Seeking Help for Arthritis and Stomach Problems

Posted By Gracie (UK) on 06/10/2021

ARTHRITIS/STOMACH PROBLEMS

Hi, I'm 83, female, and have attempted to follow a healthy diet ever since I was 26. However, recently I've hit a bad patch. I have arthritis and had a knee replacement a few years back, but enjoy walking and until approx 9/10 weeks ago, usually managed 3/4 miles a couple of times a week. I'm also prediabetic and cannot shift the weight so decided to try walking every day for a week to see if that would help. After the third day of walking, I was in agony. Arthritic pain in both hips, base of spine, pelvic area, knees, behind knees, calves, right hand and wrist. Went on holiday a fortnight ago despite the pain, and did more walking, and found I had problems getting in and out of the car.

Arrived home from holiday and had telephone appointment with the doctor, and she advised blood tests, which have all come back normal apart from a rise in my blood glucose levels. She's also prescribed some strong pain killers. But I do not feel well and this morning after attempting to clean my tiny kitchen and bathroom, which took about an hour, I felt totally exhausted and had to climb into bed.

Along with all the pain, my digestive system does not appear right. I'm experiencing pain in the area of the breast bone when food is travelling down. Could a faulty digestive system cause exhaustion?

Over the years I think I've been the supplement queen, and have taken borax for a long time but it hasn't stopped arthritis from developing. I've also taken a lot of turmeric and black pepper, and in light of all the recent pain have added MSM.

Anyone had similar experiences or can offer any advice?

REPLY   2      

Replied by Rob (Kentucky) on 06/10/2021

Hello Gracie –

From what you have stated, you are developing RA. The clues you stated, especially the clue about your stomach problems tells me that you may have a leaky gut or pathogen or both causing this problem. RA may lead to extreme fatigue and a lack of energy.

The causes for RA:

A world of evidence, not taught in medical school, that diet and lifestyle can manage, stall, and even reverse severe cases of RA.

-bacterial or fungal overgrowth

-leaky gut

-acidosis

-acid deficiency in stomach

-mucosal lining depletion

-enzyme deficiency

I did research and found a study showing that people with RA who went on a 10-day water fast had a dramatic decrease in symptoms.

Even mainstream institutions like Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine acknowledge that RA can be caused by an imbalance of intestinal microbes—a condition called intestinal dysbiosis—along with other factors, like genetics.

I believe intestinal dysbiosis is a key contributor to RA. It helps explain why so many people I know began experiencing their RA symptoms after years of taking antibiotics to treat conditions such as acne or chronic sinus infections. Antibiotics kill the unwanted bacteria, but they also kill the beneficial bacteria in your intestines. Kill too many good bacteria, and you have a microbial imbalance that can cause leaky gut.

Many people have tried my dietary and exercise program with great success. Others have tried it and notice a decrease in symptoms but still need their medications (though often fewer medications, or smaller doses). Every person is unique, and not everyone is able to eliminate their RA symptoms through diet and exercise alone. But one thing is for sure, no one has told me the strict plant-based diet makes their RA symptoms worse!

The pathogen’s that maybe causing this problem is Proteus mirabilis or Candida, Aspergillus, and Exserohilum species among others. Extensive evidence based on the results of various microbial, immunological and molecular studies from different parts of the world, shows that a strong link exists between Proteus mirabilis microbes and RA. We propose that sub-clinical Proteus urinary tract infections are the main triggering factors and that the presence of molecular mimicry and cross-reactivity between these bacteria and RA-targeted tissue antigens assists in the perpetuation of the disease process through production of cytopathic auto-antibodies. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2270745/

Fungal arthritis is inflammation of a joint by a fungus microorganism that has invaded the body and is growing in the normally sterile joint. Fungal infection of a joint is a serious condition that can lead to permanent damage to the joint with loss of function. Fungal arthritis is also referred to as mycotic arthritis. Fungal arthritis is usually caused by the fungus traveling through the bloodstream to reside in the joint. This manner of infection through the blood is referred to as hematogenous spread.

Things to try:

Externally: Rob’s Joint Rub Formula (Do NOT use this formula if you are allergic to peanuts)

1/3 peanut oil

1/3 castor oil

1/3 olive oil (sometimes I use garlic infused olive oil to increase infection fighting properties)

1/5 wintergreen oil (about 15-20% by volume) or Pure Gum Spirits of Turpentine (not the synthetic stuff sold at hardware stores)

This formula is from 1910 and still works great. Use this rubbing oil as a massage oil and rub into the affected area daily, the excess oil can be wiped off with a tissue before dressing. Edgar Cayce's readings included oil of peanut blended with olive and pine oil for treatment of arthritis.

