Recently, I have been researching complementary therapies to hopefully improve my health and pain levels – in addition to, not in place of, my traditional medication regimen (though I would love to see that reduced one day – but that isn’t anything I foresee unfortunately). See, with my physicians, it feels as though I am in need of help that I am just not getting – so I am trying to find resources for myself. . .

After I had to stop working as a nurse, I was so fortunate to be able to school to become a Holistic Nutritionist. That has given me a good base to work with in terms of where to start.

Still, there is SO much out there to read and learn.

Also, when venturing into alternative health, it’s important to be willing to try new things but to be a critical thinker as well. I want to be open to new ideas – but I don’t want to wear the tin foil hat.

So here is where I am so far:

The Plant Based Diet

It is a hard transition (I’ve looked at it several times) – especially from dairy – but the more I read and understand, I do believe it is a big piece of the puzzle.

Here is a brief article, called The China Study Cheat Sheet, that is really helpful:

https://www.capegazette.com/node/77643

Also, if you have Netflix, and most of us do, Forks Over Knives features detailed interviews with Dr. T. Colin Campbell, the professor who literally wrote the book on the China Study. It is really interesting and worth the hour and a half.

The evidence is convincing for a plant based diet to reduce inflammation – and inflammation is at the root of autoimmune disorders.

Plant based diets have the added benefit of weight loss and I simply must lose this weight that prednisone has gifted me with. The weight increases my heart disease risk as I get older – and that risk is already increased with my RA (it is increased by three times unfortunately). It increases my trigycerides – and they are ridiculous. Excess weight plus diabetes is no bueno. And it is adding stress to my joints. There is no other way to say it – it’s just a shit show.

So here we go.

My Acupressure Mat

I really wasn’t sold on this guy initially, but, again, was willing to try any non-tinfoil options. And honestly? I can tell a difference in the hideous tension pain in my spine. It’s not a magic fix or anything. But any pain relief is welcome in these parts.

I lay on it in a sweatshirt and I’m building up my time.

So, onward with this therapy.

Gentle Stretching Yoga

I am slowly adding some gentle stretching yoga to help my joints – and my nerves. The benefits of yoga are well-documented and my body needs all the help it can get. ❤

Essential Oils

I have moved far, FAR away from the MLM oils – but some EOs are really beneficial – and pure oils are available at reasonable prices elsewhere.

Right now, I’m using:

I have my daughter roll copaiba directly up and down my spine – and I can definitely tell a difference.

I’ll be using this to hopefully aid my weight loss. There are no side effects so I feel like it is worth a try.

Supplements

Finally, for supplements:

• Biotin 10,000 mcg daily – This is to prevent hair loss as I am still on Methotrexate.
• Fish Oil – I take 4 grams per day. The MANY benefits of Omega 3’s are well-documented to reduce inflammation and to reduce pain. They are also helpful to decrease the risk of heart disease.
• MSM – I’ve just added this for pain. Studies indicate it is highly effective. I am taking it twice a day.
• Vitamin D – 10000 IU daily – Obviously, I have a bone issue. And no Vitamin D in my body. I also plan to start getting outside for about 20 minutes a day. That’s all my sun allergic self can take – but I can go with Henry to the dog park and sit.
• Magnesium 400 mg daily – This is indicated with some of my medications.
• Calcium horsepills – 2 daily. 🙂  Also for the bone issue.
• Milk thistle – A liver protectant. Several of my meds are REALLY hard on the liver.
• Folic Acid 1 mg daily –  Methotrexate rids the body of folic acid.
• Turmeric – I take it in pill form once a day. I’ll also be adding it to my food and making turmeric gummies. The evidence is STRONG for turmeric being a powerful anti-inflammatory and pain-reliever.

For now, that’s all I know for sure. I’m reading about several other interesting things and I’ll share more about those once I’ve made up my mind as to what is worth trying.

Leggo.

Be well, everybody.

Grace and Blessings. ❤

#drinkwater