Natural Remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Effective Solutions

The doctor did ask if Lucy wanted to try an experimental treatment – injections of ‘horse serum'. Finally, months later, the pain began to ease, and Lucy was able to stand up on weak and shaky legs. Lucy's hard work and perseverance paid off. Lucy was able to return to New York; she made

several films and eventually starred in her own television series.

Question? Does anyone KNOW THE NAME or THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION of the (HORSE SERUM) used in the 1920's that Lucille was given.

Lucille Ball, the renowned actress, Suffered from Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).

From her Book: Love Lucy an Autobiography by Lucille Ball p. 47. (Digital Copy)

One winter day, I came down with a bad cold that turned into pneumonia. I stayed in my room restlessly for several days, tossing with fever, but then hurried back to Hattie's. I needed that thirty-five dollars a week.

I was standing on the dais for a fitting when suddenly I felt as if both my legs were on fire. The pain was excruciating. Hattie kindly sent me to her own doctor, around the corner on Fifth Avenue. He told me that the pains were arthritic, possibly rheumatoid arthritis. This is an incurable disease which becomes progressively more crippling until the sufferer ends up in a wheelchair for life.

“You must go to a hospital at once, ” Hattie's doctor told me. I did some rapid calculations. “I only have eighty-five dollars to my name, ” I told him.

He then gave me the address of an orthopedic clinic up near Columbia University. That night I sat waiting my turn for three hours while the city's poor, some of them horribly crippled, went in and out. It was ten o'clock before my turn came.

The clinic doctor examined me and shook his head. I was by this time crying and half fainting from the pain. He asked if he could try a new and radical treatment, some kind of horse serum, and I said yes, for God's sake, anything. For several weeks I stayed in my room, and he came and gave me injections;

finally, when my money ran out and my legs still were not better, there was nothing left to do but go home to Jamestown. One of my beaux drove me to Grand Central Station and pushed me to the train in a wheelchair. I was discouraged but not terribly frightened. The confidence of the young is truly remarkable.

Johnny met my train at Buffalo and drove me to my family's apartment on Wilcox Avenue. Daddy was back home again, thank goodness. He lectured me on taking better care of myself, and DeDe, although still working all day long herself, devoted her evenings to massaging my legs and cheering me up.

For the first few months I was in such pain that time passed in a kind of blur. We kept up the horse serum injections, which were then considered a highly experimental, even last-ditch experiment. I was a guinea pig who survived, and the pain gradually subsided. Finally the day came when, with the support of Daddy and the doctor, I shakily stood up. We found that my left leg was now somewhat shorter than my right leg.

It also pulled sideways, and to correct this, I wore a twenty-pound weight in one of my ugly black orthopedic shoes. The metal weight felt cold against my foot, and the pain as I clomped around was like needles. For my morale, I wore some heavy blue satin pajamas that I had bought on sale at Hattie's. Pajamas for women were just becoming fashionable; I think I was also the first female in Jamestown to appear on the street in slacks.

One happy result of my long illness was that I did learn to take better care of myself. I tried to get my full eight hours' sleep a night, and I ate fewer starches and carbohydrates. I still go without the right food when I'm busy, and often skip lunch or dinner altogether. This has the strange effect of making me gain weight, since my body retains fluid. Dr. Henry Beiler, whose patients include Greta Garbo and Gloria Swanson, wants me to eat a small meal every few hours, and I'm trying to do this. He doesn't believe in pills or medicines, but he accomplishes wonders with food. It's shocking how many doctors in Beverly Hills never once ask during a consultation what you eat.

I have had pain all over for 7 months. Started with knees, feet, spread to hips arms and shoulders and really all over. My left arm at the elbow very painful. I just turned 60 in great health never smoked drank really took care of myself all my life eating very healthy with occasional indulgences.

I believe what I have it Rheumatoid Arthritis which really comes and goes but now has been with me constant for 2 months and painful.

2 weeks ago I started on Calcium 1 teaspoon a day and also 7 days ago I started on coconut oil extra virgin natural.

I eat 3-4 tablespoons a day 2 in morning 2 in evening. I heat up the oil (because it is paste) and then drink it but take water immediately after because of the taste is a little hard to swallow.

Well it's been 7 days and the coconut oil and my pain has reduced significantly, maybe 75%.

I don't really know what has caused the pain to reduce so much but it had to be one of those 2 things Coconut and/or the Calcium.

I take Calcium Carbonate (NOW) and Coconut oil (Natures way).

Something is working and I am very happy about it. I also have a good diet you must do both or one bad will cancel one good.

I also juice. Spinich, carrots, ginger and maybe an apple.

But I have to give the credit to Calcium and Coconut oil. I also took a bath in the oil this morning, felt good because what you put on your skin goes in your body.

I also oil pull. Using Coconut oil with water and a little Baking soda for 5-10 minutes cleaning my mouth esp before bed. The mouth can hide and breed many diseases.

That's my story.

Bill

After this I decided NEVER to take immunosuppresant drugs again.

I started doing Remicade which is an IV infusion that I get every 2 months. It is actually a good western drug and works on the root cause of the arthritis.

I have been able to get off the steroids, and even the anti inflammatory drugs.

I became pre diabetic due to long term steroid use.

I have tried MANY natural and alternate therapies. Astaxanthin ( the product I use is Bio Astin), has helped my joints tremendously. I have introduced many others to

I also take wild fish oil, krill oil, spirulina, probiotics a good multi vitamin and a few other things daily.

My main foods I eat are salmon, spinach and blueberries.

Exercising in water is the best! There is a fine line between doing nothing and too much with RA. I also do a 1.2 mile trail walk with my German Shepherds daily.

Upon waking if your joints are sore best thing is hot water to increase blood supply and make your joints more mobile.

I rarely have pain in my joints.

I hope this helps.

