Can a specific diet put your RA into remission?

Has anyone read; Conquering Arthritis: What your doctors don't tell you because they don't know by: Barbara D. Allan?I am about to order it but am curious if anyone has had any luck with omitting certain foods from their diets or have heard anything about specific diets for RA? Great reviews for that book .

KellyTo answer your forum questions....no, there's no diet that can put you in remission. If there were we would all be on it. I'd much rather achieve clinical remission by diet than the drugs we take on a daily basis. I do believe and follow a anti-inflammatory diet and it helps with the swelling around my joints. I haven't heard of or read the book that you mentioned so I can't help you out there. Kelly, I'd try just about anything and have if I thought that I could achieve clinical remission. Let us know about the book. LindyI tried Eat Right 4 Your Type by Dr. Peter D'Addamo. I sent for the blood type kit and tested myself, coming up as O+. According to Dr. D'Addamo, my blood type should avoid all wheat and grains that contain lectins - barley, corn, lentils. Also certain vegetables like cabbage and cauliflower. His plan would have me eating red meat 3X a day and cutting all dairy. I was quite skeptical about it but was really suffering as my Enbrel had worn off and I had loads of inflammation, particularly in the hands. The people on his website forums claim to have controlled their arthritis to some particularly hard to believe claims such as following his more advanced and controlled Genotype Diet can make your gray hair grow back at its youthful color.

However, I came away from the experiment finding that wheat was indeed aggravating inflammation in the knuckles and dairy was contributing to my lifelong chronic sinusitus and stuffy nose. Putting some more red meat back into my diet helped with my anemia and energy levels. I also quit drinking coffee

I guess the bottom line of my contribution to this discussion is that it doesn't hurt to look into things, you might find that some foods are inflammatory agents for you. But - approach all "wonder cure diets" with a healthy degree of skepticism.

[quote]Can a specific diet put your RA into remission?[/quote]
Early in my diagnosis I went to a "diet-typing" physician and his very busy clinic. The process was interesting and informative. However, once through all the "testing" and diet therapy counseling the diet specified was nearly identical to the way I have been eating for most of my life. What is now referred to as a Mediterranean diet. (I always have to stop and consider how to spell Mediterranean...)

As Lindy said, If there was one diet that was leading the way to remission not only would we all be following it, we would be discussing it regularly.

I am not familiar with you book nor the author, but I admit to ridging at any book that claims to know what my physicians do not (as well as those that forward the idea that my doctors don't tell me what they know in an effort to keep me sick and dependent upon them, their care, and that BIG PHARMA is the instigator of this mindset and the monster in the closet).

By all means investigate dietary and lifestyle changes. However, it has been my experience that remission requires more than either of those.

The internet is filled with anecdotes praising diets, supplements, drinks, potions, elixirs, unguents, salves, liniments, pills, bowel cleansing, mind cleansing, and a host of other cure-alls. Caveat emptor.

But! I admit to having tried a great many of the above, and if something comes along tomorrow that promises relief, I just may try it too. You may find great relief of some or all of your systems and an overall improvement in your general well-being by taking the steps to be wholly and completely in control of your diet after doing several weeks of an elimination diet: I know several people, myself include, whose main trigger is refined sugar.

FWIW
[QUOTE=klynn141]Has anyone read; Conquering Arthritis: What your doctors don't tell you because they don't know by: Barbara D. Allan?I am about to order it but am curious if anyone has had any luck with omitting certain foods from their diets or have heard anything about specific diets for RA? Great reviews for that book .

Kelly[/QUOTE]

Actually you can find a lot of good reviews about this book in amazon.com.The book only sell 23.07 in amazon .com

hansome302009-10-06 10:04:44I have read from some book...90% ppl cure after go for vegetarian. But not sure true or not [QUOTE=hansome30]I have read from some book...90% ppl cure after go for vegetarian. But not sure true or not [/QUOTE]
I am willing to say that most of us have read some amazing statics that present absolutely unbelievable "cure" rates. However, many of us have followed one or another protocol guaranteeing "cures" and have suffered irreparable damage to our joints and/or organs as a result of looking for the miracle that would put us in remission.

How long have you had RA? What is your current treatment plan? What permanent damage do you have or are you one of those fortunate ones that have found your own cure/remission?
aHA! I get it: you are promoting your website. Fair enough, but you should have been impeccably upfront about that fact. Additionally, you may find more than a few regularly participating members of this forum that are unappreciative of your approach to advertising your blog. I find it rather impudent and certainly less than honourable.

