what do you do about rheumatoid arthritis?

[Kathy b]

what do you do about rheumatoid arthritis?

[lizy]

Avoid eating beans and rub some Camphor menthol liniment on the affected area.

[Bonita S]

I was diagnosed with RA in 2002 after having symptoms for almost a year. The first specialist I saw prescribed the normal protocol - methotrexate, vioxx, etc. Not only was I in pain but my hair began to fall out. I then began to see another research based specialist who prescribed a very intense cocktail of drugs. I was taking 15-20 pills a day. I did go into "remisson" however I was constantly in the lab having blood drawn to make sure the meds I was taking didn't damage my liver. It was then I began to approach my RA from a natural/nutritional standpoint. I eliminated white pototoes, nightshade vegetables (green pepper family), sugar, etc. from my life. I did find some relief but would still have flareups. This summer I was contemplating visiting the complementary doctor here in town. I was on vacation in Florida and my aunt and uncle introduced us to MonaVie - a acai berry blended nutritional beverage. I was skeptical but thought I would give it a try as my uncle was having success with it and his arthritis. Within a week the pain and swelling in my feet had significantly decreased. I have been drinking it ever since. Every morning I would have to get up and take Naprosyn because my joints would hurt so bad. I no longer have to since drinking MonaVie. I'm not saying that is has "cured"me. What I am saying is that have had signifcant relief from symptoms. RA is an auto immune disease which attacks the joints. MonaVie is a high in antioxidants which help repair cell damage. If you ever want to discuss further please check my profile for contact info.

[happyjack]

It's bad. My brother has it. Try glucosamine sulfate, MSM fish oil, high potency multivitamin( Nature's Way Alive!~ is great), bromelain,sam e, vitc, vit e, evening primrose oil, ginger, boswellia, devil's claw, white willow. Get supplements at vitacost.com. Good prices and one price shipping.

[AndreaM]

I've found that RA (and other autoimmune disorders) often have a food allergy component to them and wheat (as well as the nightshade foods already mentioned) contribute a lot to pain. The research seems to indicate that these foods lead to leaking of the gut, so doing a GI cleanse/healing program would also be good.I personally have sub-clinical lupus and manage it entirely with diet and exercise. If I find I'm starting to flare up, I go wheat and dairy free for a month. That usually stops it in it's tracks (although I've never gotten to full "disease" status, thank goodness).Have you considered stretching as a source of relief? If the RA keeps you from being active, your muscles will get tight and pull more on the joints. Stretching helps relieve that pressure. www.GetArthritisReliefNow.com has a nice example of stretches.Good luck. I've also heard good things about MonAvie and Himalayan Goji juice.