Guide to natural cures for Arthritis

Arthritis:
Arthritis is one of the most common autoimmune disorders, diseases caused by the immune system attacking the body's own tissues. Autoimmune reactions may be triggered by infection, tissue injury, or emotional trauma in people with a genetic predisposition to them. Patients who are dependent on conventional medicine are less likely to respond to natural treatments.

Natural Cure:
Lifestyle changes can moderate autoimmunity, and other strategies can help you control the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

- Follow a low-protein, high-carbohydrate diet; minimize consumption of foods of animal origin.

- Eliminate milk and milk products including commercial foods made with milk

- Avoid all polyunsaturated vegetable oils, margarine, vegetable shortening, and products made with partially hydrogenated oils of any kind.

- Increase intake of omega-3 fatty acids by eating more cold water fish, walnuts or freshly ground flaxseeds. You may also want to consider taking a fish oil supplement to help keep your protein intake low.

- Get regular aerobic exercise (swimming is best for those with rheumatoid arthritis).

- Practice relaxation techniques. In addition, visualization can help moderate autoimmune responses, and psychotherapy can help you change emotional states that keep the immune system off balance.

- Try hypnotherapy or guided imagery. Look for a therapist willing to take on an autoimmune disease. Meditation and yoga can help, too.

- Avoid health care practitioners who make you feel pessimistic about your condition.

- Eliminate or reduce intake of coffee and tobacco as both have been liked to an increased risk for rheumatoid arthritis.