I was castigated, vilified, and called a troll because I posted before introducing myself to the members of this forum, I am now wondering if it is not YOU who are either trolling for visitors to your blog or being a spammer... ... ...
[QUOTE=hansome30]I have read from some book...90% ppl cure after go for vegetarian. But not sure true or not [/QUOTE]

I was actually diagnosed during one of the many times in my life that I was eating vegetarian and I was vegetarian with occasional fish for 10 years of my "career" with RA.

I've read that raw food vegetarian has helped people with inflammation ... maybe if I lived alone and didn't cook for others I could try that but right now am loving grilled steaks too much and they don't seem to be hurting my arthritis.

SPELUNKER: It sounds like you've really done your research and tried many different approaches with RA. I was thinking of trying AP therapy. I actually ran into some posts where you had tried Antibiotic Therapy and you had some great advice and insight into it. I almost bought that book to read. I actually got a few doctors names in Washington, that does AP from the Road Back Website , 4 to be exact and that was all they knew of. I looked them up and all of them were Cash only. They dont bill insurance companies. Very strange. It sounds like they'd really dig deep to figure things out, but I just cant afford that and honeslty if only 4 doctors are on board with this type of therapy out of all of Washington, that makes me a little leary... I also remember reading you saying how you had wished in the beginning you started aggresivly instead of AP therapy and now have joint damage etc. So, Maybe AP therapy is similar to Plaquenil, in that it takes some of the pain away, but doesnt stop the disease from ruining your joints etc.

SNOWOWL: all i have to say about your post is... LOL!!!!

I just looked at his website (couldn't help myself). It is pitiful! Lots of typos and poor information. Maybe he won't come back.

Phats

[QUOTE=Spelunker]aHA! I get it: you are promoting your website. Fair enough, but you should have been impeccably upfront about that fact. Additionally, you may find more than a few regularly participating members of this forum that are unappreciative of your approach to advertising your blog. I find it rather impudent and certainly less than honourable.

I was castigated, vilified, and called a troll because I posted before introducing myself to the members of this forum, I am now wondering if it is not YOU who are either trolling for visitors to your blog or being a spammer... ... ...
[/QUOTE]

Im just learning.My information is poor in my website that why i join this forum to learn more. Seem you all don't like this I will remove my forum signature. hansome this is just a wild thought but maybe you shouldn't be putting together a health website UNTIL YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT Putting out no information is far more responsible than putting out bad information [QUOTE=hansome30]I...My information is poor in my website... [/QUOTE]
I agree with buckeye: it is irresponsible, reckless, and dangerous to publish anything on a website/blog without knowing what you are presenting. There is an old saying, "The Devil is in the details." Simply, that means that it is the small things, like basic knowledge, education, understanding, and common sense need to precede any endeavour---that is especially true when publishing comments, recommendations, advice, and guidance related to health and healthcare.
[QUOTE=Spelunker] [QUOTE=hansome30]I...My information is poor in my website... [/QUOTE]
I agree with buckeye: it is irresponsible, reckless, and dangerous to publish anything on a website/blog without knowing what you are presenting. There is an old saying, "The Devil is in the details." Simply, that means that it is the small things, like basic knowledge, education, understanding, and common sense need to precede any endeavour---that is especially true when publishing comments, recommendations, advice, and guidance related to health and healthcare.
[/QUOTE]

You need to drag yourself into the 21st century and realize the internet is a place where anyone can publish anything and it is reader beware. Crying for responsibility on the web is like spitting in the ocean.
SnowOwl - loved your post.

Kelly - I wish you the very best. Please report back on your feelings toward the book, and if you decide to try the recommendations and have even a modicum of success. As I wrote in my post about the D'Addamo blood type diet, no I wasn't cured and it was too restrictive, but I learned some key information about how my own body reacts to some foods. good luck!

[QUOTE=Joe M] [QUOTE=Spelunker] [QUOTE=hansome30]I...My information is poor in my website... [/QUOTE]
I agree with buckeye: it is irresponsible, reckless, and dangerous to publish anything on a website/blog without knowing what you are presenting. There is an old saying, "The Devil is in the details." Simply, that means that it is the small things, like basic knowledge, education, understanding, and common sense need to precede any endeavour---that is especially true when publishing comments, recommendations, advice, and guidance related to health and healthcare.
[/QUOTE]

