Dietary tips
The following are a selection letters received from members of the public which were originally reproduced in arc's quarterly magazine, Arthritis Today.
Views expressed in the Hints Box are those of readers, not those of arc.
Further praise for controversial diet book
Thank you for printing my letter praising “Curing arthritis the drug-free way” in the winter 2008 issue of Arthritis Today. I was interested to read the letter by Martin Hinks. I’m glad that he’s found relief from his condition. Unfortunately the drugs didn’t agree with me (made me violently sick) so I had to find an alternative approach to the treatment of my arthritis. I was so glad that my daughter sent me the Margaret Hills book – its suggestions have made a tremendous difference to my life. Maybe it will help others, too?
Sarah Gall, Rochdale, Lancashire
Condemning “Curing Arthritis the Drug-Free Way”
I am a 21-year-old male undergraduate at Queen Mary College, University of London diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 2006, and am very grateful for the excellent work that arc undertakes. However I am writing to express my extreme concern over a publication handed to me by a well-wishing friend called Curing Arthritis The Drug-Free Way by Margaret Hills. The book is riddled with falsehoods which are both degrading and unhelpful to RA patients. The first is on the very first page of the first chapter where Hills claims that ‘the chief forms are osteo-arthritis (sic) and rheumatoid arthritis, and the underlying causes of both is too much uric acid in the body.’ This statement…. flies directly in the face of all current understanding of RA as an autoimmune disease. Perhaps even more disturbing is Hills’ claim that anti-arthritic drugs are of no hope whatever. When I was first referred to the rheumatology department I could barely walk. While my symptoms are still very much present, my quality if life is so much higher entirely due to modern, scientifically tested medicines. The list of fallacies goes on through the book, further evidence of which I can provide upon request.
Martin Hinks, Crouch End, London
Praising “Curing Arthritis the Drug-Free Way”
I was in excruciating pain from arthritis in my spine and subsequent sciatic pain in one leg, and tried all the information in the book, Curing Arthritis The Drug-Free Way straight away just to get rid of the pain. The book suggests that you mix cider vinegar with a little honey but I didn’t like the taste of honey so I used molasses in a cup which I dissolved in a little hot water. Within two months I was unbelievably better! The treatment is based on an acid-free diet avoiding citrus fruits, most dairy products, red meats and not drinking any tea or coffee, taking the cider vinegar and honey mix three times, and having regular Epsom salts baths. I have had a miraculous recovery and maybe others could be encouraged to contact the Margaret Hills Clinic if they’re still experiencing problems.
Sarah Gall, Rochdale, Lancashire
Editor’s Note: Curing Arthritis the Drug-Free Way elicits strong reactions. What do other readers think? Let us know.
Does champagne have an anti-inflammatory effect?
I developed severe rheumatoid arthritis after a bout of influenza. It affected my legs, hands and wrists. My GP eventually referred me to hospital when he ran out of treatments. One morning at breakfast my wife said that she fancied a glass of white wine and would I get that bottle of Cava from the rack in the corner. I inadvertently picked up a bottle of Moet and Chandon Brut Imperial we had won in a raffle about ten years before and had been keeping for a special occasion. Without realising this, my wife opened the bottle, poured two glasses, drank, and said ‘this is the best Cava I've ever had'. I drank my glass and agreed, then looked at the label and realised why. At the time my hands were so swollen that my knuckles were barely visible. But within 20 minutes of drinking the champagne the swelling had completely gone. I told this to my consultant who naturally laughed and said: ‘We are not giving you champagne on the NHS.' I wonder if in aged champagne there lurks a powerful natural anti-inflammatory or is it because it may help the digestive system?
Mr J S Smith, Penn Common, Wolverhampton, West Midlands.
Banana cure for cramp
I would like to add another tip which worked very well for my late husband and cured his awful cramp in three weeks. Eat a good sized banana a day. I hope this will work well for the many sufferers out there.
Mrs Lilian Caughey, Newtownabbey, Co Antrim
For years I suffered from cramp in my feet and legs, particularly at night, and often had to get out of bed and walk around to ease the terrible pain. The same thing used to happen in the swimming pool. Another swimmer approached me as I was trying to ease the cramp in my feet and said I should try three to four bananas a week. After a month the cramp stopped and now I eat the bananas has never returned.
Mrs S Hill, Cambridge , Cambridgeshire.