I still eat meat and fish, but I eliminated grains, dairy, nightshades, beans and nuts. My labs are much better and my anemia is almost gone. My hemoglobin had been an 8 while on the awful RA medicines. Now my hemoglobin is 11.4, it is almost normal. The RA medicines make me anemic. When I am taken off of them for awhile my anemia goes away.

Eat a vegetable salad for a week with some fish or chicken if in a flare and see if your inflammation comes down, it helped my pain levels come down.The juicing of vegetables and fruit is good because more nutrients get into the bloodstream. Eating 2 apples and 5 carrots would be ac hore, but juicing them insures a lot of vitamins and minerals to heal from RA.

I have healed some frozen joints doing this. I had joints that had no range of motion for over a year and then SLOWLY they became loose and started to move again, it is wonderful to see healing, when it felt like there was little hope.

I have a friend who tried borax for his arthritis and it had no effect at all in terms of reduction of symptoms, but he did get other health benefits from it so he has continued to take it everyday. People here on EC have reported as much in the past. Apparently arthritis can have more than one cause and I imagine it is possible to have two different causes at the same time or in close proximity to each other and borax does not seem to be able to deal with all causes even though many people report benefit, as you already know.

Many people believe that a mycoplasma organism may be one cause, but if this is correct, there are at least 17 of these that have been isolated through research and I doubt that borax could be effective against all and this may be a contributing factor as to why borax does not offer any help for some people with arthritis.

There is not much research in terms of borax and arthritis other than the original work done by Dr. Rex Newnham and of course Ted who advocated a higher dose than Dr. Newnham. You didn't say what dose you are taking. Are you taking Ted's recommended dose or Dr. Newnhams?

Dr. Newnham's dose was not fully effective for me over time, but Ted's dose has been effective for me for years.

Art

Boron

An element that can affect how the body handles other minerals. It can be ingested through food, but high exposure can be harmful.

Borax

A naturally occurring mineral that's a salt of boric acid. It's made up of sodium, oxygen, and boron, and is found in cleaning products, laundry detergents, and ant and roach killers. Borax is also a common ingredient in homemade slime.

Boric acid

A more refined and processed boron compound that's used in chemical products. It's created by mixing borax with other minerals, and is commonly used as an insecticide. Boric acid is also used in eye wash products and as a remedy for yeast and fungal infections.

Both borax and boric acid are toxic to people in large dosages and animals if ingested, and should be handled with extreme caution around children and pets.

Boron is a successful treatment option for arthritis and in more than 95% of cases, significant improvement was noticed as it effectively increased calcium integration into the cartilage and bones. With increasing age, the bones might become weak and porous, and it can stem this deterioration by ensuring that calcium levels are maximized and used effectively.

Some animal and human studies support the anti-inflammatory effects of boron on arthritis. Early research also suggests that it may help reduce the severity of inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Boron is also beneficial for your bones and joints, too. Studies have shown that boron plays an essential role in keeping your bones and joits functioning optimally by helping your body metabolize important minerals such as calcium. In the 1980's under media influence, people started to believe boron can cure osteoporosis and arthritis, increase muscle mass and more.

The “boron vitamin” as it's commonly referred, is actually a trace mineral. Boron allows certain nutrients within your body to perform at their best.

Boron helps reduce inflammation — even harmful (and painful!) osteoarthritis, which is inflammation of the joints. It does this by turning itself into a signal suppressor that stops the activities of certain enzymes involved in the inflammatory process, curbing the inflammation.

source: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/(SICI)1520-670X(1999)12:3<221::AID-JTRA6>3.0.CO;2-X

Dr. Newnham's research proved that after Borax supplementation an individual's bones were much harder and stronger. With additional Boron, bone fractures healed in half the normal time in both man and animal. Horses and dogs with broken legs, and even a broken pelvis, fully recovered. A young girl, aged 9 months, with juvenile arthritis was supplemented with Boron and she was essentially ‘cured' by Dr. Newnham in 2 weeks.

Boron's power in controlling inflammation is well known in many parts of the world, especially in Europe. There, boron is often prescribed as a remedy for osteoarthritis — many people supplementing with boron have reduced, and even eliminated, their osteoarthritis symptoms altogether.

AnchorAnchorAnchorAnchor Epidemiological evidence, case reports, and controlled animal and human studies have provided evidence for the use of boron as a safe and effective treatment for osteoarthritis (OA).52–54 Examining the relationship between boron administration and OA prevalence around the world, researchers discovered that in areas where boron intake is greater than or equal to 1 mg/d, the estimated incidence of arthritis ranges from 20% to 70%. In contrast, in areas where boron intake is usually 3 to 10 mg/d, estimated incidence of arthritis ranges from 0% to 10%.55 The boron concentration has been found to be lower in the femur heads, bones, and synovial fluid of OA patients compared with individuals without OA.56

source 52-54-55-56: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4712861/#b52-35-48

