Rheumatism / Rheumatoid Arthritis
What Is It?
Rheumatism is a term which describes any pain or inflammation in or around the bones, muscles or joints. It is not a term that is commonly used by modern day medical professionals.
There are many diseases classified under rheumatic disorders such as lupus, ankylosing spondylitis and osteoarthritis, to name a few. We have focused on rheumatism/rheumatoid arthritis, which specifically means inflammation of the joints. This is a chronic, disabling auto-immune disease which usually affect joints in the hands and feet first. www.medicalnewstoday.com
Cause and Effect
Although not proven, it is generally thought that several genetic factors play a part, so if your parents or a sibling have rheumatism/rheumatoid arthritis you may be at a higher risk of developing it, however it is not inevitable. Smoking also increases the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.
According to Dr Norman Walker, rheumatism can result from consuming meat and meat products. He states that the body cannot properly digest these products and eating too much of them causes the absorption of uric acid, resulting in rheumatism. A Norwegian study has shown that switching to a vegetarian diet can help to reduce inflammation.
Juice Pharmacy Recommendations
What to Avoid
Processed foods, caffeine, alcohol, carbonated drinks, refined sugar, refined fats, dairy products, meat and meat products.
Rhubarb - It is worth noting that rhubarb juice can cause problems as it contains a very high concentration of oxalic acid and when cooked is connected into an inorganic chemical which deposits large amounts of oxalic crystals in the body. (Dr N. W. Walker)
What to Include
Clinical studies have shown that rheumatism sufferers may be deficient in copper, pantothenic acid, boron, manganese, selenium, sulfur, zinc, phenylalanine, quercetin, tryptophan and essential fatty acids (EFAs).
A blend of blackberry, cherry and cabbage or spring greens and watermelon juice is particularly effective against painful joints caused by uric acid waste deposits, crystallised in the joints.
Alkalines - A diet which is very high in alkaline fruits and vegetables can have a positive effect on rheumatoid arthritis. Fruits and vegetables which are rich in vitamin C, beta-carotene, copper and calcium are also helpful in the treatment of rheumatism.
Anti-inflammatories - Any fruits and vegetables which are anti-inflammatory will help to relieve pain and swelling. Juice ingredients in this category include courgette and fresh garden mint. Dandelion and watercress juice is also a recommended combination.
Bananas - Bromelain, a digestive enzyme that you can obtain from bananas, can be effective in reducing inflammation.
Chamomile tea - This soothing drink can have a calming, anti-inflammatory effect.
Herbs - Clinical studies have shown that the following supplements have been found to be beneficial: capsaicin, the active component of cayenne pepper, curcuma longa, the active component of turmeric, devil’s claw (a native African herb), ginger and stinging nettles.
Omega 3 - Adding omega 3 fatty acids to your diet can be beneficial, with salmon and tuna providing excellent sources.
Vitamin D - Dr Veronica Vieira of the Boston University School of Public Health led a study which discovered that people who live in the northern hemisphere and see less sunshine are more likely to suffer a vitamin D deficiency, which can lead to rheumatoid arthritis. Use sunscreen and grab 10-15 minutes of sunshine for a natural vitamin D boost.
Water - Rheumatoid pain can be a signal that the body is dehydrated so stay hydrated!
The Juice Recipes
Shot: The Cabbage Shot
1 Apple
¼ Small Red Cabbage
Juice and down in one.
Juice: Arthritic Elixir - taken from The Funky Fresh Juice Book
¼ Pineapple
1 Large Handful Cherries
2 Celery Stalks
½ Medium Grapefruit
Pack the cherries (pits removed) tightly into the chute of the juicer followed by the grapefruit (peeled, but with as much white pith left on as possible) and celery. Juice the lot, pour over ice and enjoy.
Blend: Anti-Inflammatory Green Blend - taken from Jason Vale's Super Juice Me! 28-Day Juice Plan
¼ Medium Pineapple (peeled)
1 Pear (any hard variety)
1 Lime (peeled)
3cm Ginger
¼ Medium Cucumber
½ Celery Stick
1 Cauliflower Floret (roughly the size of a lime)
½ Medium Avocado (ripe)
3 Ice Cubes
Juice the pineapple, pear, lime, ginger, cucumber, celery and cauliflower. Add the avocado flesh and ice to a blender/booster, pour in the extracted juice and blend until smooth.
Disclaimer
Please note, it is impossible to give a definitive list as what supports one person can be a trigger food or allergen for another. You must stay your own juice detective at all times and listen to how your own body responds to certain foods and always consult with your healthcare provider when making changes to your diet which may affect your medication. Please be aware that we are not doctors, so it is important to consult with your GP or medical practitioner BEFORE making any changes to your diet. The suggestions above are not meant as an alternative to any current medical treatment so please DO NOT stop taking any medications you are on. They are also not an endorsement of their effectiveness, or a recommendation that they should be followed but instead, are provided for informational purposes. None of the information on the Natural Juice Therapy site is intended or implied to treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease.