Introduction
In recent decades this has become a far more common complaint and long-term drug treatment can be associated with some undesirable side effects. Interestingly, its features are absent in skeletons dating from before the 17th century, suggesting that this is a relatively modern disorder, and one can look towards modern lifestyle and dietary habits as contributing factors.

The great early twentieth century food reformer, Dr Bircher-Benner, identified both rheumatoid and osteo-arthritis with accumulation in the body of acidic residues from high and inappropriate protein metabolism, and demonstrated the curative effect of protein reduction. Dr Hare confirmed this at the Royal Free Hospital in 1937 (Proc. Roy. Soc. Medicine), but only in the American medical literature has this approach received regular attention more recently. Modern problems of chemical food additives and pollution appear to complicate the picture, but not to alter it fundamentally.

Before you start
The gut’s ability to absorb nutrients, whether it is from food or from the food state supplements, will be significantly improved if the body has first been cleansed of harmful toxins, and the intestinal tract replenished with healthy flora.

It is of particular benefit in today’s environment with our increased exposure to harmful toxins from so many sources. It is our recommendation to pre-empt any dietary/nutritional program with a cleanse, and to repeat it twice per year.

To this extent we recommend that before you start on your required formula you undertake our Detox Formula which involves 3 products that provide a very effective cleanse program that will enhance your health and wellbeing.

Click here to view the Detox Formula

Rheumatoid Arthritis Supplements - food state only

The following supplements are known to be helpful:

	RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS Formula - SAVE 10% when you buy the complete set of formulas. This includes 1 of each product listed below. You save a total of £7.60 VAT Free Price: £68.39
	Zinc & Copper are both known to help alleviate the joint swelling and morning stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis sufferers are usually deficient in zinc. VAT Free Price: £9.50
	Essential Fatty Acid Complex is known to alleviate inflammation and possess anti-inflammatory properties. VAT Free Price: £9.50
	Magnesium alleviates the Inflammation associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis (via its ability to facilitate the production of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD). VAT Free Price: £10.50
	Bromelain helps to reduce the undesirable complexes associated with rheumatoid arthritis, and also acts as an anti-inflammatory. VAT Free Price: £8.50
	Glucosamine (HCL) helps to reduce the inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis. VAT Free Price: £9.50
	Anti-Oxidant with Co-enzyme Q10 is known to inhibit many factors associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Co-enzyme Q10 enhances the musculoskeletal system. VAT Free Price: £17.99
	Multi-Vitamin & Mineral is a broad spectrum of vitamins, minerals and other beneficial nutritional factors formulated to help support the body under stress when experiencing a busy or hectic lifestyle. VAT Free Price: £10.50

Table of Beneficial Nutritional Supplements

This information is offered as an introduction to supplements, herbs, foods and substances that are known to help with rheumatoid arthritis. This information is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and it is suggested that sound advice is taken by an appropriately qualified practitioner.

	Formula	Daily Intake	Initial Period	Ongoing Intake	Ongoing
Vitamins	Multivitamin-Mineral	1 daily	2 weeks	1 daily	1 daily
	Anti-Oxidant with Co-Q10	1 twice daily	4 weeks	1-2 daily for 3 months	1 daily
Minerals	Magnesium	1 twice daily	4 weeks	1-2 daily for 3 months	1 daily
	Zinc & Copper	1 twice daily	4 weeks	1-2 daily for 3 months	1 daily
Fats	Essential Fatty Acid Complex	1 twice daily	2 weeks	1 daily	1 daily
Additional	Glocosamine (HCL)	1 twice daily	1 twice daily	1 twice daily	1 twice daily
	Bromelain	1 am & pm daily away from food	10 days	1 mid-morning away from food

Dietary Recommendations

Positive Foods

Cereal grains oats
Vegetables celery (including leaves), garlic (in moderation), lettuce, turnips, green leaf cabbage, broccoli, fennel
Fruits freshly squeezed & diluted lemon juice, ripe pineapple (including stem), grapes (including pips), pears, apples, raisins, dates
Legumes alfalfa,
Teas, Herbs & Spices ginger, green tea, sarsaparilla, turmeric, feverfew, milk thistle
Nuts & Seeds celery seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds (no more than 12 a day)
Fungi Reishi & Karawatake mushrooms
Fish oily fish (except mackerel), deep-sea white fish (not grilled or fried)
Dairy three to four modest portions of organic live yoghurt per week

Negative Foods

Refined carbohydrates, hydrogenated fats, battery chicken & hens’ eggs, white sugar (sucrose), excess garlic, artificial sweeteners, sulphates (preservative), tartrazine

Avoid salt, coffee, tea, cocoa, cola and alcohol

Reduce intake of proteins from red meat, especially liver; also dairy products (especially cheese).

Prawns

Cigarette tobacco

Additional Help & Support
Homeopathy is very valuable, and an appropriately experienced herbal practitioner is worth consulting. A naturopath could give helpful guidance with a suitable process of dietary cleansing. Massage has also been found to be most helpful.

Scientific evidence supports supplementation with a range of minerals and vitamins, though in some cases confirmation is required. Thyroid function should be fully efficient or the prospects for improvement will be weakened.
Additional Comment
It is important that attention is paid to the balance between acid-forming and alkali-forming foods. The optimum balance is around 60% alkali-forming to acid-forming. See Acid Forming and Alkali Forming guidelines.

Replace red meats with fish, chicken and vegetable proteins from beans and pulses.

Replace cow’s milk with goat’s milk if desired, or with another ’milk replacement drink’.

High levels of stress can be a contributing factor to rheumatoid arthritis.