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Does Fasting Help Rheumatoid Arthritis?

The AHA! Team — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 05:19:42 +0000

Michael Greger M.D. FACLM via Nutrition Facts – Fasting, followed by a plant-based diet, is put to the test for autoimmune inflammatory joint disease. Does Fasting Help Rheumatoid Arthritis? Alan Goldhamer is the founder of the TrueNorth Health Center in Santa Rosa, California, where 10,000 individuals have fasted for “a variety of conditions from diabetes and cardiovascular disease to autoimmune diseases.” He noted that “conditions that seemed to be tied to dietary excess tended to respond predictably to the use of fasting followed by a health-promoting diet,” which he describes as one that is “low salt, vegan, high fiber, low fat, low protein, and low sugar.” This approach offers people an option to make lifestyle changes “This approach offers people an option to make lifestyle changes, eliminate the cause of the problem, and stabilize their conditions, to the point where the medication is no longer needed.” It’s in contrast to “conventional medicine, which is more about the suppression of the symptoms associated with the disease, rather than removing the underlying mechanisms by which they are caused.” Said Dr. Goldhamer: “If you treat high blood pressure medically, they tell you, ‘You must take these drugs the rest of your life.’ If you have diabetes, they’ll tell you, ‘You’ll be on these medications the rest of your life.’ If you have autoimmune disease, like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriasis, or eczema, you will be told, ‘You must be on medications the rest of your life,’ because medicine guarantees you will never recover…” “They promise you, if you follow their advice explicitly, you will be sick the rest of your life.” Preliminary data suggest that fasting may benefit “metabolic diseases, pain syndromes, hypertension [high blood pressure], chronic inflammatory diseases, atopic [allergic] diseases, and psychosomatic disorders,” but the highest level of evidence we have for the benefits of fasting are in regard to rheumatic diseases—autoimmune inflammatory joint diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis. Nearly a century ago, it was written that “diet treatment is not generally recognized by the medical profession…as one of the weapons with which to attack rheumatic conditions.” This attitude persisted until relatively recently, but a systematic review of controlled trials has since shown “a statistically and clinically significant beneficial long-term effect.” Rheumatoid arthritis has a well-known genetic component Rheumatoid arthritis has a well-known genetic component, but the concordance rate—that is, the chance that a pair of identical twins both get it when one has it—is probably less than 30 percent, despite the twins having the same genes. That leaves 70 percent to be explained by nongenetic factors. Even if we don’t know exactly what those factors are, “fasting is very similar to rebooting the hard drive in a computer. Sometimes, the computer gets corrupted, and you do not know exactly where the problem is. But if you just turn it off and reboot it, a lot of times, that corruption gets cleared out.” The evidence base started with case reports of water-only fasting followed by a plant-based diet. There were remarkable reports of years of pain and stiffness that were not only gone within a week but, more importantly, stayed gone on the healthier diet. One after another, just like that. But case reports are merely glorified anecdotes. There have been studies going back decades suggesting that “fasting may represent the most rapid and most available way of inducing relief of arthritic pain and swelling for patients who have RA,” rheumatoid arthritis, but they often failed to control for the placebo effect, which is “particularly important whenever self-reporting systems are used (reports on general well-being, pain, stiffness, tiredness, and the like)”—that is, subjective symptoms. Fasting may represent the most rapid and most available way of inducing relief of arthritic pain and swelling for patients who have RA There are objective measures, however, including lab tests of inflammation that don’t appear to be affected by placebos. As shown below and at 3:22 in my video Fasting for Rheumatoid Arthritis is what can be seen in controlled trials, starting immediately and staying down for at least a year. 10 different measures of inflammation decreased significantly after the fasting & subsequent meat- & egg-free diet Ten different measures of inflammation decreased significantly after the fasting and subsequent meat- and egg-free diet, whereas none of the parameters budged in those individuals with rheumatoid arthritis who continued to eat their regular diets. What’s more, this squelching of inflammation translated into a significant reduction in pain, morning stiffness, loss of grip strength, and the number of tender and swollen joints, as you can see below and at 3:43 in my video. Even a year after the trial had ended, those who benefited from the diet continued to benefit in terms of less pain, stiffness, and tender and swollen joints, presumably because they stuck with it, as shown here and at 4:00 in my video. During the period of fasting both inflammation and pain are reduced in RA patients “There is little doubt that during the period