Internally:

Garlic – The best anti-microbial ever. However, it can upset some individual’s stomach. You can take it raw in black seed oil, tincture, garlic tea, mixed with other foods, or in a gel capsule form (I like NOW Brand Products).

Oregano Oil Capsules – Your choice here.

Sauerkraut – With these remedies, you will need to add probiotics back to your digestive tract. Raw Sauerkraut is linked to gut health more than inflammation directly. A healthy gut, however, can aid in the reduction of inflammation because when a person’s digestive system is functioning properly, overall general health is improved. Sauerkraut also fights candida and bad bacterial growth in the digestive tract. According to Dr. Joseph Mercola just two ounces of the sauerkraut has more probiotics than an entire bottle of 100 probiotic capsules.

How to take: To get the gut benefits from sauerkraut, you should eat about a tablespoon of raw sauerkraut 3xdaily. This is easily done by adding a small portion to your plate at dinner time or straight from the jar. Doing so is known to aid in digestion and prevent constipation. Sauerkraut is low in calories and high in fiber. Sauerkraut will improve your digestions within a few days. Momma Truman says, (she was born in Germany) only sauerkraut in glass jars made German-style is the only one to buy.

Cinnamon – Cinnamon plays a dual role here. It tops my list at fighting pathogen causing leaky gut and cinnamon is one of the best herbal remedies for rheumatoid arthritis. It also contains cinnamic acid and cinnamaldehyde. These are potent antioxidants that fight against oxidative damage of the joints caused by free radicals.

You can sprinkle finely ground cinnamon on your dishes to add spice to your diet. Also, add cinnamon powder to your smoothies, lattes, and oatmeal to alleviate the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder every day is enough to cure the pain.

Note: Cinnamon in large doses can be detrimental to your health. In addition, cinnamon has been found to have potential harmful effects to pregnant women and may negatively react with your body’s natural blood clotting as well as interacts with any blood thinning medications you are taking.

Ginger Root – Great for the digestive tract. Elements in ginger have been found to reduce the action of T cells, which are those cells which are going around attacking your healthy cells. The overall result is a decrease in systemic inflammation. In Ayurvedic as well as naturopathy, ginger has been used for ages to treat inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Gingerol, a compound in ginger, has natural anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce pain, inflammation and swelling.

Turmeric - Turmeric fights seasonal allergies, combat inflammation and boost immunity. It is also a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, this is because of its anti-inflammatory properties. This incredible mixture not only kills bacteria and viruses, it also promotes natural immune defenses.

Fennel seed – Fennel has been used in traditional medicine for its pain-relieving effects. Benefits of Fennel seed have been proven by various research studies. It can help in reducing inflammation and pain which forms a major setback in arthritis patients’ lives. Fennel seed can relieve digestive problems too. It can help in rheumatoid arthritis by reducing the disrupted immune responses. Fennel seed is a natural antioxidant which can flush toxins out of the body.

I mix ½ tsp of cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, fennel seeds all together in a glass of milk with honey daily.

Hydrogen Peroxide of Arthritis – Dr. Walter Grotz, one of the pioneers in oral peroxide therapy, has a keen and inquisitive mind. Although he is an ex-bureaucrat himself (retired postmaster), he under-stands and dislikes bureaucracy like most of the rest of us. And Mr. Grotz understands something else that many don't understand. All of the bureaucracy and self-serving bureaucrats are not in the government. Take the American Cancer Society, for instance. Grotz took peroxide by mouth, and in 16 days his arthritis had improved dramatically. He called the American Cancer Society and asked their opinion of hydrogen peroxide therapy. The representative who answered the phone said it was quackery."You mean a therapy that costs a lot of money and doesn't do any good?" he asked. "Yes, " she replied, "that's the best explanation I have heard. It costs a lot of money and doesn't do any good."His treatment cost less than six dollars. (Note: I’ve seen people use 3% brown bottle h2o2 from the drug store and get the same results)

https://educate-yourself.org/cn/Hydrogen-Peroxide-Medical-Miracle-2003-Dr-William-Campbell-Douglass.pdf

REPLY   6      

Replied by Gracie (UK) on 06/12/2021

Hi Rob, thank you for taking the time to reply to my post, and for the helpful suggestions. Some of which I've tried before, others that I'll definitely take on board and see if there is any improvement.

