by Eugenia Martini-Jarrett
Arthritis is a condition that is not only extremely painful but also may be very disabling, depending on the severity of the problem. Even mild pains in the shoulder, joints, toes, and fingers are not only uncomfortable but signs that this is something to address, it will not go away on its own. Medical treatments may be effective to some degree, however, the side effects are monstrous — “possible side effects = stroke, heart attack, loss of vision, etc…”
Did you know that bursitis is a form of arthritis? The typical pain in the shoulder that affects people, sometimes at a very young age, is really an early warning sign.
Yes, medication is the general consensus, however, there are many other choices before and while venturing down that road. Chances are you may be able to reverse, counteract, or at least lessen the arthritis turmoil and prevent or ease the crippling effects that arthritis inevitably generates.
Using foods, herbs, and TCM, Traditional Chinese Medicine, provides excellent options for easing joint pain (benefiting the health of the body as well). Stimulating circulation, digestion, and elimination is vital in the journey of helping the body remove toxins and build a stronger immune system. Toxins are the culprits for most ailments.
Step one:
Provide cleansing for the liver and kidneys.
Once that is initiated, the body has an efficient opportunity to cleanse and not redistribute the toxins back into the body. Be sure to take it slowly — cleansing too quickly can cause uncomfortable side effects such as being tired, nausea, etc., which also may result in you quitting before you have a chance at success.
- Be sure to be active daily to assist your body and mind’s circulation. Exercise (nothing too strenuously on the joints while detoxing — walking, and jogging are good)
- Be sure to drink enough water daily
- Get a lot of sleep. Sometimes adding Melatonin and or Ashwaganda to your evening ritual helps the body rest and heal.
Step two:
Write down everything you eat, the time, and the amount daily for one week. Check your daily sugar intake, which also means your carbohydrates. Just because you are not eating candy bars and putting sugar on everything, however, you are eating pasta, toast, and whole grain muffins, is not going to cut it.
Most arthritis sufferers find that they are eating more carbs and sugars than they realize.
Review your list. Are you consuming 2-3 times more protein, vegetables, and fruit than carbohydrates? If not, then this is where you need to adjust your eating habits — Do It On Paper!
Step three:
Create the Plan.
This becomes Your LIST of foods to cleanse your body of arthritis and produce a healthy eating and living system, keeping arthritis at bay or removing it completely.
Your Eating Plan for the Next Six Weeks: It’s very simple:
- Eliminate all bread, pasta, pastries, etc. If you are not sure if the food you are eating is a carbohydrate – Carbohydrate List. Help yourself as much as you can.
- Incorporate raw and some lightly cooked vegetables. Have at least two raw vegetables with every meal. This does not mean just a bowl of lettuce. Some people feel if they have a small salad with a meal that will do it – only if your salad has a whole tomato and perhaps half a cucumber with the lettuce. DO NOT use bottled dressings, they are high in sodium, sugar, saturated fat, and calories–even the organic ones.
- Eat at least 2 – 3 pieces of fresh fruit daily, between meals. Have fun with them – occasionally puree them with a little ice to make a great slushy. Be sure to wait at least 20 minutes before or after a meal to eat the fruits.
- Do not eat melons with meals. (Ever)
- Find recipes that are easy and healthy. There are lots of recipes on the internet. No excuses! While cleansing your body of arthritis, it is best to eliminate as many sugars (I am sure you are not using any white-bleached sugars or flours, so that does not need to be recommended – I ammm sure), and increase your raw greens.
- When a sweetener is needed, do not use anything artificial. Organic maple syrup and organic honey are assimilated by the body and contain essential minerals and nutrients. Even raw sugar is healthier than the other “white” alternatives. Just keep it to a minimum.
- Do not drink milk, bottled or canned juices, or sodas. Enjoy fruits juiced for a sweet tooth cure. Keep herbal teas in a pot or the fridge (organic when possible). Avoid all pasteurized beverages.
Also, for the first six weeks of this project, avoid as much wheat and carbs as possible. It is truly best to stop all for this period, however, it seems this can be difficult for many people, so again — keep it to a minimum. Explore the world of spinach pasta, exotic vegetables, and unique recipes, and enjoy broadening your palette.
Writing out your plan not only makes it easier to have something to follow, but it also provides a support system that you are on the right track, which generates more results and success in your journey.
Minerals are a must.
By eating several raw vegetables (including lots of greens besides lettuce) daily, you guarantee an increase in the necessary minerals your body and health needs. Don’t forget your protein. Even as a vegetarian or vegan, you have many options for protein – use them.
Help your liver.
In TCM a well-known liver cleanser is the combination of a cup of warm water, ¼ inch slice of ginger, and a tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon (not the frozen or bottled variety).
Drink this in the morning before anything else and after your biggest meal of the day (usually dinner). You may also add a teaspoon of Organic Maple syrup to make it go down easier if you really need to.
Once you have cleansed and are free of arthritis pain, you may introduce one form of carbohydrates, such as rye whole grain bread, whole wheat bread, pasta, etc., back into your diet. However, don’t do it every day — give your body a chance to process and eliminate.
If possible, skip three days before eating the same food again. Do this for two weeks. If you have no side effects, then you can start introducing other foods, two weeks at a time — every third day.
Always maintain the raw fruits and vegetables, proteins, and minimal carbohydrates for a healthy balance in your system.
Added Note: Using additional tools to help the cleanse are Activated Charcoal, Psyllium Husk, or other Colon Cleansing products to activate, cleanse, and maintain a healthy, clean colon. If your colon is not moving in a healthy manner, you are backed up and releasing poisons back into your body. Not a good thing.
Side Effects of this plan — Possible weight loss; prevention, reduction, or elimination of diabetes; lowering of high blood pressure; healing of IBS, ulcers, and many other ailments. General good health and increased energy almost always occur.
There are many supplements that are of extreme benefit as well - that is another article. However, here is a simple informative article from the Arthritis Foundation on popular arthritis supplements and things you should know.
Once you complete this list you will have a formula for success! The only way this plan will not work is if:
- · You don’t do it
- · You Quit
- · You do not create your plan to the specifications listed above
- · You cheat too many times (it may still work, but very slowly)
Make this an adventure into good health and happiness — not a punishment!
Copyright© 2011. Author: Eugenia Martini-Jarrett is a Reconnection and Reconnective Healing Practitioner, author, consultant, editor, and artist. Do not reprint without written permission from the author. For permission to reprint Click Here.
