Fruit & Arthritis link ??

[Primrose]

For the past few days I've been eating lots of mixed fruit compote, containing a high propotion of freshly picked rhubarb & redcurrants. I now seem to feel really stiff and arthritic (far more than usual, and as I haven't been doing any really heavy gardening, wonder if there's a link between arthritis and acid fruit. (or do I just not want to admit to myself that I'm getting older ??)

[PLUMPUDDING]

Hi Primrose,

I have the same problem - stiff creaky joints when I've been eating lots of strawberries, plums, etc. Tomatoes, peppers and aubergines also play havoc, but I don't care. I enjoy eating them.

I find that eating lots of celery counteracts this as it helps clear the crystaline deposits from the joints.

[Chantal]

I was told many years ago that my grandmother was avoiding rhubarb as it's very bad for arthritis.

[Primrose]

That's a shame. I have two clumps still producing prolifically at the moment. Can't bear the thought of it going to waste, although I've also heard that rhubarb wasn't good for those with arthritis.

[alan refail]

This from Arthritis Research Campaign should be authoritatative.

[old codger]

Hi Primrose i wondered why i have been struggling to get my knees into gear this last fortnight ,they have been aching terrible.
I have been picking raspberries, and gooseberries, and also eating plenty at the same time that could be the cause of it. By the way it is my fruit i'm picking.

[Primrose]

Maybe I should try squeezing the cod liver oil into my knee joints instead of swallowing them !

Have been picking gooseberries today on the basis of "pick one, eat one", so I'll probably be as stiff as a board tomorrow!

[PLUMPUDDING]

You might find this interesting - www.templewiltoncommunityfarm.com/grow_celery.htm

[Colin_M]

You might find this interesting - www.templewiltoncommunityfarm.com/grow_celery.htm

Just a gentle word of caution on the website listed above.

I was fascinated about the information on it. However I guess that high concentrations of "Sodium and Chlorine" might need to be watched for by those with high blood pressure, or generally watching their sodium intake.

Also, the final paragraph says "Celery is also an excellent source of natural insulin". I fnd this interesting and surprising. I'm also pretty sure that humans who have diabetes can't take normal insulin by mouth as it is broken down by our digestive system before it can reach the bloodstream (and hence is normally injected). From that point of view, any insulin actually in celery might be of limited use....

I'm sure Tigger can provide guidance, if required.

[lizzie]

I have been told that a good natural remedy for arthritis is the following.

1tsp cidar vinegar
1tsp warm honey

Mix this into a glass of water and drink 3 times a day.

Apparently it breaks up the chrytals that form inside the joints

Just to point out that you should always seek medical advice before blah blah blah blah.......you all know the speil

[peter]

Oxalic acid in rhubarb see http://www.herb-health-guide.com/bones-muscles.html where it says

Foods to avoid
One cause of rheumatism and arthritis may be the accumulation of toxins or waste products in the affected tissues. This may occur when people eat foods that are wrong for their bodies (because of food sensitivities and allergies). You should look at avoiding the following foods if you have a rheumatic disease:

Gluten, a component of wheat, rye, oats and barley, is a leading food in allergies.
Dairy products.
Red meat and eggs.
Overly acid foods, such as vinegar and pickles.
Foods that are rich in oxalic acid, such as rhubarb, gooseberries and black and red currents.
Coffee, tea, alcohol or anything that includes black grapes, refined sugar and salt.
Avoid members of the 'nightshade' family of foods, since they can cause joint problems. These include:
paprika,
potatoes,
tomatoes,
eggplant, and
peppers.
Beneficial foods
Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Citrus fruit, despite their acid content, have an alkaline action on the metabolism. Vegetables, particularly the green and root vegetables, should be eaten in abundance. This should include: cabbage, celery and turnip.

While you avoid red meats and eggs, eating fish, particularly oily fish, is acceptable. Drink plenty of pure water which will flush the system and act as a detoxifier. Also, Evening primrose oil has an anti-inflammatory effect and may be useful.

[Primrose]

Life is unfair! When I started growing rhubarb, gooseberries, and red & black currants I was too young to worry about developing arthritis!
I can't bear to dig them all up now some of the joints are starting to get a bit stiff !

[Geoff]

I wouldn't worry Primrose, I would suggest that posting is total bollocks, if you avoided all those items you would cure your aches and pains by starving to death! Did you hear the story today about the lady who got brain damage by following the advice of one of these quacks? Eat a well mixed traditional diet with plenty of your own fruit and veg, stop worrying about whether they are good for you, be positive and you'll be healthy.

[alan refail]

Geoff

My posting above from the ARC supports your view. It places a lot of emphasis on eating loads of fruit and vegetables.

[oldherbaceous]

Why does everything these days have to be so complicated and contradictory.

I just like it simple,

An apple a day keeps the Doctor away.