Since 1981, 7 occasional reports have appeared suggesting that boron can ameliorate or prevent arthritic symptoms. Based on limited observations in several countries, Newnham14 reported that the occurrence of arthritis is negatively correlated with the amount of boron in the soil and in the food and water supply. In areas where daily boron intakes were typically ≤1.0 mg, the estimated incidence of arthritis ranged from 20% to 70%. In areas where daily boron intakes ranged from 3 to >10 mg, the estimated incidence of arthritis ranged from 0% to 10%. Newnham also stated that arthritic dogs, horses, and cattle given 3 mg of boron for every 25 kg of body weight generally showed improvement in 2 to 4 weeks. This observation apparently has not been confirmed by controlled experiments. Although the evidence in these early reports by Newnham14 is weak, his suggestion that boron can help alleviate arthritic symptoms could have some merit. In a double-blind study conducted in Australia, 20 patients with confirmed osteoarthritis were given a placebo or a supplement providing 6 mg of boron daily for 8 weeks; 15 patients completed the study.15 Of the 7 patients consuming the boron supplement, 5 reported improved subjective measures for their arthritic condition (eg, less pain on movement), whereas only 1 of 8 patients consuming the placebo reported an improvement in their arthritic condition. Shortly thereafter, it was reported that boron concentrations in bone and synovial fluid were lower in rheumatoid arthritis patients than in healthy controls.16 A recent study of 20 patients with mild, moderate, or severe osteoarthritis also found that boron supplementation alleviated subjective measures of arthritis.17 Patients with mild to moderate arthritis supplemented daily with 6 mg of boron as calcium fructoborate (a naturally occurring boron complex commonly found in fruits and vegetables) reported markedly reduced pain. By week 8,80% of the test participants reduced or eliminated their use of painkillers. Joint rigidity essentially disappeared, and mobility was markedly increased at 8 weeks. Patients with severe arthritis, who were supplemented daily with 12 mg of boron as calcium fructoborate, exhibited a more subdued improvement in mobility and rigidity but still reported a significant reduction in the use of painkillers. These findings, however, are weakened by the nonblinding to treatment and lack of placebo controls. Interestingly, Keshan-Beck disease (characterized by degeneration of the articular cartilage between joints) has been associated with low boron concentrations in hair18 and with deficient boron in soils and crops in China.19

source: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2156587211407638

Rex Newnham's research on Boron indicates that generally people are healed from their arthritis pain, swelling and stiffness in approximately 1 to 3 months. He also stated that many patients with arthritis commonly experienced a Herxheimer reaction, which is an early aggravation of symptoms with increased pain for a short period of time (you may feel worse before you feel better). It is commonly due to toxins being released by killed Candida and mycoplasma. This is very common with antimicrobial therapy, and borax definitely is an exceptionally good and strong fungicide. Dr. Newnham regarded Herxheimer as a good prognostic sign indicating that the body was healing.

Note by Rob: My personal experience using Boron tablets. A few years ago I bought Boron tablets from Vitamin Shoppe 3mg 100ct. Took the whole bottle and showed no effect.

Recently, I decided to try Boron again but from a different manufacture, "Bronson Boron" 3mg 250ct on Amazon. They were half the price of Vitamin Shoppe.

In 24 hours after taking the first tablet (I was also ingesting raw minced garlic on toast, too), I could see a BIG different in my pain and stiffness levels in my joints. Especially in my hip joint.

Conclusion, just because you buy from a big company does not mean better. Doctors will never tell you about simple vitamin and mineral deficiency; they are pill pushers, no money in cheap things. And never give up

When I was treating my trigger finger with borax, I did the protocol every day with NO days off for the first 4-5 months. I also upped the dosage from the women's dosage to the men's 1/4 teaspoon borax dosage after a week or two, feeling 1/8 teaspoon was not enough. I started to get faster improvements after that. So, in my personal opinion, yes, you can do this. After a number of months, perhaps 4-5 months, I cut back to doing the protocol once in a while with several weeks of breaks in between. It did take about 4 months of every day borax tonic to get optimal results. I needed surgery on my thumb at the point where I started the borax protocol after two rounds of cortisone shots wore off (each lasting a year to 8 months of relief).

Because Blackstrap Molasses is a nutrient dense food and not a supplement, I think it would be compatible. Of course, some foods do not agree with some people, so it wouldn't be 100% certain, but a very safe option to try. I would start with 1 teaspoon, morning and evening. If that agrees, the next week, try 2 t. morning and evening. If this is a small person, that may be enough. Otherwise, you could go up to 1 T. the next week, morning and evening. If diarrhea is a problem, you should know that Blackstrap can have a laxative effect. Blackstrap does have potassium in it, and I suppose could affect the need for a potassium supplement.

I noticed here on Earth Clinic that Nettle Tea has been helpful to someone for RA. I mention this because it is another very safe thing to try. Nettles used to be a "spring tonic" for people. They would cook the fresh nettles in the spring and eat them for health. My daughter had symptoms of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis a year and a half ago. She was also having trouble with asthma, as well, I was giving her nettles (because it cured my son of asthma) for her asthma, in addition to a number of things I was trying to help her arthritis. Perhaps the nettles also helped her arthritis. She has been symptom free of that for over a year. If you decide to try the nettle tea, try 1 cup per day at first and move up to 2-3 cups per day. It would be compatible with the Blackstrap.

Our family has found Blackstrap (and nettles! ) to be helpful for many things. I hope you find that to be the case as well!

Please let us know how it goes.

~Mama to Many~

"Arthritis, Recent Theories and The Affects of Imbalanced pH
Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis have lower cellular potassium content than normal and high plasma copper content. Reports have shown low potassium being the only consistent difference in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Although there has not been a clinical study proving this theory, rheumatoid arthritis should not be present in people who eat vegetables instead of grains. The reason why potassium is often overlooked is probably because potassium is present in almost all foods grown in large quantities.

As most have come to realize, what you eat strongly affects your body. When food is digested, it leaves certain residues that yield either alkaline or acidic potentials of pH. Our body is at a constant struggle to keep our pH balanced. If balance is not achieved through diet then the body will take over by leaching away key minerals such as, calcium, potassium, and sodium from the bones, teeth, and important organs. An imbalanced pH can lead to serious health problems such as weight gain, poor athletic performance, low energy levels, Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis, and premature aging if continuously too acidic or alkaline..."

Here are a few more sites about pH and arthritis:
http://www.ph-health.com/phbalancearthritis1015.html
http://www.fitnessandfreebies.com/seniors/arthritis.html

For a lot more sites, please do
http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&q=ph+arthritis&btnG=Google+Search&meta=

I believe in the pH balance. The concept is similar to that of the body requiring constant internal temperature; the blood must be at an almost constant pH level in order for chemical, bio-chemical, and hormonal reactions to proceed appropriately. The body will do everything to achieve this at the cost of making acidic the lymphatic system and other organs, if the nutrition does not provide for the necessary good nutrition. Like, for example, drinking a lot of soft drinks is terribly acidic. So, proper body's pH balance is a prerequisite for good health.

