The most common form of rheumatism is arthritis, which affects millions of people, causes inflamed, pain 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 walking, cycling, swimming or yoga. These activities can also boost joint flexibility and muscle strength, without causing stress.
See a Physiotherapist or Osteopath
Both are available on the NHS. They can can teach useful exercises, and 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 these habits, you can significantly benefit bone health.
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 (warm 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 unscented version for pregnancy/nursing, affected medical conditions or near pets (keep away from young children & 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 something a little bit different. Designed to last millions of steps, these shoes for men and women are designed by physiotherapists, to follow the natural shape of your foot. 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. These shoes will fit you the first time you try them on, and you can say goodbye to blisters and callouses.
Eat the Right 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).
Before cooking, read up on food safety for people & pets (many human foods are unsafe around animal friends).
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. Keeo 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.
Kurk is a liquid supplement based on curcumin (turmeric only contains a tiny amount). Founded by two cancer survivors (a medical doctor and martial arts teacher), add to plant milk, a smoothie or hot drink (most users have less pain in weeks). Endorsed by athletes and physiotherapists.
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 Parkinson’s 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.