I hope your statement that I could be developing rheumatoid arthritis is not true, but I readily concur that I could possibly have a microbial imbalance, and will take up your suggestion of including sauerkraut in my diet. Also, I've recently come across a kefir which I enjoy, and I also eat fermented cheeses and drink kombucha.

Sometime ago I did read of a person suffering from arthritis who had bacteria taken from a healthy person injected into their system and was helped by this.

By the way, I've taken very few antibiotics in a long life time.

Meanwhile, I will carry on with the MSM, sauerkraut, and strong pain killers. The overwhelming pain has recently lessened, so perhaps there is more relief to come.

Best wishes.

Replied by Goldengirl52 (USA) on 06/14/2021

I'd go one, step further and look up Dr. Bikman on Youtube. I believe, after looking at the studies and findings presented by Bikman, that Insulin Resistance is behind almost everything. I am a Type 2 Diabetic and am following the facts on IR because I don't want to just treat the symptoms, I want to battle the origin as best I can.

I do find your info good, otherwise, but like I said, I'd take it a "very important" step further. And of course, Dr. Bikman isn't the only one teaching this today, he's just my fave.


Replied by Charity (faithville, Us) on 06/11/2021

Hi Grace, Ginger is lovely and coconut water is amazing. Lemon or lime water. ( you put the lime in the coconut and mix em both together put the lime in the coconut and you feel better song) Sometimes it's the little things that break up the storms. Root food in soups. Carrots, Potato, Garlic, celery. When the gut goes haywire you can't make b vitamins and sometimes you take b vitamins but the gut is so off that it won't absorb them. Nutritional yeast is high in b vitamins. A good oil or fat will get the liver absorbing fat soluble vitamins. A knee surgery is very stressful, my neighbor had one in her mid fifties. You could also be having rejection as your body attacks it. Oscillococcinum in the flu aisle stops pain in its tracks. Blue emu cream in pain isle by aspirin works wonders on joint pain, but topical castor oil at bedtime on hands and cover with bags or gloves to keep it on and not spread it around. Messy stuff works miracles.

Dental implants can also cause rejection issues. Any non natural thing can attract fungal and bacteria issues and the body may fight them and that will feel like flu. RX Charcoal is a very good book. Coconut cures is a very good book, water cures is a very good book. I do love to learn as I read how to solve my questions with solutions. Hope you find yours. Blessings, Charity

REPLY   4      

Replied by Michael (New Zealand) on 06/13/2021

Hello Gracie of UK,

I have posted to you before and am sorry to learn that you are still suffering pain.

You are doing the right things re MSM, and Sauerkraut (or other fermented foods) so long as you keep them up over the long term. Don't take too much MSM too soon though or you might have a bad reaction.The gut bio flora and fauna need a helping hand these days. More on this later.

There are so many suggestions for Arthritis sufferers out there that we are spoilt for choice! However, millions still get no or very little relief! Many of us have probably slipped into bad habits over the years and I for one, am probably too acidic and dehydrated, what with drinking too much coffee and tea and eating too much bread.

I have changed back from brown to white and seem to be better. Strange!

Try Ted's Alkaline treatment (on this Site).

We have a chappie over here in this neck of the woods called Malcolm Harker who pioneered M.H.Herbals. You could check him out through his web site and he was railing on about the excessive Glutin in our diets these days even before it became fashionable to do so! Herbs might help you?

At present I am taking, on a regular basis, the following items, some of which are included in a joint pill: Chondroitin, Glucosamine, Copper, Manganese, Selenium, Zinc, Boron, Vitamin C, Hemp/Flax Oil, MSM and Magnesium Citrate (or Magnesium Chloride liquid) plus other vitamins etc. Also, for the last month I have been following the Golden Sultanas in Gin protocol. Here, you need to make sure they are indeed golden and that the gin is London gin with proper Juniper berries included (recipe again on this Site).

You may have heard of the UK Doctor who promotes the 5/7 (or 2/7??) Diet for weight loss? I found that it stabilized my weight but didn't reduce it!! However, I am now doing that type of fasting almost every day by foregoing the Most Important Meal of the Day and basically only eating within an eight hour period. Radical, I know but I find it is doable so long as I do not think of food or go anywhere the fridge!

The idea is that apart from losing weight, it gives the system a chance to re-set itself and cope with certain digestive issues that are harming us (basically, in a nut shell).

Possibly we were not designed to eat so much and so often as we do in the Lucky Countries?