of fasting both inflammation and pain are reduced in RA patients,” individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. “However, after the normal diet is resumed, inflammation returns unless the fasting period is followed by a vegetarian diet…” Why might that be? It could be due to changes in the microbiome. The improvement in symptoms coincided with a “significant alteration in the intestinal flora” when patients switched from an omnivorous diet. “A diet can change intestinal flora and this may somehow be beneficial in RA,” perhaps by strengthening the gut barrier. We know fasting can decrease the leakiness of the gut in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, but we don’t yet know what role, if any, this plays in the disease process. It could be as simple as eicosanoids, the mediators of inflammation that are formed from arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid is a long-chain, inflammatory, omega-6 fatty acid found in animal fats. As seen below and at 5:04 in my video, the biggest contributors are chicken and eggs, which together contribute nearly half the intake of Americans. That’s also been suggested as an explanation for why those eating more plant-based appear to have better mental health; they aren’t suffering the “cascade of neuroinflammation” caused by arachidonic acid. Removing eggs, chicken, and other meats was shown to improve mood It’s also why removing eggs, chicken, and other meats was shown to improve mood in a randomized controlled trial, suggesting the arachidonic acid “may negatively impact mood state.” It may also help explain the impact of more plant-based diets on inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. So, all of this may help explain why “maintaining a nutrient-dense, vegan diet of unrefined plant foods”—a plant-based diet—“appears to be necessary after the fast to prevent the recurrence of symptoms and inflammatory activity,” or as one popular press article put it, fasting may just be a tool to get you to radically kickstart a change in the way you eat. For more on fasting, see related posts below. This video was originally part of my Fasting for Disease Reversal webinar. If you want to see all of the videos in one place, check them out here. Stay tuned for Fasting for Autoimmune Diseases, coming up next. For more on rheumatoid arthritis, see Turmeric Curcumin and Rheumatoid Arthritis, Why Do Plant-Based Diets Help Rheumatoid Arthritis?, and Friday Favorites: Fasting for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Autoimmune Diseases. Key Takeaways Fasting, followed by a low-salt, vegan, high-fiber, low-fat, low-protein, and low-sugar diet, has been reported to help manage and even eliminate symptoms of various chronic conditions, including autoimmune diseases and cardiovascular issues. Fasting, especially when followed by a plant-based diet, has shown significant benefits in reducing inflammation and pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, with effects lasting even after the fasting period ends. The shift from an omnivorous to a plant-based diet may positively alter gut flora and reduce the inflammatory response, potentially due to decreased intake of arachidonic acid, a pro-inflammatory fatty acid found in animal products. The benefits of fasting and a plant-based diet in managing rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions seem to be sustained only if the dietary changes are maintained long-term. To read the original article click here.

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Is Hemp Oil Safe, Effective, and Healthy? Read This First

AHA Publisher — Thu, 09 Sep 2021 07:00:14 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Do you have questions about hemp oil? You’ve likely heard stories of people using it for discomfort and joint stiffness, depressed or anxious moods, and more. But, what is it really? Is it safe? Healthy? Is it legal? Here are the basics of hemp oil, and the potential benefits many users experience. In addition, find out more about our new and exciting product below: Dr. Colbert’s Nano-Science Hemp Oil! Hemp Oil 101 Like most plants found on Earth, the hemp plant has many active compounds. Biologically, hemp is classified as a cannabis plant. It contains a myriad of beneficial compounds that have been shown to support many different aspects of health. Additionally, hemp is a strong fibrous plant. It is used to make paper, rope, clothes, fuel, and textiles. There are actually many formulations of hemp oil on the market, each with its own pros and cons. Benefits of Hemp Oil Why use hemp oil when there are other plant-based compounds available? Hemp oil, especially nano-particle oils, is different from many other plant-based compounds. In fact, it: Supports healthy, stable moods (1) Promotes stress relief and normalized cortisol levels Supports comfortable, healthy joints (2) Encourages healthy sleep habits (3) Promotes healthy skin with fewer irregularities and blemishes (4) Supports healthy brain and nervous system functions (5) Encourages healthy cardiovascular functions and normalized inflammatory actions (6) Hemp Oil and Formulations There are many formulations of hemp oil available. These include: 1. OILS AND TINCTURES Oils and tinctures are mixtures of CBD oil and another liquid, usually another oil or an alcohol. They are typically placed under the tongue and absorbed via the capillaries in the mouth. 