale Anti-CcP and RA”. It’s hard to follow a strict regime, but it works for me. When I occasionally fall off the wagon - I suffer for it.
I am a perfect weight and think this is why i have always indulged in sweet foods etc. I can eat what i want and never put on a lb! Im going to try what you've said about sugar, and try errase it from my diet. Just to see if it helps the bones lol. Any other inflammatory foods you can think of , off the top of your head? X
Ha very true agedcrone. I probably shouldn't have any teeth left with all the sugar but i have an ocd about teeth cleaning (for some strange reason). I would say i probably brush my teeth about 3 times an hour. Dont know why but ive done it for years. Sometimes subconsciously. X
Gluten & dairy free works for me. How long do you fast for? I also do intermittant fasting (leaving 12 hrs overnight). Only manage it about 3-4 times a week though (difficult to always eat early as a family).
If you trawl through the comments at the bottom I think you might recognise a member who was banned (or who's account was closed by admin, not sure which is the correct term), for the way he argued the point with those of us who gave our views, & NRAS as a whole as I recall.
I think this diet/program may well work for some but not for all. Discussion of it becomes a hot topic here as many have had no benefit from sticking to it and have not had their money reimbursed as promised. We have also had a post in the past from a daughter of a gentleman who died, she believed this program played a part. If folk want to try it then it can be accessed for free. I myself have tried various diets over the years, I have found my own balance of foods excercise medication and meditation. Something that works for me. I wouldn’t package this up and sell it en mass even though it may work for a few folk. We have a good health service in the uk with excellent albeit over stretched rheumatology teams. My advice is these are your first call for help and advice in dealing with this disease.
Ah, ML must have posted her reply as I was writing mine! Seems it is the same one. Re ex member, his argument remains the same as do his sarcastic & empty gestures, which most twigged on & took exception to. Also, I don't know if the Simba is our member but there are good & fair points proffered,
Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater! Eating well and being within normal BMI range is good for everyone, and particularly good for people with RA. So I don’t dismiss at all the need to experiment with what suits you, food-wise, if that helps get to a proper weight and stay off crap food.
I am just highly sceptical of programmes that are stuffed full of mind manipulation, and some weird science. My rheumatologist is always keen that I eat properly and exercise, and offered referral to a nutritionist. For those that are interesting in improving your diet why not ask if your doctor will refer you too?
Once a kidney patient you do see a nutritionist routinely, they specify not a dietician though its fun and I was told no need to go mad and obviously must stick to gluten free but otherwise eat sensibly. He also added much to my amusement he is very fit and eats sensibly but has just been diagnosed with high blood pressure and his GP started to tell him about diet whilst he was sitting there in his NHS Renal Nutritionist uniform. He pointed to his badge and the stress level working in the NHS at the present time and GP said his blood pressure was a bit high too. Honestly he told me that steroids alter metabolism so its just plod on and it has come off slowly now 3lb to go but its taken a long time. You have to be at a specific weight as they calculate eGFR with weight. I've no idea why though. I noticed that just a few lbs over does put pressure on my knees so am so glad that despite lockdown I've managed to loose weight. And stayed active and I don't need a one time Australian comedian to tell me the blindly obvious. I get so fed up if going gf made the RA go away why do I need to take AZA and Benapli. I don't enjoy taking med.s but I want to lead a normal'ish life without any more restrictions that there has to be.
Indeed .HU should please decide whether these paid for recommendations should be allowed here and always on Sunday
I share your concern. Interestingly Cancer attracts the same anti-meds response (advocating therapies that lack the evidence based data that is a NICE prerequisite: CBD, Gerson diet, Tumour starving diet etc etc etc).
Yes been meaning to watch that. I also looked at the sources he uses (not properly referenced by the way!) & generally they would not stand up in a NICE submission. Lots of nutritional journals etc. Also is it me but the whole thing was just poorly written (& am not talking about the tone even) - there were loads of spelling mistakes !
I saw that programme it was heartbreaking he convinced himself it was working as feeling worse was part of the 'cure', sadly he died in pain and despite his parents doing there best to help him.
It's so sad but obviously a lucrative business. If I found a cure for anything I'd give it away. Making money out of knowingly offering a false hope is immoral. I feel so sad that it's made to look so real, but then again on the internet all things can be made to look as though an expert has written them and conventional advice is ignored. I suppose it goes back to "you can fool" etc.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Paddison Program - I'm new here
I was wondering if you could help
Why not being able to sleep at night is so awful
