Relieving chronic Rheumatoid Arthritis - using Food as a medicine

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease which includes symptoms ranging from daily pain, stiffness and fatigue to inflammation and eventual disfigurement of joints. Rheumatoid arthritis,is a crippling condition that is thought to affect around 3% of the world's adult population, symptoms normally start to become apparent between the ages of 20-40, with the disease being far more prevalent amongst women, affecting them up to 3 times more often than men. A version of RA called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis can occur in children, with similar symptoms to those suffered by adults. It is a much more devastating illness than had previously been appreciated.

Rheumatoid arthritis is not restricted to race or gender and can be prevalent in all ethnic groups. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory illness that affects the joints and surrounding tissue, the condition is also "systemic", which means it can effect the entire body, including organs.

Medications include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying anti rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biological response modifiers, and corticosteroids. Non-drug treatments include physical therapy; modified exercise programs; devices such as canes, special shoes, and splints (rigid supports that keep a part of the body from moving while it heals); and lifestyle changes--such as balancing activity with rest, eating a healthy diet, and reducing stress.

When the body's immune system falls completely out of sync, medicines called Immuno-suppressants may be used, Immuno-suppressants are designed to deplete and manage your immune system. These particular drugs are less commonly used due to the fact that they leave the body unable to fight other infection, and illnesses.

Patients with these diseases have antibodies in their blood which target their own body tissues, where they can be associated with inflammation.

Commonly affected joints include those in the hands, wrists, feet, ankles, elbows, shoulders, hips, knees and neck. Rheumatoid arthritis varies from person to person, but most cases are chronic, meaning they never go away. Some people have mild or moderate disease, with flares (periods of worsening symptoms) and remissions.

People suffering with rheumatoid arthritis should always consult with their medical professional regarding their course of medication. Medicines must be used with caution, due to the toxicity of some RA drugs. Patients should let their doctors know about any changes that may occur while using the medication. Patients should also be aware that their condition could lead to other complications, which may not be obviously apparent such as the affect RA can have on their spinal cord.

Many foods are known to help one's RA, while many others will actually contribute to the disease or trigger the symptoms, there are far to many to list here, however one of the most important foods to cut out of your diet, would be white flower, and anything made with white flour.

Food allergy & intolerance's may be the reason for many cases of rheumatoid arthritis.

Certain foods contain chemicals called inflammatory prostaglandins, which can be directly responsible for triggering some arthritis conditions. Rheumatoid arthritis is known to be linked to food allergy & intolerance's, having said that without extensive testing the allergy may never be apparent to the patient or even the doctor. Sufferers of RA have shown a vast improvement when they remove certain foods from their diet, (the foods to which they are allergic).

Bad foods which all Arthritics should avoid;

1.Processed foods

2.Fatty foods

3.Sugar

4.Additives and preservatives

5.Mayonnaise

Foods which should be treated with caution;

The following foods cause much confusion amongst nutritionists and professionals alike, these foods are referred to as nightshade foods'

1.Potatoes (especially when green)

2.Tomatoes (especially the smaller variety)

3.Hot peppers (all colours)

4.Sweet peppers (all colours)

5.Tobacco

Good foods for people suffering with RA

1.Brown rice (a good alternative to potatoes)

2.Pulses

3.Onions

4.Garlic

5.Celery

6. Most oily fish

This is just a small list of good and bad foods, which are known to influence arthritis. Diet and natural treatments for arthritis are not necessarily the fastest remedies. This is because they sometimes have to cure a basic imbalance in the body which may take up to a few weeks, however natural practices do actually tackle the underlying contributing factor of one's RA and not just the symptoms.

An alternative approach could be the answer to treating one's rheumatoid arthritis pain.

by by E Richards - 3 January 2009

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Source: http://www.howicuredmyarthritis.com