You need to drag yourself into the 21st century and realize the internet is a place where anyone can publish anything and it is reader beware. Crying for responsibility on the web is like spitting in the ocean.
[/QUOTE]

sad but true Joe..but just every once in a while I have to say something [QUOTE=Joe M]You need to drag yourself into the 21st century and realize the internet is a place where anyone can publish anything and it is reader beware. Crying for responsibility on the web is like spitting in the ocean.[/QUOTE]
You are absolutely right Joe M. Personal responsibility is a thing of the past, however that does not stop me for yearning for it, and even for crying for it. Spitting into the ocean, on the other hand, is beyond my chronic dehydration secondary to Sjogren's syndrome. However, thanks for the reality check and the reminder that caveat emptor, the principle that there is no warranty, no guarantee, no responsibility for anyone by the reader, the buyer, the dupe.

Cheers, Shug
Kelly, an abject apology for high jacking your topic. It certainly was not my intent, but as we know, the road-to-hell is paved with good intentions... ... ...
[QUOTE=klynn141]..., but I'm at my witts end so I "might" give it a go once I get that book in the mail . It's worth a try. The author makes it sound very convincing, [/quote]
Not to demean the author's experiences, but it is the JOB of writers to not only sound convincing but to also convince others that they have the goods, the secret, the way out of a dilemma, or a solution. I look forward to your appraisal of the book, the system, and your personal evaluation of what it offers for all of us.
Kelly -

I bought that book not too long ago ... I'd been diagnosed with Palindromic A, and my hope is thru diet I could prevent a full blown case of RA (which my mother has). I saw the reviews on Amazon and thought it would be good. In theory I like what Allan is talking about, but am less than impressed with her writing style and the organziation of the book (or lack of) - she has many spelling errors and you literally have to read the entire book to be sure to capture her entire "program" because again the books lacks organization. I found steps in one chapter and then important next steps 5 chapters later.

Again, theory is well worth exploring - basically she's recommending elimination diet so you can test foods as you reintroduce them to see if they are inflammation triggers. The whole food intolerance thing. I'd think there are much better books, websites or integrative med docs out there that outline an easier way to go about doing so.

fyi - happy to have found this forum. stumbled upon it this evening as I was doing some online research on RA/PA :)

GingerP Welcome to the forum. I am glad that you stumbled on to us.

Hi Ginger

Thanks for the run down on this book. Maybe I shouldn't have ordered it...woops! I'll read it anyways I guess and see if there's something I can use from it. Her story was inspirational to me . Glad you're part of this forum, you'll learn lots of great stuff and meet some really great people on here for support!

Kelly

Hi Kelly, In my experience I always learn something unless it's so far out in left field that I can't stand to read anymore.

After 10 years of this disease I find that I use a mixed bag of meds, diet and tricks; some are allopathic medicine and others are complementary medicine. RA attacks our bodies in such differing ways and the meds react differently on each of us. All one can do is give some guidance to the recently diagnosed and let them know what's worked and hasn't worked. Who knows, what medications will work for you. I'd never say please try this or that med, you'll get great results. I know that may not happen to you.

The one constant with this disease is it will cause irreversible damage to your joints and the medications that are used to slow the disease should be started as soon as possible.

I tried AP alone for 6 months then AP and MXT for 6 months with no response but I had considerable damage occur during the AP period. I then went on to an increase in dmards and started biologics. Once I started to feel better I stopped all the meds and was okay for about 5 years. It was one of the most stupid decisions I've ever made. After 5 years I was hit with a severe flare that lasted for almost 4 years. During those 5 years without meds I suffered more damage even though I felt good and had no apparent inflammation. This is why this disease is the trickster.

If I had those years to live over I would take whatever medications that I could to achieve clinical remission. It's so much easier to achieve in the beginning stages of the disease. That's the main reason to start dmards and biologics as soon as possible after diagnosis.

I'm glad you're getting other medical input to help your decision making and the anxiety. That will be a great help to you. Take care. Lindy

Kelly, I've not read the book and I don't know the answer to your question. I do, however, have related first-hand experience.

In 2000 I was living and working in Rangoon, Burma. Within a month or two of having arrived in-country, my left hip joint began to burn and hurt. I went in to see my doctor, who is Burmese and both eastern and western educated.

She asked if I was eating the asian vegetable soup available at our cafeteria. Indeed I was, having enjoyed it frequently. The doctor advised me to stop eating it as it contained vegetables believed to aggrevate arthritis. I stopped eating the soup and the pain in my hip vanished shortly there after.

Coincidence? Asian medicine? Unrelated? I couldn't say. I honestly don't know.

