Rheumatoid Arthritis :

The word "arthritis" simply means inflammation of a joint. There are a number of different illnesses that produce arthritis, for example ankylosing spondylitis and those in which the symptoms are caused by degenerative changes in the tissues, such as osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is the second most common form of arthritis in the world, affecting millions of people world wide.

The hallmark symptom of Rheumatoid Arthritis is morning stiffness accompanied by general aches and pains, fatigue, pins and needles in the hands and feet, leading to swollen joints, especially in the fingers and toes.  Weight loss and fever may also occur and it is typically symmetric, left and right joints being affected.

Affecting three times more women than men, Rheumatoid Arthritis usually starts at around the age of 40, though it can occur at any age.  Although it is not known what directly causes Rheumatoid Arthritis, one line of thought is that it is linked to faulty immune responses and can be sparked off by emotional disturbances such as bereavement, anxiety or stress, and certainly these factors seems to aggravate the condition. Another prevailing theory regarding the aetiology of Rheumatoid Arthritis is a combination of factors including genetic susceptibility, infection and an abnormal auto-immune response.  Growing research seems to indicate that the underlying trigger for such chronic inflammatory and auto-immune responses may well be reactions to antigens originating from the intestinal tract.

Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Orthodox treatment for rheumatoid arthritis consists of giving anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers, or surgery in the case of severe joint damage, for example hip replacement.
Common drug treatments include NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) inhibitors and second line disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs such as methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine and gold.

Unfortunately, all of these drugs can lose effectiveness over time and produce side-effects such as increased intestinal permeability, and even more serious, life-threatening problems such as sepsis and lowered immunity.  Obviously there are serious limitations to this approach to treatment.

Constant research into safe, yet effective, therapies for Rheumatoid Arthritis and other chronic inflammatory conditions has identified dietary measures to reduce antigenicity and support detoxification, as well as natural substances to control inflammation and reduce the associated free radical damage.
Excessive free radical production associated with immune inflammatory hyper-responsitivity is an area of some concern in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Free radicals react with the polyunsaturated fatty acids that compose the lipid portion of cell membranes, leading to the eventual destruction of the cell. It is thought that a single free radical can destroy an entire membrane through a self-propagating chain reaction: it will oxidise lipids in the synovial fluid thereby reducing its viscosity and thus hinder joint movement.

In a study cited in the Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology, the joints have a predisposition for rheumatoid inflammation because of the settlement and persistence of antigens and joint tissue capacity for antigen capture. Primed T-cells interacting with synovial enthoellium recognise intestinal derived antigens and expand the immune reaction.

Rheumatoid Arthritis should be viewed as a multi-faceted condition that requires a comprehensive approach to treatment. Serious studies and research have established beyond reasonable doubt that the root of the problem may lie in the health and function of the intestines.  Beyond management of symptoms alone, there must be an integrated approach to treatment that reduces external antigen loading and supports detoxification, uses safe and natural substances to control pain and inflammation, addresses free radical stress and supports a symbiotic gut ecology as well as healthy mucosal tissues.

Food intolerance plays a role in either controlling symptoms or making them worse e.g. citrus fruit does not suit many the arthritic patients as it can cause inflammation of affected joints.

Low levels of Hydrochloric Acid in the stomach reduces the ability of the body to break down foods properly causing bloating, flatulence etc. and reduces calcium absorption.

The lack of certain minerals such as boron can promote the loss of calcium from bones and these 'free' calcium ions may become deposited in joints and other soft tissue causing inflammation and pain.

Diet should be devoid of processed foods as these lack many necessary nutrients. A Low salt, low fat, oily fish diet with a range of vegetables and fruits is required.

SUMMARY: Eliminate junk foods Low Fat Low Salt Avoid Lemons & Citrus Fruits Reduce Dairy Increase vegetable & fruit intake BENEFICIAL SUPPLEMENTS Glucosamine Sulphate MSN Collagen Chondroitin Vitamin E Turmeric White Willow bark Cod liver oil - contains organic iodine, an important factor in softening up fibrous tissues, to assist metabolism of uric acid, helps the formation of haemoglobin, dilates blood vessels. The oils, when taken orally, can reach and nourish cartilage. EFA oils

Arthritis, improved diet, detoxification and rheumatoid arthritis.