A we become more acidic, internal organs, body tissues, bones ... will deteriorate. To learn more about the pH balance concept you can go to the following links:

https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/pH_questions.html
https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/pH.html
https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/pH_questions.html
https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/pH.html#TED
http://www.alkalizeforhealth.net/cancerselftreatment.htm#alkalinity
http://www.preventdisease.com/fitness/nutrition/articles/acid_alkaline.html
http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Murphy8.html

These are just a few of what can be found in the web.

About measuring and monitoring own pH:
http://articlesofhealth.blogspot.com/2006/10/understanding-and-testing-ph-of-urine.html
http://curezone.com/forums/fm.asp?i=843435#i
http://curezone.com/forums/fm.asp?i=1009925#i
http://biomedx.com/pH/page3.html
http://www.genuinehealth.com/english/pdfs/pH.pdf

To verify if indeed you are acidic I would strongly suggest you to buy pH paper strips. It's cheap and I assure you it will be a good investment.

I had inflammatory problems with my knees and ankle. The best thing I found so far is an alkalizing drink that combines synergetically blackstrap molasses, unfiltered raw apple cider vinegar, pinch of epson salt, kelp powder and pickling lime water. Not only this drink is alkalazing, but, over time, will help in replenishing minerals that were depleted over the years because of acidosis. The full instruction of this drink can be found at http://www.curezone.com/forums/am.asp?i=1009886#i1 in a forum about pH balance.

More details about the alkalizing drink that synergetically combines minerals (blackstrap molasses, Epson Salt, pickling lime water and kelp powder,) with weak acids (such as Apple Cider Vinegar or Lemon Juice) http://www.curezone.com/forums/am.asp?i=1009886#i1

I hope these can help you. It is a learning journey about how nutrition affects your healths.

I wish you good luck.

From the Book: Arthritis – How you can benefit from Diet, Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs, Exercise, and Other Natural Methods by Michael T. Murray N.D. published 1994.

Many suggest that microorganisms are responsible for rheumatoid arthritis. A variety of microorganisms (for example, Epstein-Barr vims, rubella virus, amoebic organisms, and mycoplasma among a few) have been suggested as causative factors in the development of rheumatoid arthritis despite the fact that no microbial agent has been consistently isolated in rheumatoid arthritis patients. The actress/comedian Lucille Ball developed crippling Rheumatoid Arthritis after being sick with pneumonia at the age of 19. After a year, she managed to CURE herself. Read her book “Love Lucy”.

Hydroxychloroquine

A drug originally used in the treatment of malaria, hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) is also used

in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers think it works by inhibiting the immune system. Since rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, the drug effectively cripples the immune system from damaging the joint tissues. Hydroxychloroquine must be used for at least six months to determine if it is going to be of value in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Since hydroxychloroquine is associated with a high rate of side effects, use is often discontinued before this time period, however natural hydroxychloroquine (made from grapefruit peel) does not. Mild adverse effects include skin rashes, loss of hair, headache, blurring of vision, ringing in the ears, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. Severe side effects include emotional or psychotic mental changes; seizures; excessive muscle weakness; damage to the eyes, with significant impairment of vision; anemia; decreased white blood cell counts; and frequent infections.

Gold Salts

Injection of gold salts aids about half the rheumatoid arthritis patients who receive them, but nearly

one-third of these patients experience severe side effects. Oral gold salts are slightly less toxic than injections, but the treatment still causes skin rashes; painful mouth ulcers; bone marrow suppression; and, in some cases, even more serious side effects, such as kidney damage. Like hydroxychloroquine, a trial of six months is required to determine the benefit of therapy with gold salts.

Flaxseed Oil: The Best Choice

Black currant, borage, flaxseed and evening primrose oils contain gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 oil. These oils are often recommended by nutritional-oriented physicians for the treatment of inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and eczema. GLA is a precursor to series 1 DHGLA and prostaglandins. Unlike the pro-inflammatory series 2 prostaglandins, which are derived from arachidonic acid, series 1 prostaglandins exert anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, other derivatives of DHGLA actually block the formation of damaging leukotrienes. These biochemical effects have provided the rationale behind supplementing the diet with black currant, borage, or evening primrose oil.

In my opinion, the best choice for an oil supplement in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is flaxseed oil— especially when cost is taken into consideration. The recommended daily dosage of either EPA (1 .8 grams) or GLA supplements (5 grams) costs $50 to $100 per month. Taking less than the recommended dosage is not likely to produce benefit. In contrast, flaxseed oil is fairly inexpensive. A 12-ounce bottle of flaxseed oil costs less than $12. At a daily dose of 1 tablespoon, this 12-ounce bottle would last more than a month. This daily dose of a high-quality flaxseed oil provides about 6 grams of alpha-linolenic acid and 2 grams of linoleic acid.

Homemade salad dressings are the perfect opportunity to use flaxseed oil. In The Healing Power of Foods Cookbook (Prima Publishing, Rocklin, CA, 1993), I give several recipes for salad dressings. In this book, see Chapter 7 for a recipe for Herb Dressing.

Selenium and Vitamin E

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis have low selenium levels. Selenium plays an important role as an antioxidant and serves as the mineral cofactor in the free radicalscavenging enzyme glutathione peroxidase. This enzyme is especially important in reducing the production of inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes. In addition, selenium has a synergistic effect with other antioxidant mechanisms.

Because free radicals, oxidants, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes cause much of the tissue damage associated with rheumatoid arthritis, a deficiency of selenium results in even more significant damage. Clinical studies have not yet clearly demonstrated that selenium supplementation alone improves the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. However, one clinical study indicated that selenium combined with vitamin E had a positive effect. Vitamin E is an important antioxidant, working synergistically with selenium.

