FYI: Dr. Weil on RA

[Guest guest]

Thought I'd pass this along. Comments?

-Sierra

Today's Question

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Natural Remedies?

I have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Do you have any

suggestions for natural methods of pain management or to control the

disease?

-- Anonymous

Today's Answer

(Published 12/13/2002)

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common autoimmune disorders,

diseases caused by the immune system attacking the body's own

tissues. Autoimmune reactions may be triggered by infection, tissue

injury, or emotional trauma in people with a genetic predisposition

to them. Conventional medicine treats rheumatoid arthritis (and other

autoimmune diseases) with steroids and other immunosuppressive

medications, most of which are toxic when used long-term. Try to

avoid these strong drugs if you can. Patients who are dependent on

them are less likely to respond to natural treatments.

Lifestyle changes can moderate autoimmunity, and other strategies can

help you control the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Here are my

basic recommendations:

Follow a low-protein, high carbohydrate diet; minimize consumption of

foods of animal origin.

Eliminate milk and milk products including commercial foods made with

milk.

Avoid all polyunsaturated vegetable oils, margarine, vegetable

shortening and products made with partially hydrogenated oils of any

kind.

Increase intake of omega-3 fatty acids by eating more cold water

fish, walnuts or fresh ground flax seeds. You may also want to

consider taking a fish oil supplement to help keep your protein

intake low.

Get regular aerobic exercise (swimming is best for those with

rheumatoid arthritis).

Practice relaxation techniques. In addition, visualization can help

moderate autoimmune responses; psychotherapy can help you change

emotional states that keep the immune system off balance.

Try hypnotherapy or guided imagery Look for a therapist willing to

take on an autoimmune disease. Meditation and yoga can help, too.

Avoid health care practitioners who make you feel pessimistic about

your condition.

Eliminate or reduce intake of coffee and tobacco as both have been

liked to an increased risk for rheumatoid arthritis.

Here are specific recommendations for rheumatoid arthritis management:

One at a time, eliminate the following categories of food for two

months: (1) all sugar except natural fruits; (2) all citrus fruits;

(3) wheat, corn and soy. At the end of each trial period, restore the

eliminated items to your diet. You may find that one or more has an

influence on your arthritis symptoms.

For symptomatic treatment use aspirin and other over-the-counter anti-

inflammatory drugs.

Take feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) for its anti-inflammatory

effect; one to two capsules twice a day

Use anti-inflammatory herbs Ginger and turmeric are particularly

effective. I recommend Zyflamend, made by New Chapter Company, which

includes both. You can continue to take these herbs indefinitely.

Experiment with traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine,

homeopathy, Native American medicine, and healers.

Try long term fasting in a facility staffed by experienced health

professionals. For additional information on fasting, check out

www.dmoz.org.

Investigate apitherapy (bee-sting treatment); a local bee keeper

should be able to advise you.

Dr. Weil