2. CAPSULES AND CONVENTIONAL PILLS Hemp capsules and pills are gaining a lot of popularity. In fact, the FDA recently approved one pill for seizure conditions and digestive issues (1). Capsules and pills have the advantage of being formulated to withstand digestive acids and enzymes when delivering hemp oil to the body. 3. NANO-PARTICLE OILS What’s more, there are now nano-particle hemp oils. Nano-particle hemp molecules are coated with very small organic compounds, like liposomes or lipid nanoparticles. These nanoparticles increase the stability and rate of delivery of hemp oil to the bloodstream compared to conventional hemp oil. In addition, nano-particles are thought to allow the hemp oil compounds to remain in the body and interact with tissues for a longer period of time after delivery. One 2017 animal study found that oral nano-particle compounds were 600% more bioavailable than non-nano particles (7). This is a significant increase. While new to hemp oil, nano-particles have been used for decades in supplements and medications. It is the optimal formulation. 4. EDIBLES Edibles are another hemp oil option. They are usually in the form of cookies, gummies, or other foods. They are generally tasty, but do have to go through digestion before they are absorbed, without being protected from acids and enzymes. 5. CREAMS AND LOTIONS Hemp oil can also be absorbed through the skin, but likely at a lower concentration than oral formulations. 6. VAPING Vaping is the process of inhaling vaporized hemp oil. While this does produce quick absorption, there is significant concern that vaping may damage delicate lung tissue and is NOT advised. Hemp Oil Side Effects Unlike many pharmaceuticals, hemp oil has very few known side effects. In fact, hemp oil is generally well tolerated and considered safe. However, like other plant-based compounds, there are some individuals who won’t tolerate it as well as others. Some possible side effects include diarrhea, changes in weight or appetite, and fatigue (8). In addition, hemp oil may interact with medications. Specifically, it can be an issue for any mediation with a “grapefruit warning.” Like grapefruit, hemp oil may interfere with cytochromes P450 (CYPs). This is a group of enzymes that are important to drug metabolism (9). If you take any medications, be sure to talk to your doctor first before adding hemp oil. Is Hemp Oil Legal? At this time, hemp oil products (with less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol) are legal federally, but not legal under some state laws. If you are unsure, inquire in your state regarding hemp oil laws. INTRODUCING DR. COLBERT’S NANO-SCIENCE HEMP OIL 1000MG BROAD SPECTRUM (CINNAMON FLAVOR) Introducing Dr. Colbert’s Nano-Science Hemp Oil! Through extensive research and innovation, Dr. Colbert has developed a broad-spectrum hemp oil using nano-particle technology. This easy-to-use hemp oil is organically grown, vegan, and GMO-free. It contains organic hemp oil, healthy MCT oil, and natural flavors. You can now enjoy the benefits described above in one easy-to-take, cinnamon-flavored dropperful per day. Bottom Line Hemp oil has the potential to support healthy functions throughout the body. Use Dr. Colbert’s new, safe, and effective formulation each day to reduce discomfort and support health each day. If you are interested in hemp oil, this guide is a quick and easy reference for your questions regarding its sources, formulations, potential benefits, safety, and legality. To read the original article click here.

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How Pau D’arco Helps Fight Candida, Cancer and Inflammation

AHA Publisher — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 07:00:13 +0000

Christine Ruggeri, CHHC via Dr. Axe – Pau d’arco is native to South America, where it has been used to treat a wide range of conditions. There are reports of medicinal uses of pau d’arco tea dating back to 1873, and it was used in the Amazon rainforest as a “miraculous” healer for tumors with impressive anti-inflammatory effects. Pau d’arco, also called tabebuia avellanedae, is a canopy tree from the Bignoniaceae family with extremely hard wood. Its name is the Portuguese word for “bow stick.” This is an appropriate term because the tree was actually used by native South Americans for making hunting bows. The bark and wood of the tree are used externally and internally to treat: arthritis pain inflammation of the prostate gland fever dysentery boils ulcers various cancers One of the easiest ways to use pau d’arco is by consuming a tea made from the inner bark of pau d’arco or applying the tea water to the skin. What Is Pau D’arco? Pau d’arco, also called taheebo, is an evergreen tree that has rose-colored flowers. There are nearly 100 species of pau d’arco, but only a few yield high-quality material. It takes extremely skilled gatherers to know what species are the most effective. Two well-researched and used species are lapacho tabebuia impetiginosa and red lapacho tabebuia. The medicinal part of the tree is the bark, specifically the inner lining of the bark, called the phloem (pronounced floam). Unfortunately, many companies use the whole bark, containing the dead wood too, and this naturally dilutes the activity of the material. The bark of tabebuia avellanedae is valued for its powerful and therapeutic phytochemicals. Research on red lapacho tabebuia identified two active