Because patients with rheumatoid arthritis have an increased demand for selenium and vitamin E, supplementing the daily diet with 50 to 200 micrograms of selenium and 200 to 400 international units (IU) of vitamin E appears to be appropriate. Most quality multiple-vitamin, multiplemineral formulas provide the recommended amounts of vitamin E and selenium.

The selenium content of foods varies widely. The best sources are fish and grains. However, the amount of selenium in grains and other plant foods is directly related to the amount of selenium available in the soil.

Zinc

Zinc has antioxidant effects, and it functions in the antioxidant enzyme copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (copperzinc SOD). Zinc levels are typically reduced in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Several studies have used zinc in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis; some have demonstrated a slight therapeutic effect. 44-46 Most of the studies utilized zinc in the form of sulfate. Better results maybe produced by using a form of zinc with a higher absorption rate, such as zinc picolinate, zinc monomethionine, or zinc citrate. In addition to eating foods rich in zinc— foods such as whole grains, nuts, and seeds— individuals with rheumatoid arthritis should supplement their diet with an additional 30 to 45 milligrams of zinc daily— preferably, one of the more absorbable forms of zinc. Most quality multiple-vitamin, multiplemineral formulas provide this amount of zinc.

Manganese and Superoxide Dismutase

You have already read about the antioxidant enzyme copperzinc superoxide dismutase (copper-zinc SODj. Manganese functions in a different form of SOD, manganese SOD. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are deficient in manganese SOD. The injectable form of this enzyme (available in Europe) has been shown to be effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. 48 However, it is not clear if any orally administered SOD can escape digestion in the intestinal tract and exert a therapeutic effect. In one study, oral SOD had no effect on tissue SOD levels.

Perhaps a better and more economical method of raising SOD is simply to supplement the diet with additional manganese. Manganese supplementation has been shown to increase SOD activity, indicating increased antioxidant activity. Although no clinical studies have been conducted to determine the effectiveness of manganese supplementation in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, supplementation seems indicated because patients with rheumatoid arthritis have low levels of manganese. The standard recommendation for patients with rheumatoid arthritis is daily supplementation with 5 to 15 milligrams of manganese. Dietary sources of manganese include nuts, whole grains, dried fruits, and green leafy vegetables. Meats, daily products, poultry, and seafood are poor sources of manganese.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C functions as an important antioxidant. Concentrations of vitamin C in white blood cells and plasma are significantly decreased in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Supplementation with vitamin C increases SOD activity, decreases histamine levels, and provides some anti-inflammatory action. In addition to consuming foods rich in vitamin C—foods such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, citrus fruits, tomatoes, and berries— patients with rheumatoid arthritis should supplement the diet with an additional 1,000 to 3,000 milligrams of vitamin C daily, in divided dosages.

Pantothenic Acid

Compared to normal controls, the level of pantothenic acid in whole blood is low in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, disease activity is inversely correlated with pantothenic acid levels: The lower the level of pantothenic acid, the more severe the arthritis symptoms. Correction of low pantothenic acid levels brings about some alleviation of symptoms.

In one double-blind study, subjective improvement was noted in patients receiving 2 grams of calcium pantothenate daily. Patients noted improvements in duration of morning stiffness, degree of disability, and severity of pain. Dietary sources of pantothenic acid are whole grains and legumes. But, to reach the daily dose of 2 grams used in the clinical study, supplementation is required.

Iron

Anemia is quite common in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Most common iron supplements, however, may actually do more harm than good. There are two forms of dietary iron, heme iron and nonheme iron. Heme iron may be useful to some patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Nonheme iron may actually increase inflammation.

Heme iron is iron bound to hemoglobin and myoglobin. Nonheme iron includes the iron found in plant foods and iron salts such as ferrous fumarate, ferrous gluconate, and ferrous sulfate. Dietary sources of heme iron are animal meats, egg yolks, fish, and shellfish. Liver is regarded as the best dietary source of heme iron.

Heme iron is the most efficiently absorbed form of iron. About 25% of heme iron can be absorbed. Nonheme iron is poorly absorbed; its approximate absorption rate is 5%. However, it is not the relatively high absorption rate of heme iron that makes it beneficial to individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. Heme iron is comparatively beneficial because unbound iron (nonheme iron) can actually generate free radicals and pro-oxidants. Also, in most chronic diseases involving anemia, the anemia is simply unresponsive to nonheme iron. In contrast, heme iron supplementation is usually quite effective in treating anemia, as it is in treating the anemia that may accompany rheumatoid arthritis.

The best iron supplement rheumatoid arthritis patients with iron-deficiency anemia can use is one made from liver extracts. In my opinion, the best liver product available is Liquid Liver Extract from Enzymatic Therapy. This extract is produced from a specific fraction of beef liver obtained from animals raised in South America, where ranchers use no chemical sprays, pesticides, or antibiotics in their livestock feed. The fats and cholesterol of the liver are removed via a special cold process, and then the extract is placed into gelatin capsules in free form (this ensures optimum utilization by the body). Liquid Liver Extract is far superior to liver and desiccated liver tablets.

Note: There is Liquid Multi-Vitamins on the market. NOW Brand is what the Amish use because it meets their religious requirements. You will need to add copper tablets 2mg.

Plant-Based Medicines for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Many plants possess significant anti-inflammatory action and are appropriate in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The plants discussed in this section are some of the more effective. Also discussed are plants that can enhance the function or secretion of the body's own cortisone and those that can prevent or reverse some of the negative effects of orally administered cortisone. The herbal medicines are presented in order according to my ranking of their importance in treating rheumatoid arthritis.

