Arthritis is said to affect 46 million people, with 1.3 million of those presenting with Rheumatoid Arthritis - the autoimmune version. Today, conventional treatment consists of some pretty harsh drugs that control a degree of the symptoms, with a rash of side effects. But, what if we have more control over the agony of our joints than we originally thought? We do.

Starting with diet, research supports that diet can have a profound effect on RA from several different positions. Many of those who endure the pain of arthritis find that when they eliminate wheat or gluten from their diets, the swelling and pain go down tremendously. Others find that they are sensitive to pasteurized dairy products, foods in the "nightshade" family (potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant), coffee (decaf can be worse than regular), wine and other alcoholic beverages, and sugar/carbohydrates in many forms.

To find out if you are sensitive, take one of these categories at a time and completely (that means 100 percent) eliminate it from your diet for two to six weeks. Note how well you feel. Then reintroduce those foods - eat/drink a lot (except alcohol!) - enough to make a good test, and see how you feel. It may not be that day, but generally by the second or third day, you can tell the difference. Thereafter, avoid the food that you're sensitive to. After a while of omitting the offending food, if you eat it, you'll really be able to tell the difference in your RA.

Nutrient deficiencies can also impact RA. Vitamins A, D, E and Omega 3 fatty acids are all essential components of healthy joints and when added to the diet from whole food sources (not from fake/synthetic vitamin sources), it can substantially help with RA. Also needed are calcium, magnesium, selenium, boron, iron, potassium, Vitamin C, and some of the B vitamins - all from real foods. Sulfur-containing foods such as broccoli, kale, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts and cabbage are beneficial, and the body also needs good proteins to build healthy tissue. Some raw protein is essential to healthy synovial fluid in the joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis not only has a strong immune component to it, but also a digestive component. Studies have found that RA sufferers tend to have abnormal gut bacteria/flora and insufficient hydrochloric acid (stomach enzyme) levels. Many tend to have blood sugar issues, with impaired glucose tolerance, and benefit from a sugar-free diet (including an artificial sweetener-free diet).

Stress and emotional duress are critical components that may contribute to RA, as well. Stress reduction activities could go far in helping these individuals.

The bottom line is that if you are suffering from agonizing joints, there is much you can do to help yourself.

Learn more! Sign up to attend our upcoming health class, "Battling Auto-Immune Disease Naturally," Wednesday, Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. in Coeur d'Alene. Fee: $10. RSVP: (208) 765-1994.

Holly Carling is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Naturopathy, Clinical Nutritionist and Master Herbologist with more than 32 years of experience. She is currently accepting new patients and offers natural health-care services and whole food nutritional supplements in her Coeur d'Alene clinic. Visit Carling's website at www.vitalhealthandfitness.com to learn more about Carling, view a list of upcoming health classes and read other informative articles. Carling can be reached at (208) 765-1994 and would be happy to answer any questions regarding this topic.