Eat stinging nettles to ease psoriasis
After 21 years on medication for psoriasis, my friend tried eating stinging nettles in soup or vegetables. In just over a fortnight he was cured, although the scars remain. You can even put some leaves into a mug with a tea bag before the boiling water and they won't sting the mouth. Dried nettles from a health food are not so effective because they take a very long time. Avoid withered, seeding, winter ones.
Catherine Hurley, Killarney, Co Kerry, Ireland.
Certain foods make my rheumatoid arthritis worse
The question of Mrs J.A Rogers (Questions and Answers, Arthritis Today 123) was of interest to me as I have been suffering from rheumatoid arthritis for the past 16 years. I have come to the conclusion that arthritis consists of two elements; one, the medical treatment with drugs for the disease, and two, the quality of life of the sufferer. One we have to leave in the hands of the medical profession, but two we can do ourselves and yes, what you eat can indeed increase pain and decrease mobility. In my case it was prawns and strawberries that severely affected me. Every person reacts differently to food. I would like to pass on the following advice: write down every day what you eat in detail. On getting up, write down your pain level (1 = low and 3 = high) and do this again at bedtime. Keep this going for at least two weeks, and it will show the days when pain was at its worst, and you should be able to start picking out the culprit(s) if there are any. Experiment; try not combining protein and carbohydrates, and introduce new items of food, or leave them out.
J. M. Travers-Clark, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire.
Sugar-free approach helped us too
I totally endorse the sugar-free approach of John Artindale of Sheffield. My problems were not as severe as his, being confined to feet and knees only. My GP considered my diet could provoke the arthritis attacks, for I do love a nice sugary cup of tea, and frequently. However I rarely eat other sweet food, being a savoury food fan. I proposed substituting sugar with a spoonful of honey in my tea. To my surprise, he endorsed it straight away, pointing out the differences that separate sugar (sucrose) from honey (fructose). That was two years ago. I've not touched sugar since while once again I enjoy a sweet cuppa.
John Povey, Plymouth, Devon.
I am writing to support John Artindale's suggestion on cutting out sugar from his diet. I used to suffer tremendously with arthritis in my arms, hands and feet until I read somewhere that sugar contains some sort of acid. This being so I thought acid could not be doing my arthritis any good so I cut sugar out of my cup of tea and although I am not on a totally sugar-free diet (I still like jam and stewed fruit). I now have pain-free arms and hands and generally feel much better all round.
Mr J Wiles, Sheffield, South Yorkshire.
I have obtained benefits from abstaining from caffeine (sugared tea in my case). Abstain completely (in italics please) from tea and coffee for three weeks. At the end of three weeks assess the results. If it's for you, you will know by then. In my case it altered my outlook from the prospect of an increasingly painful and immobile old age to one completely free of pain. Is it tea or the sugar that is the real enemy? Has anyone researched it? I do not have Mr Artindale's sweet tooth and believe my culprit to be the caffeine, proved by a renewal of pain whenever I revert to tea or coffee, sugared or otherwise. Just drink water in its place. Friends and relatives will think you a little cranky, but they, and you will get used to it.
William Partidge, Bognor Regis, West Sussex.
- Editor's Note: There is no link between aciditiy and arthritis, but all forms of arthritis can benefit from a healthy balanced diet.
Cutting out sugar cut out my pain
In 1985, about the time of my retirement, X-rays showed that I had arthritis in both hips. I had realised that all was not well, with my hips getting painful from time to time, especially when gardening. The pain got gradually worse but was always less severe after our annual caravanning holiday to France. The warmer climate helped, but I was also very sweet-toothed and I ate less sugar products while on holiday. I decided them to change to a sugar-free diet. This consisted of using sweeteners in tea, Sucron in coffee, and nuts and raisins and other fruit for dessert, etc. Within a few days I was almost pain-free. Since then I have started to use glucosamine with chondroitin as a back-up. The result us that I have been able to hike, dance, play bowls, and so on, without a twinge of pain. During a festive Christmas break at my son's I allowed myself a dispensation from the sugar-free diet, eating mince pies and chocolate. But a couple of days after coming home I work up to really bad arthritic pain in my left hip; so severe I thought I would have to have a replacement. I obviously returned to my sugar-free diet and without four to five days the pain had almost disappeared. If any reader is experiencing the pains that arthritis causes, I would recommend them to try the sugar-free regime I am on.
John Artindale, Sheffield, South Yorkshire.
