I was wondering if there was anyone else on this WOE who has arthritis and what their experiences have been?

I have Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (diagnosed at 11, 22 now). My case is relatively mild (I haven't taken meds in 9 years) and it comes in goes. My worst flare ups are generally winter. My knees (the worst culprit) have basically felt better lately but I don't know if it is because it is getting warmer or because of my new WOE (been doing it one month).

It makes since to me that this WOE would help since it buffs up the immmune system and rheumatism is an autoimmune disorder. I was just wondering what other people's experiences are? Does anyone recommend any additional foods/supplements/etc. for someone who is low carbing and has arthritis?

Thanks!

-Angie

Hi there Angie. I don't have any supplement suggestions, but I do recommend you get a copy of Protein Power Lifeplan - although it almost sounds like you might have read it (it's not listed under 'books read' in your profile though). The Eades spend some time talking about the link between auto immune diseases and leaky gut syndrom - and fact that this is the result of increased grains in our diets.

My mother has RA and it's very severe. She's scheduled for a knee replacement in the next few months and has undergone many treatments for her back, her knees, her ankles and most recently rheumatoid nodules on her wrists the size of golf balls. All this to say, when she eats LC the pain and swelling is much less severe; and when she overindulges in carbs, particularly grains and potatoes she has horrible flare ups.

My boyfriend also has an auto immune disease (Crohn's) and when he eats LC he doesn't take his meds - he's been med free since September 2001 - cured for all intents and purposes.

There are a few threads on arthritis and auto immune diseases on the forum that you might find helpful - try a search and narrow it down to these Health forums, you should find lots to read through.

Nat

Hi Angie,

I had a definite improvement in my osteoarthritis when I began taking fish oil capsules. I had been told that fish oil was of more use with RA than OA, so had never bothered before.

I actually began taking it (after reading Protein Power) more for its value in reducing cholesterol, so was pleasantly surprised to find some relief for my joints. I still have some soreness form time to time, but am fairly sure things would be much worse without the combination of low carbing and the fish oil.

BTW for anyone thinking of taking fish oil capsules, do take the enteric coated ones, to avoid the icky "fishy" burps!

Rosebud

Angie-
I'm 22 (23 in April) and I was diagnosed with full blown RA a day after my birthday almost 1 year ago now....what a present. Ugh. Anyway, I've been playing around with diet and meds and trying to balance rest and activity. Rest and activity still need a bit more balancing, but LC eating is definitely the best. I have nodules in some fingers, my Achilles tendons, and bottoms of my feet (on the ball of my foot). When I am really strict with LC, which I have been since January 2003, I have noticed that my joints are significantly less swollen and far less painful. Morning stiffness is much shorter and everything is a million times more bearable!!!! Yippee!! That is a reason in itself to stick with the Atkins way of eating.
You're lucky that you don't have to take meds lately. I hate them!!! (but I LOVE them, b/c they also make everything bearable and slow the rapid progression of my RA)
Best of luck with everything. I'd be happy to help if I can.

-Cher

I forgot to mention...
I take green tea extract and also Fish oil capsules. The combination of everything that I am taking right now is working great, so I am hesitant to change!

-Cher

Thanks everyone for the responses!
I like green tea a lot and I have heard it is great for the system, so maybe I will start drinking it again (but the caffeine, arg!).
I may start trying the fish oil too. I know my dad takes it religiously, but not for the same reasons.
Thanks so much all! It's nice to see the support!

-Angie

you can also take green tea capsules....I'm not sure if they have caffeine or not.

-cher

Green Tea Extract (pills) contains no noticeable caffiene - and still does the trick assuming it's standardized to 60% polyphenols. Decafinated green tea does not do the same job as regular green tea does - it's about 50% as effective.

Nat

you should get the kind that is decaffinated naturally. There are only a couple of brands out there. I get it for my husband. Believe it or not, Lipton is one of them!