SYMPTOMS:
 
Body stiffness and pain in joints, especially during damp weather, in the morning, or after strenuous activity. There may be a sharp burning or grinding pain or it may feel like a toothache. There may be stiffness and/or pain when moving a joint.

 
CAUSES:
 
Arthritis is the inflammation of one or more joints. The word, "arthritis," covers a number of disorders, some of which are covered in this present article, which deals the most completely with the problem.


TREATMENT:
 
 • Arthritis is the result of a complex of nutritional deficiencies.
 
• A dietary calcium/phosphorous ratio of 2:1 is ideal, yet can only be attained by taking calcium supplements (see "Bones, Strengthening"). Meat is especially bad; it has a ratio of 1:12 (organ meats, such as liver and kidney) is 1:44. So the more meat you eat, the more calcium you need. It is as simple as that.
 
• In addition, there is all the acid purines and uric acid in meat. Eventually this hodgepodge of acids collects in the joints, to such a degree that the bone is eaten away, the bursa becomes inflamed, etc.

• The sulfur-containing foods (asparagus, eggs, garlic, and onions) helps repair bone, cartilage, and connective tissue, and aids in the absorption of calcium.
 
• Eat green leafy vegetables, whole grains, oatmeal, and brown rice. These supply vitamin K,
 
• Eat fresh pineapple frequently. The bromelain in it is good for reducing inflammation. It must be fresh, since freezing or canning destroys the enzyme.
 
• The most beneficial vegetables include celery, parsley, potatoes, alfalfa, wheat grass, garlic, comfrey, and endive.
 
• The most beneficial fruits include bananas, pineapples, sour apples, and sour cherries.
 
• Foods containing the amino acid, histidine, include wheat, rye, and rice. Histidine helps remove metals, and many arthritics have high levels of copper and iron in their bodies.
 
• Eat some form of fiber, such as oat bran, rice bran, flaxseed, etc.
 
• Vegetable juice therapy is especially helpful for arthritics, and especially for those with rheumatoid arthritis.

• Repeated juice fasts of 4-6 weeks are recommended, along with about 2 months of an extremely nourishing diet. The alkaline action of raw juices and vegetable broth dissolves the accumulation of deposits around the joints and in other tissues.
 
• Green juice, mixed with carrot, celery, red beet juice, and vegetable broths daily, are specifics for arthritis and other rheumatic diseases.
 
• Drink raw potato juice. Slice a potato, with the skin on, cut it into thin slices and place in a large glass. Fill the glass with cold water and let it stand overnight. Drink the water the next morning on an empty stomach.
 
• Potato juice can also be made in an electric juicer. Make it fresh, dilute it 50-50 with water, and drink first thing in the morning.
 
• Milk, wheat, eggs, corn, and pork have been shown to produce arthritic symptoms.
 
• Vitamin C is necessary, to prevent the capillary walls in the joints from breaking down and causing bleeding, swelling, and pain. Vitamin C is vital to joint health.

• Folic acid, vitamin B12, and iron in food help treat the anemia which frequently accompanies arthritis.
 
• Reduce the amount of fat in your diet. Avoid dairy products and fatty foods.
 
• Do not eat meat. The purines and uric acid in it inflame arthritic conditions.
 
• Avoid salt, caffeine, tobacco, paprika, and citrus fruits.

• Do not eat anything with added sugar.
 
• Do not use iron supplements or vitamin/mineral supplements that contain iron. Get your iron from food (blackstrap molasses, broccoli, etc.)

• Exercise is very important in both preventing and treating arthritis. Joints which are not used tend to stiffen. Practice bending all your joints (not merely the affected ones) in different positions, 5-10 times twice a day.
 
• If you are unable to exercise your joints because the pain is too great, carry out an exercise program in a tub of warm water (93o-98o F.).
 
• Good posture is also important. Poor posture does not distribute weight evenly and can intensify the problem.

• Avoid immunizations. Various immunizations have brought on arthritis.
 
• Food allergies can cause neck and shoulder pain, imitative of arthritis.