Hi All,

I was hearing today about a masseur who claims RA could be helped with diet, No Red Meat, lots of Ginger added to food, lots of Fresh Fish, White Coloured Meat, Lots of activity, and lots of Water. Also cut out Salt, Pepper, and Sugar, use herbs and spices instead for flavour. He said this has made a significant difference to people suffering from RA.

He said Lots of Activity eg: A treadmill, or any exercise which you are able to do where you exert yourself and drink lots of water which helps clean the blood of toxins. Lets be honest anything is worth a try when pain is really bad. I remember my Rheumatologist saying she was very pleased I had cut out Red Meat when I was bad, it definitely makes such a difference to my blood results, I do not eat it at all now. Lynn I know yours said it was good for you, I take it they mean for the iron levels in it, but it will affect your inflammation markers causing more pain. There are other methods to increase your iron levels.

RED MEAT has always carried a form of inflammation through our bloods, worse still when you have RA or such like. I do not suffer much with pain now, but what about those who do, trying this to see if it does make a difference to them. You never know it might just work. Exercise was one of the key issues in the new Nras magazine, it produces endorphins which in turn makes you feel bright and happy.

I take note of everything I hear related to RA and I do feel for so many suffering on here with pain, it grinds you down and can cause depression. I know I too have been there and it is so difficult to look forward when you feel so miserable inside.

Has anyone heard of Cupping..... It's a form of getting rid of toxins in the body, I have also heard this can make you feel amazing.

Hope this is a help to everyone
Lorna xx

Hi Doreen,

Your right what works for one does not always work for another. Its clearly seen on my bloods, there was a big jump in inflammation pointed out by my Rhummy.

You were right to comment about the drugs as they were NO WAY ever to be omitted.

I listen to all advice given and take on board what I feel may help, but I would NEVER not take my medication no matter what I was told.

Lorna x

Hi Lorna

Yes, mention of the necessity for some lean red meat in the diet is important to maintain protein and iron reserves. RA and the drugs we take can be responsible for low levels of iron and therefore haemoglobin deficiency resulting in anaemia. I have tried cutting out red meat and like Doreen it makes not a scrap of difference to inflammation levels. However for those who very regularly eat 'fatty' red meat then I agree it may make a small difference in some (fatty meats can raise cholestrol levels and lead to various heart problems).

All these various anecdotal ideas have been tried and tested for years (at least 22 that I know off!!) but at the end of the day a chronic disabling immune disorder requires intensive long term drug therapy. RA has been described as a cancer of the immune system (can't remember by whom ... think it was some eminent professor!). Inflammation is an effect of that disorder, like pain; remove the signals and we will lose the warning signs of the distress we are causing our joints.

I've heard of 'cupping'; it's an ancient chinese remedy for removing toxins. Anyone who fancies creating vacuums all over their body is welcome to try, count me out it sounds very dodgy !!! Just drink plenty of water ... it will have the same effect!

Lyn x

Hi Sara,

You sound as though you are doing well, albeit you've overdone it. Ginger added to meals boosts your immune system, add it just before you serve to get the best or use grated root ginger. I agree you can get all the iron necessary from a healthy diet, I also take a multi vitamin and iron each day. You're exercise regime sounds good, I am good at exercise when I can get started. I find at this time of year it's hard to get motivated.

You sound like you are doing enough with your dance classes adding the yoga on too, stretching muscles you have not previously used is more than likely why you are sore. Learning to pace yourself is the key to feeling good, it's hard especially if it is something you are enjoying. Last weekend I re did my conservatory prepared and painted 2 coats all round then my husband and I rubbed down and re varnished the skirting boards 2 coats. I had my carpet laid and sofa delivered over the next 2 days, then I washed and polished all the windows. Was I exhausted........ Yes for the rest of the week. We all do this from time to time, it's part of the downfalls. I would be interested to see your dance warm up and give it a go.

Take care Lorna

now once i paid some health person £70 to tell me this silly diet works
and i would concrol my r.a
And i would have to keep visting him for sesons to help
And i would need to keep to this diet .i did this for a few weeks the diet was a nusance as then i was still at work and had to pack up food and drinks .And cook normal food for rest of famly
AND YOU KNOW WHAT
IT DID NOT WORK WHAT A WASTE OF MONEY .

THE DIET
no nightshades
no dariy
no sugar
no citus
no red meat
no tomatoe
This is supposed to keep the acid away from joints it does not .

But having said this my friend who has one of the 200 types of Athritis she keeps to a simlia diet and it works she comes off when she is away or out
and then if she is off it longer then a week she starts pain .But for an atuo imumme arthis it does not work

Chris