Autoimmune conditions

[Jhanananda]

I hope Sam, and the rest of the members do not mind that I started a new subsection for health and fitness and moved Sam's health blog here.  Sam's health blog has helped me understand my condition and its treatment much more.  I hope if others have something to contribute to health and fitness, as it applies to the contemplative life, that they will feel free to post their contribution to this subject.

I have had an Autoimmune condition since I was a teenager.  The symptoms are similar to Reiter's Syndrome, which is otherwise known as Reactive arthritis; however, for me it is far more than arthritis.  Arthritis is just one of the suit of conditions in which inflammations have manifested in my body since I was 15 years old. 

The symptoms started manifesting as joint pain, but became asthma, allergies, and so many other manifestations, which has brought me to consider that Autoimmune conditions are simply a manifestation of inflammation, and inflammations simply manifest in an organ that might be weakest at that point in time, so trying to name a particular condition, I believe, is fruitless.  It is all just Autoimmune condition.

To control this bazaar, and seemingly random suit of inflammations I took up a contemplative life when I was 20, because I found that by reducing stress, practicing meditation, and leading a disciplined life, that my inflammation episodes were reduced in frequency and intensity.  I also took up an anti-inflammatory diet system.  An anti-inflammatory diet system is essentially low-carb, healthy foods that are low in preservatives, artificial flavors, sweeteners, preferably organic, and mostly raw.

Nonetheless, regardless of how disciplined a contemplative we might be, life just has many stresses that we must meet.  For instance my starter motor burned out, when I was camping in the forest 10 miles from the nearest auto parts store.  Once I got the van running I still had to remove the starter motor, which was no small task. 

By the end of the day my body was exhausted, and my joints were inflamed.  So, I took 325mg of aspirin, and lay down in meditation for an hour.  As the depth of my meditation increased I noticed spontaneous releases of tension in the form of limb-jerks, which are called 'kriyas' in Sanskrit.  The next day I found my body exhausted.  The day following the body exhibited considerable recuperation.  Since I realized that my condition is essentially just inflammation, then I now take 1 325mg of aspirin 3 times a day, one at each meal.  The treatment program has improved my over-all health immensely.

[Jhanananda]

This thread on Autoimmune conditions would be aided by a post that I posted to Sam's health blog.

I know that fermented food is good but not over consumption.

Well, it has always been my point that moderate use of fermented foods, such as beer and wine, could be used as medicine. Most days I try to have one beer for health.  Doing so, I find my health improved.  However, sometimes I either forget to have my daily beer, or I cannot afford it.

When I got that beer was a health food, in moderation was when I began to look at all beverages, as well as beer, in a new light.  Most beverages rely heavily upon sugar as a flavoring agent. 

Becoming diabetic meant I could not drink most beverages, other than water, which is fine.  However, since beer is fermented, then the sugars and starches will have been consumed by the yeasts and converted into alcohol and protein.  This means beer is just a beverage, in moderation.

Additionally, when I first discovered that there was something in beer, that was not in most liquids, or other alcoholic beverages, that reduced the inflammation of my arthritis, it was then that I realized that beer was not just a low-carb, and low-sugar beverage, but that it was an anti-inflammatory, which is medicine.

Now, as someone with an auto-immune disorder, one has to find an anti-inflammatory. When I looked into anti-inflammatories, I realized that they all have some serious side effects, most of which is ulcers, because they are hard on the stomach lining. However, beer is not in moderation.  This meant I could treat my auto-immune disorder with moderate use of beer.

So, now we have to determine what is moderate use of beer?  I do not know if this is true or not, but somewhere along the line I learned that a full-grown, average sized, male could drink one 12oz beer every hour without having his blood-alcohol level ever go above the legal limit, because the rate of metabolism and evaporation through the skin and breath, etc, would keep the blood-alcohol level below the legal limit.  It seems reasonable.

I recently had an inflammation event that went on for a week and a half.  To treat it I started out with rest, and drinking three 12oz beers a day.  It helped, but not enough to make progress with what has to be done to prepare for this retreat.  So, I tried increasing the does to six 12oz beers a day.  It helped, but it did not end the inflammation cycle.

I then resorted to taking one 325mg aspirin every 4 hours, which turned into 5 a day by taking one upon arising from sleep and one at each meal, and one just before bed.  I noticed an immediate improvement; and 2 days on that regimen broke the inflammation cycle. 

I plan from now on to take aspirin every day, but I need to find a dosage level that will not cause ulcers.  I am going to guess that one a day at the first meal will not cause adverse side effects.  However, I plan to also keep on my daily beer intake, to further help with controlling these inflammation events, while reducing my dependence upon anti-inflammatories, which tend to be hard on the stomach lining.

Anyhow, here is another article on astaxanthin.
http://www.jarretmorrow.com/health-benefits-astaxanthin/

Thank-you the link was very helpful.

[Jhanananda]

After posting the first post on this thread I began to notice stomach cramps every afternoon, after 2 months of taking 325mg of aspirin at every meal, so after a few days of experimenting with my diet, I realized that the stomach cramps were being caused by the daily regimen on aspirin at every meal.  I have since cut out aspirin altogether and the stomach cramps have slowly subsided until there were just a few painful events yesterday.  I do not expect to feel any more stomach cramps today. 

I will remain off aspirin for another week or so, then I will try a lower dosage.  Possibly the 81mg dose at each meal.

