I have NOT tried eliminating gluten, but I have been practicing a VERY STRICT diet that eliminates other types of food for 2 months. I can't say for certain that my improved condition is a result, but I suspect it is.

I was very debilitated from RA in multiple areas, primarily hands, feet, neck and back. I was taking methotrexate injections, an antiflammatory and tramadol after several other treatments failed to work and made me very sick. Two weeks ago I stopped the Methotrexate because of a respiratory infection.

Today, I am still in chronic pain with some functional limitations, but I am 50% better and I am able to do many things I thought we beyond my capabilities. The fatigue and flu-like symptoms I endured almost every day are almost 100% absent.  I give credit to the diet plan outlined in the book Strong Women and Men Beat Arthritis . I also have eliminated all nightshade foods, all artificial sweeteners and take 3000 mgs of fish oil a day.

This means no Tomatoes, peppers, potatoes and many many other popular foods. I eat nothing made with anything other than canloa, soybean, flax or olive oil. My only regular meat if fish, and I eat veggies and fruit rich in beta-carotene (pumpkin, sweet potatoes) and Omega-3 as well as vitamin E and very high fiber content. WATER CONSUMPTION is KEY!

A month ago I could not have typed this email. Today, it hurts, but I can do it after spending an hour painting and screwing 6 screws into a new arm railing for my stairs!

One caution: I think diet and exercise works only when you are motivated to follow the diet 100% I've heard that as  little as one teaspoon of a "forbidden" substance can negate all past efforts at diet therapy. I was in terrible shape before I started this plan (with NO CHEATING). Today, I have a great deal of my life back. I know there are still rough waters ahead, but for now I thank God for the relief and energy I have. 

Melinda Winner

8/ 6/09 1:32pm

I have to agree, When I stick to a strick diet, I fell so much better. My problem is I tend to chaet with sweets at parties. Wiht five grandkids and three kids I am baking a few times a week. I had not eaten sweets in many years and then wrote a few cokbooks, that did it . I had to taste and re-taste. Unfortunately I acquired a sweet tooth hence baking for my kids and grand kids.  Thank you so much for sharing your words are encouraging !

RA Ninja

8/ 6/09 1:56pm

Glad my response helped you some.

 

I live in Buffalo were Pizza and Wings are as common as, well, air!

 

Can't eat either of those delicious treats anymore, so I get your dilemma.

 

But, I try remember NO FOOD is worth even a minute of RA pain, fatigue and general suffering.

 

I wish you the Best of Luck with your continued efforts!!

Melinda Winner

8/ 6/09 2:18pm

You are funny ! Again thank you .