chemicals in pau d’arco called naphthoquinones: lapachol and beta-lapachone. These chemicals have the power to kill bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites. They have also shown anti-inflammatory properties, which are important in treating health conditions such as osteoarthritis. Benefits 1. Rich in Lapachol and Other Antioxidants Pau d’arco tea contains several compounds, including quinoids, benzenoids and flavonoids. These compounds have displayed biological activity against harmful organisms. Pau d’arco also has a significant amount of lapachol, which comes from the stem of the tree. The U.S. Department of Agriculture indicates that lapachol is known be toxic and resistant to nearly all types of harmful organisms. A 2005 study published in Oncology Reports found that lapachol has great potential as an application in fighting metastasis, which is the spread of a cancer or other disease from one organ of the body to another. Metastasis is the major process responsible for the death in cancer patients, and the recent research involving lapachol is promising. Lapachol is also used for its antioxidant and antimicrobial effects, but some research suggests that high doses of this compound can lead to dangerous side effects, like reproductive toxicity. Pau d’arco also contains another chemical called beta-lapachone, which has also demonstrated toxicity to harmful organisms, similar to lapachol. 2. Reduces Pain Research shows that pau d’arco tea has the power to naturally reduce pain in patients suffering from cancer and other serious health conditions. It has the ability to lessen the pain associated with several kinds of cancer, especially cancer of the prostate, liver or breast. Consuming pau d’arco tea has also been found to help relieve arthritic pain. A 2001 study published in BMC Pharmacology examined the antinociceptive (pain-reducing) and antiedematogenic (to reduce swelling) effects of pau d’arco inner bark, measured by experimental models in mice that underwent pain stimulated by nerve cells. The inner bark aqueous extract, administered orally in three different concentrations, reduced the sensory process that provides the signals that lead to pain. 3. Fights Candida Pau d’arco helps the body fight candida. Candida, also known as candidiasis, is a common yeast infection that has been proven to contributeto many health problems, from a sore throat to serious stomach problems. The body normally produces yeast in the mouth, vagina, rectum and digestive tracts, and in normal amounts it remains harmless. However, if the body’s natural pH balance is upset, candida symptoms can quickly grow out of control. 4. Reduces Inflammation An overactive immune system results in the body being flooded with defense cells and hormones that damage tissues. Dietary and environmental toxins build up in the body, and this turns the immune system on — keeping it highly reactive. This is what leads to inflammation, which is at the root of most diseases. A 2014 study published in the Journal of Toxicological Sciences found that pau d’arco increased the expression of Nrf2-target genes in the intestine. Nrf2 is a protein that regulates the expression of antioxidant proteins that protect against oxidative damage triggered by injury and inflammation. The results of this study show that the activation of Nrf2 could mediate the beneficial effects of pau d’arco, particularly in the intestine, which can be severely affected by inflammation. 5. Helps Treat Ulcers Ulcers are burns that form in the lining of the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract. When they occur in the stomach, they’re called gastric ulcers. If they form in the first part of your small intestine, the duodenum, they’re referred to as duodenal ulcers. Peptic ulcer disease begins when a weakness in your stomach or intestinal lining allows acid to create an erosion or sore in the lining. It’s the most common type of stomach disease, according to the American Gastroenterology Association. Ulcers are caused by an increase in stomach acid caused by stress, medications, diet, smoking, alcohol or H. pylori, a type of bad bacteria. The most common ulcer symptom is a burning pain aggravated by stomach acid that comes in contact with the ulcerated area. A 2013 study published in Phytotherapy Research found that pau d’arco extract significantly accelerated the healing of acetic acid induced gastric ulcers in rats by increasing mucus content and cell proliferation. This suggests that pau d’arco could be a treatment for peptic ulcer diseases in humans. 6. Combats Cancer One of the most well-known effects of taheebo is its ability to fight cancer and relieve pain associated with cancer. A study conducted by the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston found that beta-Lapachone, a major compound in pau d’arco tea, is a potential compound to be added to cancer chemotherapy, particularly for prostate cancer. It has been shown to kill cancer cells in studies conducted on animals. Another 2002 study concluded that beta-lapachone is one of a few novel anticancer drugs currently under active investigation, and it shows promise for chemotherapy alone and especially in combinations. This powerful compound caused cancer cell death in mice, and the mice did not appear to be adversely affected by the treatment. 