How to treat rheumatoid arthritis

Avoid dietary lectins PROLAMIN and AGGLUTININ

Lectins PROLAMIN and AGGLUTININ are inflammation-causing anti-nutrients in our diet.

Prolamin includes gliadin (the actual culprit in gluten) found in such as wheat, barley, and rye.  Other prolamins are zein in corn,  hordein in rye, seculin in barley, and avenin in oats (in small amounts, provided they have not been cross-contaminated with other high lectin grains). In the Western diet, Prolamins and agglutinin are primarily eaten in IMPROPERLY PREPARED:

• Grains e.g. wheat, brown rice, rye, barley, corn

• Legumes / beans - especially peanuts, soybeans,

• Cashews, tomatoes (remove seeds/skins), potatoes, peppers, eggplant

Regenerate collagen to rebuild Joint Cartilage

Collagen is the main component of the cartilage providing cushioning between your bones - the collagen molecule comprises 3 tightly wound chains of 3 repeating amino acids - glycine, lysine and proline. Collagen production requires that you ensure 4 MAIN ingredients in your diet, which may be lacking:

(1) Proline - key component of collagen; body synthesizes small amounts of this non-essential amino acid, but it may not be enough to balance collagen destruction by enzymes.

(2) Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) - Hydroxyproline results from oxygen reacting with proline, a reaction dependent on vitamin C.

(3) Copper  (2-4 mgs/day) - a component of the enzyme lysyl oxidase required for synthesis of collagen and elastin. Also an integral part of SOD, the major endogenous antioxidant enzyme. Excellent sources: calf's liver, crimini mushrooms, turnip greens, molasses; Very good sources: chard, spinach, sesame seeds, mustard greens, kale, summer squash, asparagus, eggplant, cashews.

(4) Lysine (essential amino-acid) - sufficient lysine blocks the anchor sites in connective tissue for enzymes which would otherwise digest collagen

Note: Rath/Pauling Therapy provides proline, lysine and vitamin C

GAGs - are the "gel-like", water-absorbing, filler substance between collagen. If you think of a net cast in the sea, the net (collagen) will collapse without the sea (GAGs).

Chondroitin - the most prevalent GAG in connective tissue - its benefits include:

•   Attracts water to cartilage, improving its ability to absorb shocks and impacts from movement.

•  Inhibits enzymes in synovial fluid that cause cartilage destruction;

•  Stimulates production of chemicals which improve synovial fluid viscosity

-   Chondroitin works as a therapy only if directly injected into the affected joint -  There is much controversy as to whether a high molecular mass supplement, such as the commonly used Chondroitin Sulfate, can be absorbed by the intestines. Some saying that its supporting studies are really paid ads in medical journals.

Glucosamine (500mg/day).   Promotes GAG production and is a component of hyaluronic acid.

Zinc.   Deficiency reduces collagen in the body and is common in  high-phytate diets. You can begin with higher doses (50mg) for just a few days to take care of a deficiency, but only 2-4mg / day is sufficient as a maintenance dose - easily obtained in ~1/4 Cup of raw pumpkin seeds or from a daily quality "green drink"  Too high doses deplete magnesium and copper.

Other treatments for RA

• Antioxidant vitamins to control further free radical damage

- Tart cherry juice (polyphenol-rich)

• Quit smoking - which boosts risk of RA and may  speed up disease or cause more joint damage.

• Take care of gums - there is a link between RA and periodontal disease.

• Transdermal cayenne pepper cream / lotion / oil or 0.025 - 0.075% capsaicin gel or cream.    Cayenne's active ingredient capsaicin relieves pain by numbing sensory nerves (gradually reduces substance P, a chemical necessary for nerves to send pain signals to the brain), and also increases circulation to aid healing of joints and/or muscles.

Apply up to 4 times daily to affected area.   Treatment can take 3 to 7 days to relieve pain and inflammation.

DIY cayenne pepper recipe: Mix half a teaspoon cayenne pepper into 1 cup carrier oil (E.g. olive oil or comfrey oil) or lotion (containing natural ingredients).

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy

Probiotics

DMSO (for pain).   Anti-inflammatory

Transdermal Magnesium Chloride

Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN).   A successful off-label / very low dose use of a medical drug

Rath-Pauling Therapy.     Strengthens body's collagen

MSM (1 to 6 1000 mg capsules / day).    Contains sulfur, which protects from damage to collagen by cross-linking, and provides flexibility and permeability to cell membranes.