Can you diet away Arthritis Pain?

A recent article in Bottom-Line Tomorrow by James Scala, PhD June 97 volume 5 number 6, , says that "If you have arthritis and think drugs are your only hope, think again. When scrupulously followed, a surprisingly simple diet plan has reduced arthritis symptoms for people all over the world. At least 15 major clinical studies have shown that this dietary approach works effectively."

In his article Scala states that it is possible to be able to throw away or reduce the use of non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, (common arthritis medications). He says that this is a particularly positive course of action considering the potential side effects from most of the arthritic drugs on the market today, & since their long term use can have disastrous results.

He said that, "if you go on this diet, your arthritis discomfort should begin to abate within a couple of weeks. Important: It will be three months before the diet has its full impact."

Scala states that it is the balance between hormone-like substances that your body cells make. Those are called prostaglandin. He says you must increase the omega-3 fatty acids found almost entirely in the oils of fish and sea animals. This decreases the harmful prostaglandin. Avoid fried and battered fish. Order baked, poached, or broiled. He said that the good hormone (EPA) known as eicosapentaenoic acid is what we need to increase and the only way to do that is to eat more like a vegetarian but include fish in the diet. We suggests that we eat no more than a red meat meal per month, and then only lean venison or lean beefs. And stay away from frozen cooked fish. They counter the positive results of the fish.

He says that not only does it help to eliminate the arthritic pain, but "it also inhibits the production of arterial plaque that leads to heart disease and stroke."

He states that Excellent sources of omega-3 oils are... Fish, especially Excellent: Salmon, herring, mackerel. Good: Bluefish, smelt, tuna, whitefish. Fish Oil Supplements and  Flaxseed oil...sold at health food stores, says that "it is a powerhouse oil which your body converts to EPA, is tasteless, golden yellow and easily added to foods such as hot or cold cereal, salad dressing, tuna salad or juice. One tablespoon or three capsules of flaxseed oil is equivalent to a one-gram EPA capsule."

Scala says that the goal should be to take at least 3 grams of EPA every day. Five is better.

He mentioned that chicken should have the skin removed and is ok occasionally. Rabbit and venison are OK but avoid all other meats. Cut back on milk and eggs except for skim milk and egg whites. He urges using tofu as a protein substitute on occasion.

Also he cautions that the night shade plants like tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant and red and green peppers can cause inflammation for many sufferers. So experiment around to see if these plants cause inflammation and if they do eliminate them as much as possible from your diet.

Weight is also a major problem for sufferers. Less weight puts less strain on the joints. Losing weight may also help migraine headaches, Crohn's disease and multiple sclerosis. No one know why this is true however. He suggests making sure you have enough vitamin C and fiber in your diet also. But drink lots of water if you use a fiber supplements.

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