[Jhanananda]

After about 2 weeks off of aspirin, I found increasing levels of inflammation from the required effort and stresses to keep my life functioning enough to be useful to others.  So, yesterday I took one 325mg aspirin at the morning meal.  It reduced the inflammation, but I did not experience stomach cramps.  So, this morning I repeated the dose to help with stress-related inflammation.  So far my health is improving.

[Jhanananda]

I have had the symptoms of an autoimmune disorder, which has resulted in rheumatoid arthritis and chronic fatigue.  The possible conditions are: Fibromyalgia; Ankylosing spondylitis; Reactive arthritis

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a medical condition characterised by chronic widespread pain and a heightened pain response to pressure.[2] Other symptoms include feeling tired to a degree that normal activities are affected, sleep problems, and troubles with memory.[3] Some people also report restless legs syndrome, bowel or bladder problems, numbness and tingling, and sensitivity to noise, lights or temperature.[4] Fibromyalgia is frequently associated with depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Other types of chronic pain are also frequently present.[3]

The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown but believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors with half the risk attributed to each.[3][4] The condition runs in families and many genes are believed to be involved.[5] Environmental factors may include psychological stress, trauma, and certain infections.[3] The pain appears to result from processes in the central nervous system and the condition is referred to as a "central sensitization syndrome".[2][3] Fibromyalgia is recognized as a disorder by the US National Institutes of Health and the American College of Rheumatology.[4][6] There is no specific diagnostic test.[4] Diagnosis involves first ruling out other potential causes and verifying that a set number of symptoms are present.[3][4]

The treatment of fibromyalgia can be difficult. Recommendations often include getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet.[4] Cognitive behavioral therapy may also be helpful.[3] The medications duloxetine, milnacipran, or pregabalin may be used.[4] Use of opioid pain medication is controversial with some stating they are poorly supported[4][7] and others saying that weak opioids may be reasonable if other medications are not effective.[8] Dietary supplements also lack evidence to support their use. While fibromyalgia can last a long time, it does not result in death or tissue damage.[4]

Fibromyalgia is estimated to affect 2–8% of the population. Females are affected about twice as often as males. Rates appear similar in different areas of the world and among different cultures. Fibromyalgia was first defined in 1990 with updated criteria in 2011.[3] There is controversy about the classification, diagnosis, and treatment of fibromyalgia.[9][10] While some feel the diagnosis of fibromyalgia may negatively affect a person, other research finds it to be beneficial.[3] The term "fibromyalgia" is from New Latin, fibro-, meaning "fibrous tissues", Greek μυώ myo-, "muscle", and Greek άλγος algos, "pain"; thus the term literally means "muscle and connective tissue pain".[11]

Ankylosing spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS), also known as Bekhterev's disease, Bekhterev-Strümpell-Marie disease, Marie's disease, Marie–Strümpell arthritis, Pierre–Marie's disease,[1] is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease of the axial skeleton, with variable involvement of peripheral joints and nonarticular structures. AS is one of the seronegative spondyloarthropathies[2] and has a strong genetic predisposition.[3] It mainly affects joints in the spine and the sacroiliac joint in the pelvis. In severe cases, complete fusion and rigidity of the spine can occur.[4]

"Bamboo spine" develops when the outer fibers of the fibrous ring of the Intervertebral discs ossify, which results in the formation of marginal syndesmophytes between adjoining vertebrae. The word is from Greek ankylos, crooked; spondylos, vertebra; -itis, inflammation.

Signs and symptoms
The signs and symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis often appear gradually, with peak onset being between 20 and 30 years of age.[5]

The initial symptoms are usually a chronic dull pain in the lower back or gluteal region combined with stiffness of the lower back.[6]

Individuals often experience pain and stiffness that awakens them in the early morning hours.[7]

As the disease progresses, loss of spinal mobility and chest expansion, with a limitation of anterior flexion, lateral flexion, and extension of the lumbar spine, are seen.

Systemic features are common, with weight loss, fever, or fatigue often present.[8]

Pain is often severe at rest but improves with physical activity. However, many experience inflammation and pain to varying degrees regardless of rest and movement.

AS can occur in any part of the spine or the entire spine, often with pain referred to one or the other buttock or the back of the thigh from the sacroiliac joint.

Arthritis in the hips and shoulders may also occur.

When the condition presents before the age of 18, it is relatively likely to cause pain and swelling of large limb joints, particularly the knee.

In prepubescent cases, pain and swelling may also manifest in the ankles and feet, where heel spurs may also develop. Less commonly ectasia of the sacral nerve root sheaths may occur.

About 40% of people with AS will also experience inflammation of the anterior chamber of the eye, causing eye pain, redness, floaters and sensitivity to light. This is thought to be due to the association that both AS and uveitis have with the inheritance of the HLA-B27 antigen. Inflammation of the prostate occurs with increased frequency in men. Cardiovascular involvement may include inflammation of the aorta, aortic valve insufficiency or disturbances of the heart's electrical conduction system. Lung involvement is characterized by progressive fibrosis of the upper portion of the lung.