Lastly, try this one early in your day: Mix half a tsp of Ceylon/Sri Lankan Cinnamon, Ginger, Turmeric & Fennel seeds all together in a glass of milk with Manuka honey and take daily. I heat up the milk a bit but don't boil it. There are similar recipes out there too.

Cheers from Down Under and hope to hear from you again soon.

Replied by Goldengirl52 (USA) on 06/14/2021

Someone that is pre-diabetic, imo, should not be eating too many carbs, especially not sugars. Honey, one, single teaspoon, spiked my blood sugar into the danger zone.

I believe sugar is an addiction, and I've found freedom in no longer craving it along with all the grains, and many other carbs I didn't even know were ALL turning to sugar in my body.

Replied by Gracie (UK) on 06/14/2021

Hello Michael from Down Under!

How lovely to hear from you! Over the years you have given me, and I'm sure many others, lots of smiles with your humorous yet wise contributions. But you do not appear to have done much posting recently, if so I have missed your comments.

Fingers crossed, there has been a slight easing of the pain this morning, so hopefully, this will continue.

Your warning about not taking too much MSM to begin with came too late, as I started with high dosages but I don't appear adversely affected by this.

This morning I tried the fennel, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, in warm milk, and loved it. I shall make it a daily practice over the coming weeks.

Yes, I'm very familiar with Michael Mosely and the 5-2 diet, and it does work. A friend of mine did it and lost a lot of weight. She thought she looked good but I thought she looked better with a bit of weight on! And I fully agree with Michael's concept that we should have periods of fasting to give our digestive systems and bodies a chance to recover from the food we tend to shovel in.

Rob, who also replied to my post, recommended that I attempt to make my gut biome healthier, and this is what I'm currently trying to do. I hated the 'cabbage/vinegary' taste of the sauerkraut to begin with but now find I love it piled on top of a multi grain Ryvita spread with butter and blue cheese. Does that sound a bit decadent?

I've yet to investigate the webpage of Malcom Harper, but will do so.

Best wishes to you, and in the meantime if you discover a new supplement that will make me pain free please contact me immediately!

Take care!


Replied by Goldengirl52 (USA) on 06/14/2021

hello Gracie,

I am 68, and after I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, which I was never told I was prediabetic, I hit the ground running. I was so scared I started searching everything I could, natural (nutrition and exercise). Walking is my fave exercise but that wasn't the main thing I needed to do, I decided. I dropped my carbs and basically follow the Ketogenic diet. That was in late January 2021. I also had Acid Reflux, arthritic pain in hands and other parts of my body.

I believe dropping sugar and all foods with high, carb content like breads, cereals, grains have got me where I am just these few, months later. I've lost 15 lbs as a side-benefit, no Acid Reflux (or LPR, another digestive issue) and rarely have any arthritic type pain, or neuralgia type. I also believe that changing my diet gave me pretty, bad withdrawals from sugars/carbs. Those were just real tired (lethargy) chills a few others that worried me I had Covid but I did not. It was just my body adapting to healthier way of eating.

I am able to eat some carbs but have to watch what spikes my blood sugar. I don't know if this is for you, but it worked for me. All in all, I feel so much better and I still stick to it all because I see such improvement in overall health. Glad to help if anyone wants to know more.

REPLY   1      

Replied by Michael (New Zealand) on 06/14/2021

Hello again Gracie of the UK,

A new supplement to make us pain free is called Tramadol!! That can be taken if the pain gets too much and is making life truly miserable. Could get many hours of relief!

However........

Also, it is Malcolm K. HARKER (spelling! ) herbalist of New Zealand. Not sure if you can get his products over there but the information on the bottle is fascinating, as it includes more herbs and spices than the Kentucky Fried Colonel could poke a stick at e.g. kumarahou (bet you didn't know that one?) rhubarb root, chondrus crispus, elecampane to name just a few: a spelling nightmare! I'm just showing off! Dozens of ingredients packed in one bottle though! Don't know how he manages to squeeze them all through that small hole in the top!

Malcolm has impressed me over many years and he even wrote a book on herbalism, which I could also recommend for your education and enlightenment!

Anyway, it is lovely to hear from you and it sounds as if you have a very positive attitude in spite of your obvious pain and suffering. I try to adopt the philosophy that there must be something out there that will (one day in the future) fix me up. It reminds me of a Kiwi tongue in cheek saying: "Your beer will be quite safe in my fridge mate". "Yeah, right".

He is someone who has done the hard yard as we say over here- become really ill/sick and embarked on a herbalist's journey of discovery and built up his Empire. Must have helped many peoples over the years he has been active.

Wishing all the best from Down Under

Michael


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