The doctor drew blood and months later called me with the results. She said I tested positive for - I think - the RA factor. I didn't pay any attention to this as I felt great. I wasn't even certain what she was talking about.

In September/October 2008 I developed RA and it has been giving me quite a time since then.

There is a popular saying in certain circles - "We don't know what we don't know." It may apply here.

For what it's worth.

Rascal

[QUOTE=Rascal] The doctor advised me to stop eating it as it contained vegetables believed to aggrevate arthritis. Spelunker,

Specifically mentioned was Chinese cabbage but the soup contained a broad & rich array of oriental vegetables.

Like most members of this forum, I endure RA. I have to say I'm not having a lot of fun with this new experience. So understanding how important any shread of hope is to those of us with RA, I'm cautious about what I post. I do not want to create hope where it isn't warranted, nor do I want to speak negatively regarding something I don't understand.

So in the interest of fair and balanced reporting I'm going to attempt to recontact the doctor I spoke of. I want a rehash of her opinion. I'm also going to attempt to get the recipe for the soup. Since it is prepared in bulk I'll just focus on the food items used, not exact measurements.

As soon as I get this information I'll post it here. I hope it will be helpful.

Thank you,

Rascal

I have been on a gluten free/wheat free diet since 04/09. My joints still ache but they are not as stiff as they were before the diet. I have not read this thread in depth- however although I believe some people have very real allergies....everything in moderation is key. Humans are omnivores- period. you know right now, i really just want some frito's and french onion dip and ohh

a nice big juicy med Rare Steak!!!

I think everyones body is different, i do know that pork , for me causes inflammation.

If i could afford it, I'd go to a holistic person..I had a massause tell me to stay away from wheat and eat rice bread instead.. he was really good.

I feel massages are incredibly benificial!! .. sigh, i hate being $ poor!

Hi & welcome from me too,

I was diagnosed with PA Nov 07 in Mar I started a gluten /dairy / sugar free diet & found it to be most effective. I continue to use my diet regime to this day & always know when I have had something I shouldn't have because I can suffer for it the next day....

There seems to be a growing group of doctors who believe that diet plays an integral part in all this.

Good luck,
Maz

All - I mentioned earlier that I would recontact a Dr. in Rangoon, Burma regarding this topic. That contact has been made and questions passed. I'm awaiting a response and will post the results here. I have no idea if or when I will get answers but I want you to know I completed my action. This is being worked through email so I'm hopeful regarding a quick response.

Regards,

Rascal

Quite some time ago didn't Barbara Allen herself post here trying to sell her book? Remember we shamed her off of here. this is from her website, by the way, sounds like a couple of our members:

"My name is Barbara Allan.

In 1986, I developed reactive arthritis, a condition similar to rheumatoid arthritis." Now here is the truth about reactive arthritis, similar indeed. This from medicinenet.com http://www.medicinenet.com/reactive_arthritis/article.htm

Reactive Arthritis
(Formerly Reiter Syndrome)

Medical Author: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
Medical Editor: Dennis Lee, MD

What is reactive arthritis?

Reactive arthritis is a chronic form of arthritis featuring the following three conditions: (1) inflamed joints, (2) inflammation of the eyes (conjunctivitis), and (3) inflammation of the genital, urinary, or gastrointestinal systems.

This form of joint inflammation is called "reactive arthritis" because it is felt to involve an immune system that is "reacting" to the presence of bacterial infections in the genital, urinary, or gastrointestinal systems. Accordingly, certain people's immune systems are genetically primed to react aberrantly when these areas are exposed to certain bacteria. The aberrant reaction of the immune system leads to spontaneous inflammation in the joints and eyes. This can be confounding to the patient and the doctor when the infection has long passed at the time of presentation with arthritis or eye inflammation.

Reactive arthritis most frequently occurs in patients in their 30s or 40s, but it can occur at any age. The form of reactive arthritis that occurs after genital infection (venereal) occurs more frequently in males. The form that develops after bowel infection (dysentery) occurs in equal frequency in males and females.

NEWS FLASH: Reactive arthritis is as different from rheumatoid arthritis as is chicken pox and small pox. Reactive arthritis is caused by a bacteria and is treated with antibiotics. At least 80% can be traced to venerial diseases. She is a scammer, period. Any time someone says a condition similar to arthritis or is treated the same way as ra, they are trying to mislead us. Our disease is a totally separate disease from all other forms of arthritis. This woman is a scammer, period.

LEV

Can a specific diet put your RA into remission? | Arthritis Information

What is reactive arthritis?