As disease onset is generally in early adulthood the effects are present for most of the patient’s life. Progression may continue through what should be economically active years. It is reported that two-thirds of male patients have difficulty at work, one-third has social problems, and up to two-thirds report having difficulty with sexual activity. Reactive depression and frustration are noted, together with impaired self-esteem and social skills. Energy-related problems are also widely reported. All these features denote significant effects of the disease on lifestyle.[9

Pathophysiology
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a systemic rheumatic disease, meaning it affects the entire body. Approximately 90% of people with AS express the HLA-B27 genotype, meaning there is a strong genetic association. 1-2% of individuals with the HLA-B27 genotype contract the disease.[10] Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF α) and IL-1 are also implicated in ankylosing spondylitis. Autoantibodies specific for AS have not been identified. Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs) are associated with AS, but do not correlate with disease severity.[citation needed]

The association of AS with HLA-B27 suggests the condition involves CD8 T cells, which interact with HLA-B.[citation needed] This interaction is not proven to involve a self-antigen, and at least in the related reactive arthritis, which follows infections, the antigens involved are likely to be derived from intracellular microorganisms.[citation needed] There is, however, a possibility that CD4+ T lymphocytes are involved in an aberrant way, since HLA-B27 appears to have a number of unusual properties, including possibly an ability to interact with T cell receptors in association with CD4 (usually CD8+ cytotoxic T cell with HLAB antigen as it is a MHC class 1 antigen).

Reactive arthritis

Reactive arthritis
Reactive arthritis is classified as an autoimmune condition that develops in response to an infection in another part of the body (cross-reactivity). Coming into contact with bacteria and developing an infection can trigger the disease.[1] By the time the patient presents with symptoms, often the "trigger" infection has been cured or is in remission in chronic cases, thus making determination of the initial cause difficult.

The arthritis often is coupled with other characteristic symptoms; this is called Reiter's syndrome, Reiter's disease or Reiter's arthritis. The term "reactive arthritis" is increasingly used as a substitute for this designation because of Hans Conrad Julius Reiter's war crimes with the Nazi Party. The manifestations of reactive arthritis include the following triad of symptoms: an inflammatory arthritis of large joints, inflammation of the eyes in the form of conjunctivitis or uveitis, and urethritis in men or cervicitis in women. Arthritis occurring alone following sexual exposure or enteric infection is also known as reactive arthritis. Patients can also present with mucocutaneous lesions, as well as psoriasis-like skin lesions such as circinate balanitis, and keratoderma blennorrhagicum. Enthesitis can involve the Achilles tendon resulting in heel pain.[2] Not all affected persons have all the manifestations.

The clinical pattern of reactive arthritis commonly consists of an inflammation of fewer than five joints which often includes the knee or sacroiliac joint. The arthritis may be "additive" (more joints become inflamed in addition to the primarily affected one) or "migratory" (new joints become inflamed after the initially inflamed site has already improved).[3][4]

Reactive arthritis is an RF-seronegative, HLA-B27-linked arthritis[5] often precipitated by genitourinary or gastrointestinal infections. The most common triggers are intestinal infections (with Salmonella, Shigella or Campylobacter) and sexually transmitted infections (with Chlamydia trachomatis).[6]

It most commonly strikes individuals aged 20–40 years of age, is more common in men than in women, and more common in white than in black people. This is owing to the high frequency of the HLA-B27 gene in the white population.[7][8] It can occur in epidemic form. Patients with HIV have an increased risk of developing reactive arthritis as well.

A large number of cases during World Wars I and II focused attention on the triad of arthritis, urethritis, and conjunctivitis (often with additional mucocutaneous lesions), which at that time was also referred to as Fiessenger-Leroy-Reiter syndrome.[9]

Signs and symptoms

    Because common systems involved include the eye, the urinary system, and the hands and feet, one clinical mnemonic in reactive arthritis is "Can't see, can't pee, can't climb a tree."[10] The classic triad consists of:
        Nongonococcal urethritis
        Asymmetric oligoarthritis
        Conjunctivitis
    Symptoms generally appear within 1–3 weeks but can range from 4 to 35 days from the onset of the inciting episode of the disease.
    The classical presentation of the syndrome starts with urinary symptoms such as burning pain on urination (dysuria) or an increased frequency of urination. Other urogenital problems may arise such as prostatitis in men and cervicitis, salpingitis and/or vulvovaginitis in women.
    It presents with monoarthritis affecting the large joints such as the knees and sacroiliac spine causing pain and swelling. An asymmetrical inflammatory arthritis of interphalangeal joints may be present but with relative sparing of small joints such as the wrist and hand.
    Patient can have enthesitis presenting as heel pain, Achilles tendinitis or plantar fasciitis, along with balanitis circinata (circinate balanitis), which involves penile lesions present in roughly 20 to 40 percent of the men with the disease.
    A small percentage of men and women develop small hard nodules called keratoderma blennorrhagicum on the soles of the feet and, less commonly, on the palms of the hands or elsewhere. The presence of keratoderma blennorrhagica is diagnostic of reactive arthritis in the absence of the classical triad. Subcutaneous nodules are not a feature.
    Ocular involvement (mild bilateral conjunctivitis) occurs in about 50% of men with urogenital reactive arthritis syndrome and about 75% of men with enteric reactive arthritis syndrome. Conjunctivitis and uveitis can include redness of the eyes, eye pain and irritation, or blurred vision. Eye involvement typically occurs early in the course of reactive arthritis, and symptoms may come and go.
    Dactylitis, or "sausage digit," a diffuse swelling of a solitary finger or toe, is a distinctive feature of reactive arthritis and other peripheral spondylarthritides but can also be seen in polyarticular gout and sarcoidosis.
    Mucocutaneous lesions can be present. Common findings include oral ulcers that come and go. In some cases, these ulcers are painless and go unnoticed. In the oral cavity, the patients may suffer from recurrent aphthous stomatitis, geographic tongue and migratory stomatitis in higher prevalence than the general population.[11]
    Some patients suffer serious gastrointestinal problems similar to those of Crohn's disease.
    About 10 percent of people with reactive arthritis, especially those with a prolonged course of the disease, will develop cardiac manifestations, including aortic regurgitation and pericarditis. Reiter's syndrome has been described as a precursor of other joint conditions, including ankylosing spondylitis.

