Help for Rheumatism & Arthritis (simple tips)
Millions of people across England are affected by rheumatism, the most common form being arthritis, which causes inflamed painful and stiff joints. Osteoarthritis is a wear-and-tear condition, while rheumatic arthritis (which commonly affects younger people) is an autoimmune disease.
Osteoporosis directly impacts bone density, making them fragile and more prone to fractures (mostly affecting older women – regular exercise and plant-based calcium are good preventive measures).
Swollen joints and fever could be an infection (call 999).
Stay Fit and Active
Excess weight puts stress on joints, especially knees and hips. You don’t have to run marathons, just take gentle exercise like walking, swimming or yoga. These activities can also boost joint flexibility and muscle strength, without causing stress. Read our post on gentle exercise options for seniors.
See a Physiotherapist or Osteopath
Both are available on the NHS. They can can teach useful exercises. Also ask for an occupational therapist to recommend aids to fit at home.
Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol
Both can reduce bone mass, and increase fracture risk. Smoking inhibits blood flow to bones, while alcohol affects calcium absorption. By cutting down or quitting, you can significantly benefit bone health.
Read our posts on giving up smoking and help for alcohol addiction.
Get a Bone Density Test
This is simple and painless. It measures your bone mineral density, helping to predict fracture risk. Knowing your results allows you and your doctor to tailor a plan, to protect your bones effectively.
Use a Gentle Head Pad on Affected Areas
These linen & flaxseed therapy packs are made from linen and filled with organic flax. Sold in a pack of 2. Warm one in the microwave for 30 seconds, and store the other in the freezer, to use as a cold pack for injuries, headaches or insect bites.
Use clothing in between pad and yourself, to avoid burns. Choose the unscented version for pregnancy/nursing or near babies/pets. Keep away from young children and pets.
Heat packs help to dilate blood vessels, which increase oxygen flow to muscles, as a ‘warm hug’ over aching joints or tummies (these are also good for menstrual pain).
You can also use this as a neck warmer or safer alternative to a hot water bottle. If you don’t have a heat pad, use a towel soaked in warm water.
Vegan Shoes (designed by physiotherapists)
Ahinsa Shoes are made in Europe, designed to last millions of steps. These are designed to help you walk with enough space for natural movement of the feet, so are good for people with painful legs or feet, and also less likely to cause blisters or callouses.
The founder is a physiotherapist who found that after helping people to walk better, they would then their feet into uncomfortable shoes to undo all the good work.
The Comfort line provides feet with enough space for natural movement, while the special foam and layer of Technogel inside softens your every step.
Eat Anti-Inflammatory Foods
The Vegan 8 is a cookbook written by a woman who helped heal her husband’s gout, when doctors couldn’t (all recipes are gluten-free, and use natural fats over oil). Although these recipes are oil-free, they are not fat-free (we need some fats, but these are natural, not from refined oils).
Before cooking, read up on food safety for people & pets.
Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine conducted a 4-week with 1000 arthritis patients and found most were pain-free after eliminating foods below:
- Red meat, dairy and eggs
- Wheat & nuts
- Nightshade plants (tomato, aubergine, peppers, potato)
- Chocolate & citrus fruits
- Onion & corn
- Apples & bananas
Also ensure you are getting enough calcium (non-dairy sources are plant milks, beans, legumes, nuts, seeds and leafy greens like broccoli and kale (check medication for interactions, due to vitamin K). And vitamin D (to absorb calcium).
Do Supplements Help Rheumatism & Arthritis?
Sometimes they may help, but always start with what you eat first. For osteoarthritis and gout, it’s best to avoid red meat, dairy, gluten and alcohol.
And take plant-based omega 3 fatty acids (to avoid mercury and contributing to over-fishing, which also by-catches whales, sharks, sea turtles, dolphins and seals).
Before taking supplements, check with GP if pregnant/nursing or if taking other supplements or medications. Keep away from children and pets.
Dr Vegan bone/muscle supplement is sold in a metal tin for the first order, with compostable pouch refills. It contains calcium and magnesium, plant-based vitamin D3 and vitamin K2 (to transport calcium to bones).
Consider a Vitamin D supplement (use code ENGNF15 for 15% off first purchase), especially in the winter months.
Dr Vegan Curcumin Turmeric Supplement uses high-strength turmeric root extract, standardised to 95% curcuminoids. This concentrates the beneficial compounds in a way that raw spice cannot match.
How to Help Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis
The Paddison Program is recommended by Dr Gemma Newman. It offers evidence-based guidelines for diet, exercise, drugs, supplements and stress to provide fast relief (the program costs around £100).
Dr Michael Klaper says that when he sees patients with rheumatoid arthritis, he just ‘puts them on this program’. Dr Renae Thomas writes ‘if you have joint pain, the Paddison Program is probably going to work’. Some patients have reclaimed full body use, after being hospitalised.
The program was founded by an Aussie comedian who within 2 years of diagnosis, could hardly walk as inflammation spread to over 20 joints.
After conventional treatments failed, he healed himself with a unique combo of plant-based foods and exercises, and has helped hundreds of thousands of other patients worldwide.
Switch Donations to Humane Research
Most of the big arthritis charities receive millions of pounds, and use a lot of that to carry out unkind tests on innocent animals.
Instead, switch donations to humane research charities which fund boffins at universities doing wonderful work without animals, yet receive fewer funds and no government help. And more chance of a cure.
