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Rheumatoid ArthritisWhat you need to know:This is a painful and distressing condition for anyone of any age, but when it attacks the young, it’s tragic. Not that most of them think that - they’re often very determined, courageous young people intent on not letting their illness rule their lives.While there are no alternative treatments that replace the need for conventional medicine or, where it’s required, surgery, there are many ways in which herbs, supplements and therapies can help reduce pain and discomfort and improve the young person’s quality of life. Dietary changes that may be beneficial:One of your first steps after diagnosis should be to look at their diet. Although most conventional doctors don’t put much store by this, world-wide studies have shown that in populations who eat much more basic foods than our ‘civilised’ Western diet, there’s little or no evidence of rheumatoid arthritis.The naturopathic approach is to become a healthy demi-vegetarian - so they don’t eat meat, but do have fish - avoid high levels of saturated animal fats (found not only in meat, but in dairy products, too) and eat foods rich in protective anti-oxidants, including lots of fruits and vegetables, and have a consistent intake of gamma-linolenic acid and other sources of omega-3 and 6 fatty acids - nuts, seeds and oily fish. Some studies have shown that avoiding dairy products can also be helpful - particularly in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. But it is essential to get expert advice from a registered naturopath on how to replace the calcium and easily- absorbed calories which young people will be missing if they cut out this important food group altogether. They should also be eating more Ginger, pineapples and fish or vegetable curries flavoured with turmeric - they all have an anti-inflammatory action. There are natural remedies you could try in the meantime, however. The most useful Herbs:
The most useful Supplements:
Other useful advice:As well as dietary advice, a naturopath may be able to soothe and increase the mobility of painful joints with hot and cold-water treatments and mud, wax and seawater therapies. Massage and Aromatherapy combined with very gentle osteopathic or chiropractic manipulation can also be helpful in reducing pain and making the joints more mobile. |
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