Causes
See also: List of human leukocyte antigen alleles associated with cutaneous conditions

Reactive arthritis is associated with the HLA-B27 gene on chromosome 6 and by the presence of enthesitis as the basic pathologic lesion[12] and is triggered by a preceding infection. The most common triggering infection in the US is a genital infection with Chlamydia trachomatis. Other bacteria known to cause reactive arthritis which are more common worldwide are Ureaplasma urealyticum, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., Yersinia spp., and Campylobacter spp.[13]

A bout of food poisoning or a gastrointestinal infection may also precede the disease (the last four genera of bacteria mentioned above are enteric bacteria).[14] Shigella is the most common organism causing reactive arthritis following diarrhea. Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common cause of reactive arthritis following urethritis. Ureaplasma and mycoplasma are rare causes. There is some circumstantial evidence for other organisms causing the disease, but the details are unclear.[14]

Reactive arthritis usually manifests about 1–3 weeks after a known infection. The mechanism of interaction between the infecting organism and the host is unknown. Synovial fluid cultures are negative, suggesting that reactive arthritis is caused either by an autoimmune response involving cross-reactivity of bacterial antigens with joint tissues or by bacterial antigens that have somehow become deposited in the joints.
Diagnosis

There are few clinical symptoms, but the clinical picture is dominated by arthritis in one or more joints, resulting in pain, swelling, redness, and heat sensation in the affected areas.

The urethra, cervix and the throat may be swabbed in an attempt to culture the causative organisms. Cultures may also be carried out on urine and stool samples or on fluid obtained by arthrocentesis.

Tests for C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate are non-specific tests that can be done to corroborate the diagnosis of the syndrome. A blood test for the genetic marker HLA-B27 may also be performed. About 75 percent of all the patients with Reiter's arthritis have this gene.

[Sam Lim]

What is MSM? A Dietary Sulfur Based Anti-Inflammatory Supplement

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xPYedR_U-Q

[Jhanananda]

Thanks, Sam, I have heard a lot of positive anecdotes regarding MSM, so I will have to try it out.

I went to a rheumatologist yesterday and told him my story, and he examined me.  He suggested a version of RA that I had not heard of for my condition.  It is palindromic arthritis.

palindromic arthritis (PR) consists of sudden and rapidly developing attacks of arthritis. There is acute pain, redness, swelling, and disability of one (usually) or multiple joints. The interval between recurrent attacks is extremely variable and how long the attack lasts is also variable. Attacks may last from few hours to days. Attacks may become more frequent with time. There is no joint damage after attacks.

Diagnosis

Due to the symptoms of palindromic arthritis and the nature of the attacks, diagnosis can be difficult or take time. The symptoms can be similar to many other forms of arthritis or other autoimmune diseases. It is often a case of eliminating the other conditions before getting the correct diagnosis due to there being no specific test for PR diagnosis.

No single test can confirm a diagnosis. A doctor may make a diagnosis based on medical history and signs and symptoms. Palindromic rheumatism must be distinguished from acute gouty arthritis and an atypical, acute onset of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Without specific tests (such as analysis of joint fluid), it may be difficult to distinguish palindromic rheumatism from other episodic joint problems. It is important to note that a person may experience more than one autoimmune disorder at the same time. Laboratory findings are usually normal. Blood tests may show an elevation of the ESR and CRP, but are otherwise unremarkable. Rheumatoid factor may be present especially in the group that is likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis.

Anti-citrullinated protein antibody is frequently associated.[1]
Terminology

Palindromic rheumatism derives its name from the term "palindrome" — a word that is spelled the same forward as backward (examples include "kayak" and "mom") — emphasizing how the illness begins and ends in a similar way.

From the Greek palindromos meaning to take the same road once again (palin, again + dromos, pathway).
Presentation

It is a rare type of inflammatory arthritis that causes sudden inflammation in one or several joints, lasts a few hours or up to a few days, and then goes away completely. The problem usually involves 2 or 3 joints, which have onset over hours and last days - weeks, before subsiding. However episodes of recurrence form a pattern, with symptom free periods between attacks lasting for weeks to months. The large joints are most commonly involved. The soft tissues are also involved with the swelling of the periarticular tissues, especially heel pads and the finger pads. Nodules may be found in the subcutaneous tissues. Constitutionally, the patient may or may not have a fever, and swelling of the joints.
Causes

Palindromic rheumatism is a disease of unknown cause. It has been suggested that it is an abortive form of rheumatoid arthritis, since anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP) and antikeratin antibodies (AKA) are present in a high proportion of patients, as is the case in rheumatoid arthritis. Unlike RA and some other forms of arthritis, palindromic rheumatism affects men and women equally. Palindromic rheumatism is frequently the presentation for Whipple disease which is caused by the infectious agent Tropheryma whipplei (formerly T. whippelii).

