Healing From the Debilitating Effects of Rheumatoid Arthritis Through Alternative Methods: Part 2

Natural Supplements

Although you may eat a healthy, balanced diet, many of our food products are too refined or over-processed. It's very difficult to consume enough natural, wholesome food in a day to provide the body with proper nutrients. Therefore, taking additional natural supplements is a viable method for supplying the body with much needed nourishment.

As well as incorporating dietary and lifestyle changes, until your health returns to a normal level, higher doses of natural supplements are taken. It takes approximately 6-weeks before positives effects are noticed, where there is a distinct reduction in pain, stiffness or inflammation. There are a multitude of natural supplements to choose from, but for this article, I list the ones which I was drawn to use.

There is also much hype about whether naturals supplements truly help or whether they just produce a placebo effect. During my formative healing cycle, I tested this theory many times, only to discover that if I neglected to take my allotment, usually within three days I would experience an increase in joint pain, stiffness and inflammation.

Take twice daily with breakfast and lunch

1. 2 - Salmon oil capsules- 1000 mg each (Note: keep refrigerated to prevent the oil from turning rancid. You may experience "fish burps" for the first few months)

2. 1 - Pure Energy (bee pollen) - 475 mg

3. 2 - Alfalfa - 750 mg each

4. 2 - Flax seed oil capsules - 1000 mg each (Note: keep refrigerated to prevent the oil from turning rancid)

Take once daily with dinner

1. 2 - Salmon oil capsules - 1000 mg each (Note: keep refrigerated to prevent the oil from turning rancid. You may experience "fish burps" for the first few months)

2. 1 - Pure Energy (bee pollen) - 475 mg

3. 2 - Alfalfa - 750 mg each

4. 2 - Flax seed oil capsules - 1000 mg each (Note: keep refrigerated to prevent the oil from turning rancid)

5. 1 - Multivitamin (time release, chewable type, such as Centrum brand)

6. 1 - Calcium with magnesium (chewable type, such as Caltrate brand)

7. 1 - Selenium with D and E - 200 mcg

8. 1 - Vitamin B-12 -1000 mcg (Note: this can be administered by your doctor, by needle, so that it enters directly into the blood stream)

9. 2 - Glucosamine with chondroitin sulfate capsules -900 mg (Note: 4-weeks after starting this, I noticed a huge decrease in joint stiffness, pain and inflammation)

Basic Characteristics and Healing Properties of Natural Supplements

Alfalfa

1. Member of the legume family - source of B-complex vitamins, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, iron and potassium

2. Lowers cholesterol and blood sugar levels

3. Increases energy levels and reduces fatigue

4. Detoxifies the blood promoting general liver health

5. Relieves pain and stiffness from arthritis/bursitis

6. Alleviates post menopausal symptoms (hot flashes)

Bee Pollen

1. Is considered a complete food. Contains vitamins A, D, E, K, P, plus 22 amino acids and enzymes

2. Great energy booster

3. Taken for stamina and weight control

4. A natural source of protein

5. Reduces effects of stress

6. Aids digestive system function

Glucosamine with Chondroitin Sulfate

1. Glucosamine stimulates the formation of cartilage that is essential to joint repair

2. Chondroitin Sulfate maintains the viscosity in joints, stimulates cartilage repair mechanisms and inhibits enzymes that break down cartilage

3. Has beneficial effect on inflammation, relieving pain and increasing range of motion

Flax Seed Oil

1. Rich source of Omega 3 fatty acids and Omega 6 fatty acids (Linolenic Acid)

2. Is a natural anti-inflammatory

3. Omega 6 fatty acids is necessary for stimulating skin and hair growth, regulating metabolism and promoting the transport of fatty acids to the liver

4. Our consumption of refined foods and oils inhibits our body's ability to use the essential fatty acids we consume

5. Found in plant seed oils of borage, black currant and evening primrose

Salmon Oil

1. Contains EPA (Eicosapaentoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) Omega 3 fatty acids

2. Helps keep cholesterol and triglycerides in check and prevent blood platelets from becoming too sticky

3. Is a natural anti-inflammatory

Selenium

1. Is an essential trace mineral in the body and an important part of antioxidant enzymes that protect the cells against free radicals

2. Plant foods are the major dietary sources and also contained in some meats and seafood

3. Pain, stiffness and swelling in joints may indicate reduced selenium levels in the blood or low selenium intake

Vitamin B-12

1. Maintains healthy nerve and blood cells and is also needed to make DNA

2. Found in fish, eggs, meat, milk and poultry

3. Vegetarians may lack this vitamin

4. People with digestive/intestinal problems may not be able to absorb sufficient amounts

Quartz Crystals

In 1994, I unwittingly started using two quartz crystal wands each morning and surprisingly found that they helped to reduce and relieve pain, stiffness and inflammation in my hands. Below are listed some basic characteristics and healing properties surrounding quartz crystals.

Quartz crystals produce an electrical charge called piezo-electricity (pronounced pie-zoe), which can be used to amplify and process energy. The energy quartz emits is uniform and constant; therefore it creates a harmonious balance between the physical and spiritual bodies. They are classified as a best all-purpose stone.

Metaphysical healing properties of quartz crystals:

1. Cleans and enhances subtle bodies (aura or bands of energy that surround and interpenetrate the physical body)

2. A deep soul cleanser

3. Enhances psychic awareness, amplifies psychic abilities and aligns you with your higher self

4. Stimulates immune system

5. Stores, releases and regulates energy on physical and mental levels

6. Soothes burns

7. Reduces inflammation

8. Releases pain and stiffness

Other unique characteristics that quartz crystals have are:

1. They can focus and transfer energy over distances (similar to a transmitter)

2. They can maintain energy (can be programmed)

3. They can maintain the intensity of energy (like power generators)

4. They can receive energy over distance (similar to a receiver)

5. They are natural conductors of electromagnetic energy

6. The energy that is transformed and released can be stimulated by:

1. Body heat

2. Direct sunlight

3. Metals

4. Mind thought

Your Healing Regiment

This is an ongoing endeavour and must be adhered to with passion and dedication. In order for total healing to occur and to be maintained, there must be continuous balance among all levels - physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.

Remember: You are....what you believe yourself to be!

As your body heals, your energy level will gradually return to normal and feelings of fatigue will dissipate. You will notice this when you start to take fewer naps or shorter naps throughout the day.

Once this occurs, you will regain strength and endurance, but then it is important to increase your daily exercise routine (E.g. weights, rebounding, skipping, Yoga, aerobics, etc.) to build and maintain muscle strength and flexibility. Avoid returning to old unhealthy living and dietary habits.

As your health continues to improve, the daily natural supplements can be slowly reduced to lower dosages. Again, monitor for pain, stiffness and inflammation and adjust dosages accordingly.

Your accomplishment for taking charge of your well-being is certainly well worth the effort. Good luck and may you enjoy increased and continued good health!

Disclaimer

The above information is not intended to replace, diagnose, prescribe or treat any ailment or to be used as a replacement for medical treatment or consultation. It is only intended to enhance your knowledge or general interest and is offered as an alternative and complimentary source of information In all cases, it is recommended that you continue to follow medical treatment as prescribed by your medical physician.

About the Author

Margaret Jang is a Reiki Master Teacher & Practitioner, Numerologist, Intuitive, and a Spiritual/Inspirational Poet & Writer. She currently resides in Vancouver, BC and can be contacted at margjang@gmail.com or through her website www.margaretjang.com.