Curcumin (Turmeric)

Curcumin, the yellow pigment of turmeric {Curcuma longa), appears to be one of nature's most potent anti-inflammatory agents. Turmeric is the major ingredient of curry powder and is also used in prepared mustard. It is used extensively in foods for both its color and flavor. In addition, turmeric is used in the Chinese and Indian (Ayurvedic) systems of medicine as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Turmeric and its derivatives can produce a great deal of pharmacological activity. Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant, and its ability to prevent free radical damage is greater than that of vitamin C, vitamin E, or SOD. However, the protection curcumin provides against inflammation and joint damage is only partially explained by its direct antioxidant effect and scavenging of free radicals. Additional effects include enhancement of the body's natural antioxidant system and the body's anti inflammatory mechanisms.

Numerous studies have demonstrated the exceptional anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin. In models of acute inflammation, curcumin is as effective as cortisone or the potent anti-inflammatory drug phenylbutazone. However, phenylbutazone and cortisone are associated with significant toxicity; curcumin is without side effects.

Among the many direct anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin is the formation of leukotrienes and other mediators of inflammation. As for its indirect effects, models of chronic inflammation show that curcumin is much less active in animals that have had their adrenal glands removed. This means that curcumin works to enhance the body's antiinflammatory mechanisms. Possible mechanisms of action include (1) stimulating the release of adrenal corticosteroids; (2) "sensitizing, " or priming, cortisone receptor sites, thereby facilitating cortisone action; and (3) preventing cortisone breakdown.

In comparisons with standard drugs, curcumin has demonstrated some beneficial effects in human studies. In one double-blind clinical trial involving patients with rheumatoid arthritis, the effects of curcumin (1,200 milligrams per day) were compared to those of phenylbutazone (300 milligrams per day). The improvements in the duration of morning stiffness, walking time, and joint swelling were comparable in both groups. However, phenylbutazone is associated with significant adverse effects; at the recommended dosage curcumin has not been shown to produce any side effects.

Another study used a new human model, the postoperative inflammation model, for evaluating NSAIDs. Again, curcumin exerted anti-inflammatory action comparable to that of phenylbutazone.

Note that, though curcumin has an anti-inflammatory effect similar to that of phenylbutazone and various NSAIDs, it does not possess direct analgesic action.

The studies cited indicate that curcumin can provide benefit in the treatment of the flare-ups of inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Furthermore, compared to standard drug treatment, curcumin is safer and better tolerated. No toxicity reactions to curcumin have been reported. Animals fed very high levels of curcumin (3 grams per kilogram of body weight) have not exhibited any significant adverse effects.

The recommended dosage of curcumin as an antiinflammatory is 400 to 600 milligrams, three times a day. To achieve a similar amount of curcumin using turmeric would require a dosage of 8,000 to 60,000 milligrams. Because the absorption of orally administered curcumin is in question, curcumin is often formulated in conjunction with bromelain to possibly enhance absorption. In addition, bromelain has anti-inflammatory effects of its own (see the next section). If you use a curcumin-bromelain combination, take it on an empty stomach, 20 minutes before meals or between meals.

Providing curcumin in a lipid base—such as lecithin, fish oils, or essential fatty acids—may also increase absorption. If you use this form, take it with meals.

Bromelain (Pineapple)

Bromelain refers to a mixture of enzymes found in pineapple. Bromelain was introduced as a medicinal agent in 1957, and since that time over two hundred scientific papers about its therapeutic applications have appeared in medical literature." These studies report that bromelain exerts a wide variety of beneficial effects, including reduction of inflammation in cases of rheumatoid arthritis. Figure 6.9 lists the conditions that bromelain can be effective in treating.

Several mechanisms may account for bromelain's antiinflammatory effects, including the inhibition of pro-inflammatory compounds. Bromelain can prevent swelling by activating compounds that break down fibrin. (Fibrin was discussed early in this chapter, in the section about the importance of proteases.) Also, bromelain blocks the production of kinins. Kinins are compounds produced during inflammation. They increase swelling as well as cause pain.

The standard dosage of bromelain is based on its mcu (milk clotting unit) activity. The most beneficial range of activity appears to be 1,800 to 2,000 mcu. The dosage that can effect this level is 400 to 600 milligrams, three times daily, on an empty stomach. Although most studies have utilized commercially prepared bromelain, it is conceivable that drinking fresh pineapple juice could exert similar, if not superior, benefits. One of the best fresh juices to consume if you have rheumatoid arthritis is pineapple ginger. Simply juice one-half of a pineapple along with a 'A-inch slice of fresh ginger. For additional fresh juice recommendations for rheumatoid arthritis, consult The Complete Book ofJuicing (Michael T. Murray, Prima Publishing, Rocklin, CA, 1992).

Ginger

Although ginger (Zingiber officinale) is native to southern Asia, it is now extensively cultivated in the tropics (for example, India, China, Jamaica, Haiti, and Nigeria). Jamaica is a major exporter of the crop. Jamaica exports ginger to all parts of the world—more than 2 million pounds annually. The knotted and branched underground stem, or rhizome (commonly called the root), is the portion of ginger used for culinary1 and medicinal purposes. Ginger has been used as a medicine for thousands of years in China. Chinese records dating from the fourth century b.c indicate that it was used to treat numerous conditions, including rheumatism.

Ginger causes numerous pharmacological activities. The most relevant in terms of rheumatoid arthritis are its antioxidant effects; its ability to inhibit synthesis of prostaglandin, thromboxane, and leukotrienes; and its anti-inflammatory effects. In the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, fresh ginger mav be more effective in treating inflammation than dried preparations, because fresh ginger contains a protease that may cause actions similar to those of bromelain. A preliminary clinical study involved seven patients with rheumatoid arthritis. For all seven, conventional drugs had provided only temporary or partial relief. All patients were treated with ginger. One patient took 50 grams per day of lightly cooked ginger; the remaining six took either 5 grams of fresh or 0.1 to 1 gram of powdered ginger daily. Despite the difference in dosage, all patients reported substantial improvement, including pain relief, joint mobility, and decrease in swelling and morning stiffness.