It typically affects people between the ages of 20 and 50. One study showed an average age of onset of 49.[2]

[DDawson]

Hello Jhanananda,

Autoimmune problems seem to be rampant nowadays.  I myself have had two major episodes,  viral arthritis? which left me crippled from the knees down and thumb joints swollen for a couple of months about 10 years ago, and about two years ago I went to a hot springs with friends and a plunge in the hot pool triggered my immune system to attack the optic nerves in my right eye, thereby loosing half my vision in that eye.  Being faced with our potentially fragile health is upsetting, to say the least.  I have been trying to heal my intestinal tract and hopefully my immune system with omega 3 oils, probiotic foods like sour kraut, kimchi and sour dough bread.  I also went from being a strict vegetarian to eating fish and bone broth, which is supposed to be good for the lining of the intestines.  Nsaid pain killers should be avoided  because of their damaging effects to the intestinal tract.  I will take Ibuprophen sometimes because of my cronic inflammation and pain, though its not recommended.  When I feel good I think its working and when I feel bad I think it hopeless.  One thing I can say is that I feel much less allergic which is a big sign something is improving.  I hope you find a diet that really helps and you feel improvement if not a total cure.  Old age, sickness and death,  you know.

[Jhanananda]

Unfortunately as I age whatever condition this is it is definitely getting worse.  I too gave up veganism and now eat what comes my way, as I cannot afford to spend much on food.  All I purchase are eggs and cream these days, as meat and dairy are now free to me.

Over the decades I did consume as many fermented foods as I could, such as: sour kraut, pickles, olives, kimchi and sour dough bread.  I was disappointed to find that US made sour kraut, pickles, and olives are just boiled, then stored in vinegar; which tends to result in gastrointestinal distress for me due to the acidity.  Thus, when I can afford it I purchase these product if they are made in Europe, because they are always fermented there.

I have found since I was 18 that hot springs relieved joint pain and stiffness, so whenever I can get to a hot spring over the decades I would spend as much time there as I could.

[bodhimind]

Sorry to hear that Jhanananda.. I'm currently doing my studies in Medicine and I'm trying to see what kind of complications are possible from Palindromic Arthritis (that's the first time I've read of it) and it possibly leads to chronic RA. Did the rheumatologist suggest any mode of treatment to control it? From what I know... RA is only "manageable" and not cureable in terms of modern medicine.

The only "cure" I've ever heard of from patients is through some of them doing 'complementary medicine' therapies such as acupuncture/chinese medicine. I saw one such review here... But other than that it's been spontaneous remission, I'm not exactly sure as to the extent to which modern medicine can treat it, but I'll take a look.

From my limited knowledge, I know some patients increase omega-3 intake which helps to reduce inflammation in the body, a key feature of auto-immune disease. As well as high anti-oxidant foods like green tea, etc. From my nutritionist friend, he recommends tumeric, ginger, etc.

[DDawson]

Hello Jhanananda,

It seems to me, improving our diet is the only real way to heal our bodies and a let them work more efficiently.  I was eating a lot of whole grains and greens smoothies and had given up dairy before I had my optic myelitis experience.  I thought I was eating healthy and I felt reasonably good.  Of course, I got on the internet and tried to figure out autoimmune problems.  I found a video of a doctor who had multiple sclerosis and none of the other doctors who worked with her could help her, so she investigated all she could and began a diet that eventually put her in remission and maybe even cured her.  It sounded a lot like the paleo diet to me.  Apparently, grains and seeds have natural defenses (poisons and compounds that inhibit the absorption vitamins and minerals) that damage our digestive tract.  Our digestive tract regulates our immune system.  When its broken or damaged, so is our immune system.  Our task is to eat the foods that won't harm our intestines.  For a while after discovering this, I was very strict about my diet but later started eating sour dough bread.  I've since learned the microorganism's  digest most of the toxic compounds in the flour make it possibly O.K.  Here is what is recommended.  Cut out the dairy.  Eat fewer eggs.  Eat lots of vegetables and fruits.  Take digestive enzymes to help with absorption.  Avoid processed food.  Avoid oils other than good fresh omega 3's and maybe coconut.  Eat (canned) wild caught fish and those that have less chance of heavy metals.  Take bone broth.  If you heal your gut,  you'll get real nutrition from you food and feel better.  Before eating this way, I really felt allergic a lot of the time and that has mostly gone away.  I also feel more awake.  I think these are good signs.  I'm sure money is a problem, but check out your local health food store for bundles of kale and collards.  They're usually reasonably priced.  Some of this can be found in discount stores like the grocery outlet.  I didn't like giving up my favorite foods and eating like this but I want to be healthy.  What to do?  I hope you can figure out a way to heal yourself.  The medical profession wont help.  We're on our own.  One last obvious point is to stay hydrated.  It's possible you felt so bad after fixing your starter because you didn't replace all that you were loosing.  I do that all the time.  Wish I could help more. 