Cut out sugar to get a good night's sleep
Having been woken night after night with pins and needles and aching arms and diagnosed as having carpal tunnel syndrome, I gave up sugar and had the best night's sleep in months. I knew there had to be some relationship between arthritis and sugar, so I thought I would give it a go. It only seems to be puddings, cakes containing cane sugar; fruit and wine do not have the same effect on my carpal tunnel syndrome. It worked for me and it may help someone else. I do still have the odd pudding or cake, but I know how much I can have before the pain re-occurs. Just a thought!
Sandra Hoskin, Solihull, West Midlands.
My positive diet experience of diet
My experience of diet has been completely different to that described by Jane Griffin in the July edition of Arthritis Today (Diet and Arthritis - What's the True Story?) as I have gained great benefit and relief from arthritic pain by adhering to an anti-inflammatory diet. I know immediately if I have been eating anything unwise as my knuckles swell up within half an hour and give me considerable pain. Also, dieting to lose weight has been the opposite to the one discussed in the article. I have been on a low fat diet since 1982 after having an operation to remove my gall bladder. In spite of the low fat diet I still manage to put on extra pounds and it is only when I cut down drastically on carbohydrates that I can lose weight. All the food Jane Griffin mentioned for snacks and extras would prevent me from losing those unwanted pounds. I wonder if other readers have the same experience as me.
Patricia Piqué, Coulsdon, Surrey.
De-sensitisation therapy works for me
I have had rheumatoid arthritis for more than 30 years, and it is now quite severe. I have known for about 20 years that a major cause of my RA is food intolerance. In September 2000 I heard about Dr John Mansfield's de-sensitisation therapy, and have been having treatment at his private clinic in Surrey since December of that year. Dr Mansfield claims that 75 per cent of patients with RA are food intolerant. First the skin is tested, and when the neutralising levels of the culprit foods are determined, a vaccine is made up. The patient injects him or herself every 48 hours, which enables the patient to eat those foods without being affected by them. The patient does this for three to four year by which time she should become de-sensitised. I have found that my pain has virtually disappeared, apart from residual pain from damaged joints, which is minimal. Previously my medication was 3 sulphasalazine tablets a day plus 3-4 co-dydronol; I now take one sulphasalazine daily and 1–2 paracetamol if necessary, and I have increased energy levels and sleep much better. Why is this not accepted by the medical establishment and the NHS is particular?
Helen Richards, Dorking, Surrey.
Ginger helped my PMR
I have had polymyalgia rheumatica for the past 16 months, but thankfully I am getting better. I didn't take the steroids my doctor prescribed for me. I found out about ginger by accident – I make wine, which includes root ginger in the recipe, and due to the pain and decided to drink a glass to drown my sorrows. I had my first night's rest in months! Previously, body had felt so bruised that I could not bear the bedclothes on me. But if I stopped drinking the wine all my problems returned. When the wine was finished I started taking Rock's organic ginger every night before I went to bed, a tablespoon in half a cup of hot water. I also massage my muscles with arnica balm and am well on the road to recovery!
Mary Chapman, Watchet, Somerset.
Coffee, red wine and chocolate are my "poisons"
I have osteoarthritis and have tried dry needle acupuncture, and had advice on diet, glucosamine and cod liver all - which were all useful. In spite of gardening, cycling and drinking the famous six glasses of water, and generally being active, I relaxed my diet; drinking coffee and a little red wine, and eating chocolate, and my neighbour's "cure" of sultanas soaked in gin. My body reacted very strongly, with pain in the hands, back, hips and knees. My feeling is that these substances are my body's particular poisons and go straight to the vulnerable joints, eight to ten hours after digestion. I think what I eat more than any other factor is responsible for my arthritis, and I would like my voice to be heard in favour of dietary discipline.
Janet Fraser, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire.
Water, water everywhere!
Because of arthritis, I have already had both knees and a hip replaced. I have had osteoarthritis in my hands for about 20 years, and now have rheumatoid too. Over the years I have taken a variety of painkillers and have spent hundreds of pounds on supplements. I spoke to a friend who had been told to drink lots of water after his prostate operation, and he felt that his arthritic hands didn't feel quite so painful after a week or two. I immediately made a target of drinking six pints of water a day, although I don't always achieve it. Within two weeks the worst of the pain had reduced, and after a month the continuous pain had stopped, although the joints were very tender. Now I get almost full movement of all joints, and I can do almost all my gardening and household jobs with very little discomfort. I am 77 years old and feel fitter than I have done for a number of years, and by continuing my water intake, I am hoping to get back to playing golf.