A follow-up study evaluated 28 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, 18 with osteoarthritis, and 10 with muscular discomfort. All had been taking powdered ginger for periods ranging from 3 months to 2 ½ years. Based on clinical observations, 75% of the arthritis patients and 100% of the patients with muscular discomfort experienced relief from pain or swelling. The recommended dosage was 500 to 1, 000 milligrams per day, but many patients took three to four times that amount. Patients taking the higher dosages reported quicker relief and better results.

Many questions remain concerning the best form of ginger and the proper dosage. Most scientific studies have utilized 1 gram of dry powdered ginger root. This amount is a relatively small dose of ginger compared to the average dailv dose of 8 to 10 grams consumed in India. Although most scientific studies have used powdered ginger root, fresh (or possibly freeze-dried) ginger root at an equivalent dosage may yield even better results because it contains higher levels of gingerol as well as the active protease. In light of all this information, what is a practical dosage of ginger for those with rheumatoid arthritis. A daily dosage of 2 to 4 grams of dry powdered ginger may be effective. This amount would be equivalent to approximately 20 grams of fresh ginger root— that's roughly a 1/2-inch slice. These amounts of ginger can easily be incorporated into the diet, especially if you have a juicer. At this dosage, ginger does not appear to have any side effects.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy has a major role in the management of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Though not curative, proper physical management can improve patient comfort and preserve joint and muscle function. Heat is typically used to help relieve stiffness and pain, relax muscles, and increase range of motion. Moist heat (for example, moist packs, hot baths) is more effective than dry heat (such as that from a heating pad). Paraffin baths can be used if skin irritation from regular water immersion develops. Cold packs are of value during acute flare-ups. Strengthening and range-of-motion exercises are important for improving and maintaining joint function, as well as for general health. Patients with well-developed disease and significant inflammation should begin with progressive, passive range-of motion and isometric exercises. As inflammation is ameliorated, active range-of-motion and isotonic exercises are more appropriate.

Final Comments

Rheumatoid arthritis is an aggressive disease that needs aggressive treatment. Here is a hierarchy of the key natural measures to employ In addition to rheumatoid arthritis, these same measures apply to other autoimmune diseases that can lead to arthritis— diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis, systemic lupus, and scleroderma.

1. The first step is therapeutic fasting or an elimination diet followed by careful reintroduction of foods. Note any symptom-producing foods and avoid them in the future.

2. Eliminate all animal products from the diet, with the exception of cold-water fish. Follow the dietary recommendations given in this chapter as well as the guidelines presented in Chapter 7.

3. Drink 16 to 24 ounces of fresh fruit and vegetable juice each day. This will provide a large intake of antioxidants. Grind and consume a ¼ to ½ inch slice of fresh ginger in the juice each day. Or, take powdered ginger capsules.

4. Take 1 to 2 tablespoons of flaxseed oil each day.

5. Determine if you need hydrochloric acid supplementation.

6. Take a 10X USP pancreatic enzyme product at a dosage of 500 to 1,000 milligrams, three times a day, 10 to 20 minutes before meals.

7. Take a high-potency multiple-vitamin, multiple-mineral supplement that provides the recommended levels of vitamin E, selenium, zinc, and manganese. Also take an additional 1,000 to 3,000 milligrams of vitamin C daily, in divided dosages.

8. On a regular basis use the physical therapy treatments discussed in this chapter.

9. Take a high-quality thymus preparation at the appropriate dosage.

10. Take a curcumin-bromelain formula at a dosage of 400 to 600 milligrams, three times daily, between meals.

The severity of rheumatoid arthritis varies from one person to the next. In mild to moderate rheumatoid arthritis, the 12 measures listed previously are extremely effective on their own. In severe cases, NSAIDs and other drugs may be necessary. However, do not abandon the natural measures; they will enhance the effectiveness of the drugs, meaning you can use lower dosages of the drugs. When the use of drugs is necessary, be sure to use DGL (see Chapter 2) to prevent or protect against. peptic ulcers.

Cincinnati Lancet and Clinic, p. 280, Volume 29,1892

Dr.J. Hermann ( Wiener med. Presse, No. 26,1892) speaks very highly of cranberries in the treatment of rheumatism, both acute and chronic. This berry has long been employed in popular medicine as an anti-rheumatic remedy. The writer had a case of chronic rheumatism which had resisted the salicylates and all the ordinary remedies. The decoction of cranberries was given, and after a few weeks a striking improvement set in, to be followed by a complete recovery in two months. The remedy was also tried in nine other cases, of which six were acute and three chronic. All these had been treated in vain with the salicylates and the various preparations of iodine, as well as with warm baths. The berry was employed in the form of a decoction, thirty to sixty grammes ( 1 to 2 ounces) of the entire plant-leaves, stalk and root-to 180 grammes (6 ounces) of water. This is drunk in twenty-four hours. The duration of the treatment was from one to three months. Out of the nine patients seven were cured, while in two the remedy failed. In all the nine cases a slight diuretic effect was noticeable. It is advisable to continue the use of the decoction for some time after the disappearance of the symptoms, in order to prevent the appearance of relapses.

How I suggest to use this remedy: Cranberries have anti-inflammatory effects, thanks to their high amounts of antioxidants, especially anthocyanins and flavanols, which give cranberries their dark hue. “Antioxidants have been shown to reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases because they can help lower inflammation in our bodies, ”.

Take a handful of cranberries – 20-30 berries (frozen is OK and the way I use them) and place them into a blender. Add 8 oz. apple cider to blender. Optional but adds potency to the mixture are 1 tsp. Cinnamon, 1 tsp. Ginger powder, 1 tsp. Turmeric powder. Blend mixture til uniformed and drink as a smoothie daily before bedtime. Do this for 1 – 3 months

Another important thing - the capers in the jar are extremely salty. I have to rinse the jar about 5-6 times thoroughly and fill it with fresh spring water. Then I put some in a smaller jar that I fill with plain spring water and put them both in the fridge. Each day I rinse the smaller jar and fill it with fresh spring water again until the salt is gone. The salt serves as a preservative but if you use it every day it is gone before it can get bad. I never had any problem with it.