[Jhanananda]

Sorry to hear that Jhanananda.. I'm currently doing my studies in Medicine and I'm trying to see what kind of complications are possible from Palindromic Arthritis (that's the first time I've read of it) and it possibly leads to chronic RA. Did the rheumatologist suggest any mode of treatment to control it? From what I know... RA is only "manageable" and not cureable in terms of modern medicine.

Yes, this is a new form of RA that I had not heard of before.  There is no diagnosis yet, so there is no prescribed treatment plan yet.  I just finished a round of blood tests and x-rays.  I am scheduled for another appointment with the rheumatologist on the 29th, so I expect I will hear both his diagnosis and his prescription then.  Yes, the name and form of the RA is fairly irrelevant as the out come is much the same.  There is no cure, there is only treatment, and it only gets worse.

The only "cure" I've ever heard of from patients is through some of them doing 'complementary medicine' therapies such as acupuncture/chinese medicine. I saw one such review here... But other than that it's been spontaneous remission, I'm not exactly sure as to the extent to which modern medicine can treat it, but I'll take a look.

Yes, I have used various forms of 'complementary medicine' over the years to treat my RA.  It has never cured it, but the symptoms have been managed, and deterioration seems to have been reduced until the last 8 years.  I appreciate your interest in looking into treatment plans, and look forward to whatever you have to recommend.

From my limited knowledge, I know some patients increase omega-3 intake which helps to reduce inflammation in the body, a key feature of auto-immune disease. As well as high anti-oxidant foods like green tea, etc. From my nutritionist friend, he recommends tumeric, ginger, etc.

Yes, I understand that RA is considered an auto-immune disease; and mine seems to be so.  Yes, I agree anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory foods, such as: tumeric and ginger,  help a great deal, and they have been very much a part of my diet for more than 40 years.  I have found considerable results in adding anthocynin and hops to my daily diet in the last 10 years.  So far the 2 have been the most effective means of control RA that I have found, but they are not a cure.

Hot springs and learning deep relaxation, and avoiding stress have also been very useful to maintaining my health.

Hello Jhanananda,

It seems to me, improving our diet is the only real way to heal our bodies and a let them work more efficiently.  I was eating a lot of whole grains and greens smoothies and had given up dairy before I had my optic myelitis experience.  I thought I was eating healthy and I felt reasonably good. 

I had pursued the concept of "we are what we eat" for 43 years until I found I simply could not control my blood sugar through diet.  Unless you consider that avoiding drinking tap water is a part of diet.  Nonetheless, I also found metforman was a critical part of finally finding relative control of my blood sugar; and anthocynic and hops for controlling my RA.

Of course, I got on the internet and tried to figure out autoimmune problems.  I found a video of a doctor who had multiple sclerosis and none of the other doctors who worked with her could help her, so she investigated all she could and began a diet that eventually put her in remission and maybe even cured her.  It sounded a lot like the paleo diet to me.  Apparently, grains and seeds have natural defenses (poisons and compounds that inhibit the absorption vitamins and minerals) that damage our digestive tract. 

I actualy do not by this in many ways, as I know from doing the archaeology myself, that the Paleo Indian diet included foraged wild grass seed, and varieties of amaranth.  However, I have found relative control of my blood sugar on an ultra-low carb diet, which has many similarities to the Paleo Diet.  The argument that I use is too many carbs lead to spikes in blood sugar, which damages the body, and results in decline in the pancreas and other organs.

Our digestive tract regulates our immune system.  When its broken or damaged, so is our immune system.  Our task is to eat the foods that won't harm our intestines. 

I agree here, but I am convinced that our digestive tract depends heavily upon friendly flora, and surely a healthy intestinal flora supports a healthy immune system.  It is possible that the over use of antibiotics is at the root of damaging our friendly intestinal flora.

For a while after discovering this, I was very strict about my diet but later started eating sour dough bread.  I've since learned the microorganism's  digest most of the toxic compounds in the flour make it possibly O.K. 

Yes, I found eating sour dough whole grain bread more than 40 years ago was good for my healthy, so it was in my daily diet until about 8 years ago, when I could no longer afford to purchase food.  I then only ate it when I found a loaf at the food bank.

Here is what is recommended.  Cut out the dairy. 

Wrong for me.  I was vegan for 37 years.  Now fermented dairy products are in my daily diet, and I find they are a critical aspect of supporting my health.

Eat fewer eggs. 

Wrong.  Eggs are the supper-food of chromium, and the pancreas needs chromium, so not eating them for 37 years may very well be the cause of my diabetes, so now I eat at least 1 egg per day, and preferably 4 per day.  They are also zero carb.  It also just so happens that even monkeys eat eggs, so they were surely part of the true Paleo-diet.

Eat lots of vegetables and fruits.  Take digestive enzymes to help with absorption. 

I did this for 37 years, now I have to avoid most fruit because they are high in carbs.  The Paleo people fermented their carbs, which got them digestive enzymes and friendly flora, while reducing the carbs.

Avoid processed food. 

That is a given, and I did so for 37 years.

Avoid oils other than good fresh omega 3's and maybe coconut. 

I do not buy the avoidance of vegetable oil, as Paleo peoples consumed a variety of oils for thousands of years without developing significant levels of disease.

