DEAR PKIA:

For the past couple months my joints have been aching so badly that it takes some serious stretching in the morning before I can even get out of bed. I have an appointment with a rheumatoid specialist in about 2 weeks, but I have to believe that there are other things making me feel so bad. Perhaps my diet? Any info you could provide as to what you’re doing would be so helpful. Thanks and have a lovely Nash-Vegas day!

Signed,
Achy in the A.M.

DEAREST ACHY IN THE AM:

Heads up all Ya’ll (that’s my Nash -Vegas influence), the seasons are changing and with it our bodies go through a shift just as big as the leaves on the trees.

As the chill fills the air we start to tighten up inside and our expansive summer time rhythm steps to a new groove.  I’ve been applying this theory to the chipmunks, raccoons, and deer that hang around these parts.  For sure their diets change with the seasons, what they munch on in peak summer time is unavailable come October and November. Following their lead I’ve been Googling local/seasonal produce and how to cook it (just Google the item and the word recipe).  My food guide Virginia Harper says that folks with autoimmune disorders have a tendency to struggle during seasonal shifts, so to help myself out I’m experimenting with eating in support of what my body is feeling.  Oh, and to support all immune systems eat seasonal local food to help ward off flu’s and cold virus’s.

For certain food and diet can have a powerful effect on arthritis of any type, but especially on rheumatoid arthritis which is an autoimmune disease. What this means is that your own body is attacking itself. Women are effected three times more often then men. Rheumatoid Arthritis is actually quite rare, occurring in about 1% of the population.

The big piece here is that Arthritis of any sort is an inflammatory disease, causing the tissue in the body to swell and ache. If it were me, I would for certain go on a hard core “low inflammation /low acid-producing diet.” This is what I’m doing and “FEELING” great results.

Dr. Andrew Weil, world-renowned leader and pioneer in the field of integrative medicine recommends the following:

* LOW PROTEIN, HIGH CARBOHYDRATES: Not the kind of carbs found in bread,white rice and potatoes, but whole grains like barley, brown rice, millet, etc.
* ELIMINATE DAIRY; All of it, including processed food that contains it. Dairy is highly inflammatory too! This was a big surprise to me. You can tell once you remove it because you’ll find all that bloating is gone!
* INCREASE CALCIUM VIA GREENS, NOT DAIRY: Studies have shown that we absorb more calcium via plant life than dairy, which means it’s more difficult to absorb calcium in Dairy! I’m proof–I finally have normal calcium levels thanks to Kale, Broccoli, spinach etc.
* AVOID POLYUNSATURATED FATS: That means cut out margarine,vegetable shortenings and products made with partially hydrogenated oils of any kind.
* AVOID SUGAR: Small amounts of natural sugar from fruit are OK, but remember sugar is an immediately acid producing agent. The second you put it in your mouth your blood absorbs it and cooks it. This hot acid blood irritates inflamed tissue.
* INCREASE OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS: Eat more cold water fish, walnuts or freshly ground flax seeds. It’s also a good idea to add a fish oil supplement. Omega 3’s calm the blood and don’t produce acid.

I also think that adding acupuncture, yoga, and Chinese herbs are a great idea. My Acupuncturist, “Happy Son Of My People” always reminds me, “When something is inflamed we want to calm it down. Like an angry two year old, if you go at aggressively then it gets hotter!” Find contact information for Gil Ben-Ami “Happy Son Of My People” HERE!!!
Lastly, Andrew Weil has a great website and tons of books, check him out HERE and search for your own natural path locally.

Sincerely,
Princess Know It All