Hope this helps you as much as it did help me.

You need to take at least 8 grams a day in the morning on an empty stomach if you want results. It should put it into remission within 2 months or less.

By 2012 I was experiencing nausea for three to four days after taking the weekly dose of Methotrexate, which was simply just more impact on my life. I read on this site (I think) about a Harvard University trial of French Organic Chicken Cartilage tablets. There was success according to the study with some patients going into a kind of remission.

I immediately ordered several bottles from the supplier in the US (but now available now Perth, Australia) and started taking it. Within about 6 weeks I noticed my symptoms reducing enabling me to trial going off the Methotrexate. Today in 2015 I am virtually symptom free with returned use of my limbs, hands and no swelling in my feet and knees! The active ingredient in the Chicken Cartlage tablets apparently is type 2 collagen. I ran out of the Chicken Cartilage tablets about 6 months ago and haven't gotten around to ordering any more. I am largely still symptom free!

I stopped going to the Rhuematologist about 6 years ago as I didn't feel they were listening with regards to the moderate success of the fish oil...no point in spending $$ on someone who didn't appear to want to listen to how and what I was doing about the condition.

I would strongly recommend any sufferer of RA to give this a go! I have had my life returned to me!

1. Ascorbic Acid- at least 1-2 Grams per day. Yes Grams. Vitamin C- Aka ascorbic acid was looked at by big pharma and was found to be almost miraculous in the treatment of a number of diseases. They attempted to get patent rights for it and were denied, no profit no more research. I have always felt that RA is an imbalance in my immune system, Ascorbic Acid helped restore that balance.
2. Boron- Here is the kicker you can only buy it in 3 mg capsules but You need at least 20 mg per day total taken in 3 doses, so stock up on the big bottle. Why does this work? Your immune system is in your gut/intestines. An imbalance in the fauna and flora sets up a dominoe effect to allow fungus such as candida albicans to take root in your intestinal walls causing leaky gut syndrome. This is how food allergies and reactions to specific stressor foods manifest themselves. Boron is one of the best "all natural" anti-fungals known to man. It makes you pee bright yellow but that is the only side effect other than killing unwanted fungus in your intestines.
3. Pro-biotics. Like I stated previously all of your immune system originates in your intestines, when you take care of the good bacteria in your gut, then your gut will start taking care of you. I recommend a pro-biotic that is of soil origin (will say on bottle)and more than one type. These types go after the bad guys in your intestines and stop the proliferation of the bad which gives your gut the time it needs to heal. If you don't take soil origin probiotics at least twice a day and You have RA then You are indeed a fool.
3. Reishi Mushroom extract- proven immune system modulator. Follow recommended dosage on the bottle. It helps your immune system rebalance itself.
4. If You have RA the foods you consume are no longer about what You like, thats what got you into this mess to begin with. When you have inflammation in your body from other than injury, its guaranteed you have inflammation in your intestines. Every time you think its "okay" to consume a stressor food (can be found on the net what they are) it is like adding fuel to the fire. Especially night shade family veggies, grains, and dairy. I know its hard to give these up. They used to be my favorites. But it is possible. Also Stay away from processed foods, chemical additives of any kind are not your friend including those that you wash with or that go on your skin. Stay away from commercially raised beef and stick to grass fed. Stay away from chicken and stick to turkey without additives (shady brook brand)Did you know they were putting arsenic into the chicken feed and hence it could be found in the meat? Find a recipe for bread made with brown rice flour, no potato starches or oils other than coconut. Stay away from soy bean oils (check your supplements) so many of them are GMO you cannot trust the source anymore and GMO food will send You into flare quicker than anything I know of.
5. I found a rheumatologist who put me on minocycline and that is what I prefer because it isn't as toxic as other drugs. I started out on 100mg 2x a day with the above regimen until I went into remission then I cut back to 100mg 1x per day until in remission for more than 2 weeks then cut back to 100mg 1x per day on Mon, Wed, and Friday. (see Dr. Mercolas web-site for the Mon, wed, Fri regimen)Rhuematologists are hard to find that use minocycline or that you can convince to prescribe it to you alone, I personally have to travel 120 miles for appointments but here I sit in remission, joints healing up, no swelling anywhere. I honestly don't know if this regimen will work for those on the more toxic drugs but I believe you have everything to gain. If You don't take any other supplements at all the Ascorbic Acid, Boron and Pro-biotics are the most beneficial. Others that I take are":Glucosamine chondroiton with MSM
magnesium 500 2x a day
potassium 1gram 1x a day
selenium 1x a day
zinc 1x a day.
N-acetyl cysteine-builds up your glutathione levels. Something found lacking in all with arthritis of any kind.
Boron can be increased up to 30mg perday if symptoms are stubborn.

It took me 2 months on this regimen to go into remission. It is a wonderful thing to be able to say that word "remission" without the fear of going into flare-up tommorow and I am not there yet. I will say the only other thing I would attempt to do is relieve as much stress and anger in your life as possible and make sure you have a strong personal relationship with God and Your family. If you don't have faith you can beat this disease from running your life, then you won't.
I sit here symptom free and grateful that I am. If anything I have learned compassion for others who suffer from RA and other debilitating diseases and that is my only motivation for posting this. I pray that one day they will have a cure available and these type of diseases can be treated with something which works quickly and effectively but until the pharmacutical industry is more cure driven than profit driven I really dont see that happening. I hope for the best for you. I think you are going to see the ascorbic acid/boron and probiotics being used more in the treatment of this disease as more is learned about it.