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1. Diet and arthritis
Diet is considered the most important element in arthritis, whether we are talking about causation or treatment. A strict dietary regimen rich in raw foods, vegetables, fiber and unsaturated fats, and a diet low in sugars, meat, refined carbohydrates and saturated fats, has proven to be very successful.
Main focus in dietary treatment
- elimination of food allergies
- focus on a vegetarian diet (at least until the disease subsides)
- change the ratio of saturated and essential fats in the diet
- increase antioxidant intake
- an anti-yeast (anti-fungal) diet is recommended at the start
- Elimination of allergenic, mold-promoting and acid-forming foods should be the first step after diagnosis.
2. Modification of the intestinal microflora
An imbalanced intestinal microflora is associated with many so-called “autoimmune” diseases. Studies agree that after modification of the intestinal microflora, significant clinical improvements occurred in these diseases.
Modification of the intestinal microflora is achieved primarily by changing the diet, supplementing with probiotics and maintaining an appropriate fluid intake.
3. Digestion
Proper digestion is an integral part of optimal health. Digestive disorders (diagnosed or not) or imperfect digestion can greatly affect countless diseases, including arthritides.
The problem is not only that consuming the right food and nutritional supplements is of little use if improper breakdown and absorption of nutrients from ingested food occurs, but also that incompletely digested food molecules may be improperly absorbed.
Since many patients suffer from a deficiency of digestive factors, mainly digestive enzymes and hydrochloric acid, incomplete digestion is a common cause of arthritides.
Supplementation with enzymes in arthritis is absolutely essential. Besides the positive effect of enzymes on arthritis, their supplementation is also absolutely essential in other so‑called immune diseases such as
- rheumatoid arthritis
- lupus
- periarteritis nodosa
- scleroderma
- inflammatory involvement of the intestinal tract
- Crohn’s disease
- multiple sclerosis
- AIDS
4. Bromelain
By bromelain we mean enzyme extracts from pineapple.
Bromelain has been studied as a therapeutic agent since 1957, since when over 200 scientific papers have described its therapeutic applications, including suppression of inflammatory processes in arthritis.
5. Fats
Fatty acids are important mediators of allergies and inflammations. Altering and balancing the intake of fats increases or conversely decreases (depending on which fats the patient consumes) inflammatory processes.
In general, it is necessary to limit or exclude the intake of animal fats and saturated fatty acids (Omega6) and to increase the intake of unsaturated fatty acids (Omega3).
Many studies have pointed to the benefits of fat intake from a vegetarian diet in the prevention and treatment of arthritis. The only exception is fresh fish because of their high content of unsaturated fatty acids – Omega3. Consumption of flaxseed oil is also quite helpful.
6. Omega-3 fatty acids
Intake of unsaturated fatty acids (Omega-3), especially from fresh fish, has consistently shown significant improvement in condition in many studies.
In addition to improving symptoms (external manifestations such as morning stiffness and joint pain and tenderness), the intake of fish oils resulted in the suppression of inflammatory elements released by white blood cells.
Fresh fish and flaxseed oil are preferred over Omega-3 oils in capsules.
7. Antioxidants in the diet
The emphasis is, of course, placed on consuming fresh fruit and vegetables. However, on a strict anti-yeast (anti-fungal) diet, which is highly recommended for arthritis, one may only consume vegetables, and only those that do not contain sugars.
Besides vitamin C (which reduces the sedimentation rate), vitamin E and other antioxidants, emphasis is placed on flavonoids because of their ability to neutralize inflammation that causes rheumatic pain and support collagen structure.
8. Selenium, vitamin E, zinc
It has been found that levels of selenium, vitamin E and zinc are very low in patients with arthritis.
9. Niacinamide (B3)
Dr. William Kaufman and Dr. Abram Hoffer achieved substantially positive results in treating hundreds of patients with arthritis and osteoporosis with high doses of niacinamide (B3) – up to 900-4,000 mg daily. High doses of B3 must not be taken for too long and liver function should be monitored.
10. Ginger
Ginger contains a number of pharmacological elements. It is a strong antioxidant and has a strong anti-inflammatory effect. Fresh ginger is preferred because it contains a protease that has a similar effect to bromelain and therefore has an even more anti-inflammatory effect.
11. Physiotherapy
HEAT is used primarily to relieve stiffness, to ease pain, to relax muscles and to achieve flexibility. Moist heat (warm salt and mud baths) is more effective than dry heat.
Cold compresses are used only exceptionally and for very short periods to relieve acute pain, after which heat must follow, because cold promotes inflammatory processes and worsens the condition.
Passive and active exercises are recommended, preferably in warm spa baths.