J. J. Tuer, Barton-Under-Needwood, Staffordshire.
You can't beat epsom salts
I have a remedy for arthritis: take 1/4lb of epsom salts, 1/4lb of glauber salts and mix together. Add one third of a 1/4lb packet of bicarbonate of soda. Take one teaspoon of the mixture in your tea, first thing every morning.
Jimmy Brown, Rutherglew, near Glasgow.
Is it a cure?
I have just read the letter from Rosemary McClusker of Glasgow (magazine no 102) and I am truly pleased that she has had wonderful relief. However, if the diet she has followed in A Doctor's Proven New Home Cure for Arthritis" by Giraud Campbell is a new cure (was there an old cure?), then why aren't rheumatologists applying it, and why doesn't the ARC stop all its research? And if it is not a cure then why is Giraud Campbell allowed to say it is, deceiving it all? Where are the results of a very large blind clinical trial which would show how effective it is?
I am surprised that the editorial staff of such a quality magazine as yours are condoning the suggestion of this author's "cure".
From Lyn Punt, Blackpool, a pharmacist with rheumatoid arthritis.
Editor's Note: Readers have complete freedom to talk on any subject in The Hints Box, and to share their experiences with fellow arthritis sufferers about any treatment they find beneficial - whether it be conventional or complementary. Obviously these views are not necessarily the views of the ARC, although we make clear in our booklet on diet that exclusion diets can help some patients with RA. It is certainly not a cure, however, for as you know, none yet exists.
More celery seeds
The lady who wrote to The Hints Box about celery seeds as being so effective for her arthritis, did me a favour. At one time, when I woke up in the morning, I could not close my fingers without pain, making dressing very difficult. After a while taking celery seeds, which I still do, the arthritis in my hands has been kept at bay. However, I have a persistent ache in my right knee, which becomes very painful when I bend it, and for this the celery seeds have been ineffective.
Mr W Bawden, Cheltenham.
The wonders of Dr Dong's diet
MAY I recommend to your readers a diet which I find has cured me of rheumatoid arthritis - and I deliberately use the word "cure". I am now 64 and had RA for many years, since the birth of the second of my five children. I was ill for long periods of time and suffered bad side effects, including stomach ulcers, from the drugs I was taking.Then around 15 years ago I read a book called New Hope for the Arthritic by an American doctor called Dr Colin Dong. Since I started the diet I have stopped the drugs and had no symptoms at all – except when I break it either accidentally or deliberately. I have been able to start riding – to the extent of getting a horse fit for a point to point event, and swimming in the sea. I eat no meat, except white chicken and turkey meat, no fruit, apart from an occasional melon, no dairy products, apart from margarine made from vegetable oil. All the food I eat also has to be whey-free so it's important to check packets for ingredients. I can drink white wine, whiskey, and vodka, but cannot touch anything else, including fruit juice or tonic water. If I feel tired, I take a large amount of vitamins and minerals. It may not work for everyone, and the diet has to be strictly adhered to, but it has worked for me and I remain symptom-free. I'm not sure if the book is still in print, but interested readers are welcome to write to me for more information.
Frederica Colfox, Symondsbury House, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 6HB.
How to get the better of RA
After suffering from rheumatoid arthritis for 13 years I have learned that doctors and specialists are only interested in and capable of treating the disease itself. They know nothing about improving the quality of life or how you can improve pain yourself and increase mobility. I found myself an osteopath, which helps movement and stops the joints seizing up. Secondly, diet can mean a reduction in pain. Set up in your mind a pain scale from 1–5. Write down every day exactly what you eat even down to pepper or other flavourings used in the food or extra sauces you put on. Every evening write down the pain you experience. This way you will find out if anything eaten increases pain levels. In my case it is citrus fruit, strawberries and prawns. A good quality specialised oil capsule and celery tablets have also worked wonders for me. Don't let the disease control you – you control it – this is the recipe for a better quality of life.
J.M. Travers Clark, Abergavenny, Gwent.
Strange fruit
I am an OAP and have arthritic knees. I have a strange remedy for osteoarthritis - put a packet of golden raison in a bowl and cover with gin and leave for seven days. Then eat nine a day – it is reputed to start working in three to four weeks. And they taste good too!
Mrs G Grant, Leafileld Oxfordshire.
Diet may work
Since last year when diabetes was diagnosed, and J had to change my diet, I have found that inflammation of my joints has been reduced. May I suggest that other arthritis sufferers try reducing their intake of sugar and fats as an alternative to taking drugs? It is important to check packets for sugar and fat contents.
J. Anderson, Newcastle upon Tyne.