Eat (canned) wild caught fish and those that have less chance of heavy metals.  Take bone broth.  If you heal your gut,  you'll get real nutrition from you food and feel better.  Before eating this way, I really felt allergic a lot of the time and that has mostly gone away.  I also feel more awake.  I think these are good signs.  I'm sure money is a problem, but check out your local health food store for bundles of kale and collards.  They're usually reasonably priced.  Some of this can be found in discount stores like the grocery outlet.  I didn't like giving up my favorite foods and eating like this but I want to be healthy.  What to do?  I hope you can figure out a way to heal yourself.  The medical profession wont help.  We're on our own.  One last obvious point is to stay hydrated.  It's possible you felt so bad after fixing your starter because you didn't replace all that you were loosing.  I do that all the time.  Wish I could help more. 

Thanks for your advice.  It is good that you are finding results in your new diet regimen.  I believe we should all eat foods that make us feel good, as I did for decades, and you are now doing so.

[RoanF]

I hope you do not mind me adding in on this. I posted on the forum before about my health and I will tell you part of my health story and propose what I think might be the cause for your RA, Jhanananda. I will tell the rest later as I have no time currently.

I used a toothpaste with 5 times the normal amount of fluoride compared to regular fluoridated toothpastes. This toothpaste would often slide down the brush and down my arm while brushing but I didn't think anything of it. After a month of use I began to have pains in the shoulder that I used to brush my teeth, then one day I woke up and it felt as if it were in a vice, I ate and soon after the pain left. Right before the end of that month of use I also accidentally swallowed some toothpaste and felt a stabbing pain in my forearm in 3 separate locations; I had other symptoms such as nausea,headaches, almost vomiting, and hypersensitivity to water when it touched my skin - especially when showering. The next day I urinated 3 small chunks of white – I suspect this was my bone. I stopped using the toothpaste, switched to a mineral toothpaste and did some research.

I then started displaying early symptoms of an iodine deficiency and found out fluoride can inhibit iodine absorption. I started eating fish and iodised salt and felt immediately better. A few days after I could feel the fluoride seeping from the bones in my arms, spine, jaw and legs, then the pain out the kidneys. That lasted about 1-2 weeks then I started eating normally, but was still in discomfort/pain and my joints were cracking and clicking every few hours, especially my right leg and wrists. I did more research and found out skeletal fluorosis is a thing and am now treating myself for that. I can feel the bones losing their size and returning to their normal size – it is a slow process. I have to avoid washing myself with fluoridated water and ingesting it. I also have to avoid high calcium foods and drinks such as dairy, otherwise I get symptoms of hypercalcemia and need to drink a lot of water and eat some foods containing high amounts of vitamin C. I hate going to doctors so I usually treat myself, if I mess up I end up going anyway. My liver has taken such a beating recently.

The mechanism of action for skeletal fluorosis is below.

The best way to view the mechanism of action by which fluorine breaks down bones and causes skeletal fluorosis is in a stepwise fashion.
1. Fluorine enters the body by two paths: Ingestion or respiration. Both paths lead to corrosion of exposed tissue in high concentrations. Since the most likely form of fluorine to enter the body is hydrogen fluoride (HF) gas, this is what starts the process. Exposed tissues will be utilized by HF in neutralization reactions.[8]
2. This will leave F−free to pass further into the body.
3. It reacts with the concentrated HCl in the stomach to form the weak acid, HF.
4. This compound is then absorbed by the gastro-intestinal tract and passes into the liver via the portal vein. Since elemental F is one of the strongest oxidizers currently known, the anion F−is immune to phase 1 metabolic reactions, which are generally oxidation reactions, in the liver. These reactions are the body’s first line of defense to biotransform harmful compounds into something more hydrophilic and more easily excreted.
5. The HF is now free to pass into the blood stream and be distributed to all tissues including bones.
6. Bones are largely composed of Ca compounds, particularly carbonated hydroxyapatite (Ca5(PO4)3(OH)); the reaction of Ca2+ ions and HF forms an insoluble salt, CaF2.
7. This salt must be cleared by the body, which concomitantly leaches out some of the calcium that would be part of the bone matrix.
8. This process results in increased density, but decreased strength in bones.[9]
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skeletal_fluorosis

But I also think a lifetime of exposure to it on our skin would also cause it, albeit slowly. As I experienced when coming in contact with fluoridated water I would feel ill and my bones with click even louder. - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absorption_(skin)

Skin absorption:

Skin absorption is a route by which substances can enter the body through the skin. Along with inhalation, ingestion and injection, dermal absorption is a route of exposure for toxic substances and route of administration for medication. Absorption of substances through the skin depends on a number of factors, the most important of which are concentration, duration of contact, solubility of medication, and physical condition of the skin and part of the body exposed.

If we look at the water system in Prescott, Arizona – Iron Springs, Yavapai – the fluoride level is 2 ppm (or mg/L). Whereas the CDC puts the recommended as 0.7 ppm (or mg/L). So already Prescott has an above normal level of fluoride in the water. - http://fluoridealert.org/researchers/states/arizona/

The PHS recommendation (0.7 milligrams per liter) identifies the optimal concentration of fluoride to prevent tooth decay while limiting the chance for dental fluorosis, which is a change in the appearance of the tooth enamel.Jul 28, 2015 - https://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/faqs/

Studies in India and China have repeatedly documented skeletal fluorosis at levels as low as 0.7 to 1.5 ppm fluoride. Even studies in the United States — despite being very small in scope — have reported advanced skeletal fluorosis in kidney patients at 1.7 ppm, (Johnson 1979) and crippling skeletal fluorosis at just 2.2 to 3.5 ppm. (Sauerbrunn 1965).- http://fluoridealert.org/issues/health/skeletal_fluorosis/

Evidence for misdiagnoses of rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis:

As reported below, the symptoms of skeletal fluorosis can closely resemble RA, and thus individuals with fluorosis can “easily be mistaken” as having RA. (Kumar 2011). In addition, clinical research on fluoride-treated osteoporosis patients (22 mg/day) has found that fluoride exposure can exacerbate pre-existing RA. (Duell 1991).