7. Provides Antiviral and Antifungal Properties For thousands of years, pau d’arco has been used as an antiviral herb. The range of viruses stunted by pau d’arco tea extends from those that cause the common cold to those that are responsible for the life-threatening AIDS virus. It has been shown in both in vitro and in vivo studies to actively inhibit, kill or stunt the growth of several dangerous viruses, including: herpes polio vesicular stomatitis avian myeloblastosis leukemia rous sarcoma virus The beta-lapochone present in the bark of tabebuia avellanedae actually inhibits the enzymes in virus cells. This directly affects the synthesis of DNA and RNA. The virus is then no longer able to take control over the reproductive processes of the cell, so it can neither replicate itself nor infect other cells. Pau d’arco tea has the power to aid in the healing of skin wounds and infections. It’s commonly used to reduce redness and swelling due to skin infections and irritations. This is because of its antifungal and antibacterial properties. 8. Detoxifies the Body Taheebo extract and tea detoxify the body by removing harmful toxic substances. These toxins include heavy metals, pesticides, preservatives and even residue from chemotherapy. Pau d’arco has been shown to work as a detoxifier by having a laxative effect. It’s known to loosen bowels, which aids digestion and regularity. By stimulating the digestive system, pau d’arco tea helps the body rid itself of excess fats and toxins. It’s important to keep foods moving through your body, especially the colon. The colon is the body’s sewage system, but like all healthy and properly functioning sewage systems, it needs to be cleaned, emptied and maintained to function properly. When we eat highly processed, refined or “fake” foods, our colons become laden with the unhealthy debris from these foods. For this reason, it’s vital to consume detoxifying foods and drinks, like pau d’arco tea, in order to maintain a clean and healthy body. Pau d’arco tea consumption is one of the best ways to detox. Blood vessels, the lymphatic system, cells, tissue and organs are all detoxified. This allows the body’s systems to function properly and efficiently. 9. Rich in Selenium Another powerful element of pau d’arco is selenium. It’s an antioxidant that removes free radicals that damage cells and trigger disease. Selenium is an extremely vital mineral for the human body. Some selenium benefits include its ability to increase immunity, take part in antioxidant activity that defends the body against free radical damage and inflammation, and play a key role in booting metabolism. A study conducted by the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Surrey found that consuming plenty of naturally occurring selenium has positive antiviral effects, is essential for successful male and female fertility and reproduction, plus reduces the risk of cancer, autoimmune and thyroid diseases. Low selenium status is associated with increased risk of mortality, poor immune function and cognitive decline. How to Use When purchasing pau d’arco products, make sure to read the ingredients carefully. Sometimes it’s hard to know what is in pau d’arco products because they’re labeled as pau d’arco or lapacho — but do not always contain pau d’arco (which belongs to the Tabebuia species). In some cases, they contain the related species, Tecoma curialis. Some product labels state that the product contains the inner bark of pau d’arco, which is thought by some people to be more effective, when in fact the product contains only the outer bark. For this reason, purchase pau d’arco from reputable companies that have clear ingredient labels. The most potent part of the tree is the inner bark, and it must be aged after harvesting to maximize its effectiveness. However, many companies try to sell the outer bark or harvest it from immature trees. When it comes to dosage, 500 milligrams taken one to two times daily is commonly recommended and found in commercial capsule forms. For extracts, follow the product directions on the label, which are based on its potency. Consuming high doses of pau d’arco can lead to nausea, diarrhea and dizziness, so it’s important to start with a very small dose and see how your body reacts. If your body is too sensitive to drinking pau d’arco tea or taking supplements, then you can still use the product externally to treat infections. Some pau d’arco tea uses include: fighting candida or an internal thrush infection by flushing out the area (create a douche with tea) treat skin infections by soaking a cloth in pau d’arco tea and applying it to effected areas How to Make Pau D’arco Tea Put 2 teaspoons of bark into 4 cups of boiling water. Let the bark sit in the boiling water for 20 minutes. Remove heat and let the tea cool for at least 1 hour. Strain the water. Drink tea in small portions throughout the day, or use tea water for external use and vaginal flush. Otherwise, pau d’arco tea can be purchased online or at your local health food store. Risks and Side Effects When consumed in high doses, pau d’arco is possibly unsafe and can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness and internal bleeding. If you use pau d’arco, make sure to keep track of your doses, and speak to your health care provider if you notice any of these side effects. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use pau d’arco because there is not enough information about the safety of...

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