Although researchers have yet to examine whether lower doses of fluoride can exacerbate RA, recent research has found that the levels of fluoride found in the blood of the general population (19-57 ppb) are sufficient to effect an enzyme (15-lipoxygenase, also known as 15-LOX) implicated in the inflammatory process. As noted by the authors: “This study indicated that even in small concentrations, fluorides changes the amounts and activity of 15 LOX-1 and -2 enzymes taking part in the development of inflammatory process.” (Gutowska 2012). This is a significant finding because 15-LOX enzymes “are important in the rheumatoid arthritis (RA) inflammatory process.”  (Gheorghe 2009). - http://fluoridealert.org/studies/arthritis03/

"Whereas dental fluorosis is easily recognized, the incipient skeletal involvement is not clinically obvious until the disease has advanced to the state of crippling...[The early cases of the disease] are usually young adults whose only complaints are vague pains most frequently in the small joints of the hands and feet, the joints of knee and spine. Such cases are common in an endemic area. They are misdiagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis." - Jolly SS. (1968). An epidemiological, clinical and biochemical study of endemic, dental and skeletal fluorosis in Punjab. Fluoride. 1(2): 65-75.

"Early bone fluorosis is not clinically obvious; often the only complaints of young adults are vague pains in the small joints of the hands, feet, and lower back. Such cases may be misdiagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis." - Smith GE. (1985). Repetitive Strain Injury, or Incipient Skeletal Fluorosis? (Letter.) New Zealand Medical Journal 98:328.

"In early stages, fluorosis is usually associated only with stiffness, backache, and joint pains which may suggest the diagnosis of rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and osteomalacia. At this stage the radiological findings of skeletal fluorosis may not be evident and therefore most of these cases are either misdiagnosed for other kinds of arthritis or the patients are treated symptomatically for pains of undetermined diagnosis (PUD). The majority of our patients had received treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis before they came under our observation." - Teotia SPS, et al. (1976). Symposium on the Non-Skeletal Phase of Chronic Fluorosis: The Joints. Fluoride 9(1): 19-24. - http://www.slweb.org/CDC-arthritis.html

It should be noted I have been able to crack my elbows as if i were cracking my knuckles. When I first got stomach ulcers, due to the corrosive effects of iron supplements to the GI tract, I also began experiencing joint pain like a dull ache that worsened and my elbows would crack even worse than before even consuming fluoridated/ground/tap water or food contaminated with fluoridated/ground/tap water. Since treating myself with food that contains iodine, a balanced diet and avoiding fluoridated/ground/tap water this cracking has returned to normal and I am hoping it will lessen over time - I am also hoping the cracking in the elbows was initially caused by fluoride absorption through skin over the years I have been alive.

I don't want to sound like a conspiracy nut or that I'm on a crusade against fluoride - I believe it does strengthen the enamel, but you can only strengthen it so much before it breaks and thats called dental fluorosis; which I actually have on one of my tooths. So it might be good for teeth, but I don't think anyone should be ingesting chemicals that are not essential nutrients, that just seems crazy. The evidence might be bias, all I know is what I have experienced. Anyway, I digress. I also read somewhere in the past it can contribute to causing diabetes.

Attached is a picture of the fluoride in Prescott, Arizona and the phases of skeletal fluorosis - note the chronic joint pain; arthritic symptoms at Clinical Phase II and increases in bone mass at Preclinical Phase. Sources found at: http://fluoridealert.org/researchers/states/arizona/ and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skeletal_fluorosis

I'm not sure if it does, but I hope this helps.

[Jhanananda]

Thank-you, Aron, for posting your comments regarding autoimmune conditions.  I had not considered fluoride being a causal agent here; however, I have been aware of the debate on fluoride for decades, and did not use a fluoridated tooth paste for almost 4 decades before I arrived here in Prescott, A, so perhaps using free toothpastes which are all most probably fluoridated, might be a contributing factor.  However, it is doubtful that fluoride was in any of the water in the 60s that I was drinking when my autoimmune condition began to manifest.  The reasonable still looks like an influenza.  Also, for most of my adult years I was drinking purified water, so I do not believe we can blame anything in the local tap water for my cycle of RA during that period.

However, I was not aware that Prescott water has high levels of fluoride.  It also so happens that Prescott water has high levels of arsenic.  So, we have a number of contenders what may have triggered my autoimmune condition after I arrived here 7 years ago.

[RoanF]

It also so happens that Prescott water has high levels of arsenic.

It may be worth investing in a portable water filtration system - I would also wash with this water. I wish I could donate, but I have no money and cannot get a job, I am sorry, Jhanananda. I also had mild asthma when I was a child and my parents bought me a small tree, which I still have, and I recovered. Maybe a small plant would help?