Arthritis and The cold

RE: Arthritis and The cold

Dear Fiona,
don't despair, pretty much the same thing happened to me when I was 18/19.
From what you say, the immune system has some involvment - when it prioritised on the 'cold' you felt better. I don't, however prescribe to many of the autoimmune theories that have been bandied around for years. I suspect the most likely cause is food sensitivities or allergies. [sm=banghead.gif]

In the short term finding a good allergy tester & cut out the suspected offending foods will likely give you some relief.

Long term I suggest you find a NAET practitioner, but there are a only about 6 in the UK at present. This system actually seems to cure the problem. There is one I know of in Scotland - Edinborough or could be Aberdeen - I think. His Web site seems to be down at the moment, but you could try an trace him thru

[:-]

His name is Aaron Cote - nice guy - Canadian - used to live around here, then skipped upto Scotland before we'd sorted out all my stuff. But I was so impressed I've booked myself on a course to study it. 😮

You're welcome to my profile & email me about this - I wouldn't like to think anyone has to go thru what I have. I have tried most things, many that have given temporary relief, but NAET actually seems to get to the cause of this kind of stuff.

Good luck! [sm=wave.gif]

RE: Arthritis and The cold

Hello,

Thank you so so much for your reply and all the information you gave me.
I will read up as much as i can on this as it is the first time i had ever even heard about it. It really is so kind of you, and if your sure u dont mind if i have any questions i will get back to you.

What you said about food also made sence, i suffer from IBS.....and the thing that helps me is....the dreaded Atkins diet lol - i found out with that fruit, breads, rices, etc was what was setting that off.....gosh, lets hope dairy food isnt making the arthritis worse (i read it can) then im in trouble lol lol:D

Thank you again so much, i will read up on it later today (as soon as i find the time)

Best wishes

Fiona 🙂

RE: Arthritis and The cold

It's fine, really! I've been there, seen all the various so called specialists for each & every symptom (at the time I worked for a company with a private health plan) - joints, guts (both ends), sinuses, cardiac, endocrinologist (how was hinting at it all being in my head) and yes a shrink, name of Avery (bird cage) - still amuses me.

Anyway he didn't think I had a problem in that department, but then I did feel I could have lied through my ass & he'd have been none the wiser. Incidentally the ENT guy, after the 3rd time of washing out my sinuses (not recommended) said to me in front of his 'understudy' - you must just be one of those people that produces a lot of mucous. I hope you don't have that one - that's a classic dairy one. There was never any suggestion of allergies, although from very early on - I always felt that I'd feel okay if I didn't need to eat & even as a samll child I was a very fussy eater. That I now know to be a classic suggestion of food allergies. [&:]

Bearing in mind that this was some time ago, before the recognition of the likes os fibromyalgia, ME/CFS, etc. I liked my old GP, he was trying his best. Although he never actually wrote it in my medical notes, probably thinking it was doing us both favour - in the end he put me in touch with the guy who run the local ME support group.

[X(]

I went to visit him - it was a sad sight - he was just sitting there waiting for 'modern medicine' to come up with a magic bullit. I, by then had seen a naturopath & had learned to meditate with BMS & well had matters under reasonable control. The stress & strain of 5 years in London doing my degree in osteopathy did, somewhat aggravate the situation & now I waver between about 75-95%, but I work too hard & take pride in some of the usual vices, etc. So just a few wrinkles to iron out, which will likely be very soon. Booked on NAET course & my colleges debts - 5 years on will soon be paid off. Then the worlds my shrimp! [sm=dance.gif]

And, yes the IBS & the diet fits also. So you've likely got a problem with Candida also. It's a bit chicken & egg on which came first. It's near impossible to kill, but if you sort out food sensitivities your immune system should beat it into submission.

Not surprisingly I've done an article on that too, but needs updating before I upload it to the Holistic-Centre.org site.

Recon your best bet is to keep to diet as best as poss & track down Aaron & sort the food thing out. I think he may have moved his website, so a search on his name + allergy + clinic + Scotland/UK, etc. Failing that the EURO/US NAET people should have a forwarding address. If you find before me please let me know. [sm=bouncy.gif]

I should have, perhaps explained how I jumped from auto-immune stuff to allergies.

Food allergies/sensitivities are an immune response reaction to otherwise 'normal' foods. Whilst you had your cold your immune system was using all its resources to fight the cold, thus it didn't have the resources to 'over react' to foods.

In very simple terms NAET balances the subtle energies in the body whilst in contact with the offending substance. So simple an idea it's bizarre that no seems to have thought of it sooner. To reslove the sensitivity you may need to avoid that substance for 24 hrs after treatment - which I figure is no great hardship compared to a life time of avoidance. [sm=1syellow1.gif]

The other unique thing about NAET is that they recon that the very things we can become sensitive to are actually the most basic of nutrients, such as, calcium, vitamin C, B, etc. I know it seems odd, but it does make sense. The reason some foods react more than others is the combination & amount of nutrients contained.

e.g. People with arthritis typically react to citrus fruits & this is because the acid & vit C content. [sm=banghead.gif]

PS

May have gushed a bit on that one, but the story needed telling. I rarely tell friends, because they don'

RE: Arthritis and The cold

Dear Fiona

Excellent advice from And

Even more reason for Atkins hey my friend!

I always feel that a process of elimination is essential because everything is multi-dimensional and once you have checked out all the possibilities then you can look at the metaphysics.

In metaphysics arthritis is about being 'fixed' in our thinking or being.

I used to have it badly in my left hand and and some distress in the hips affected by damp weather. The more I learnt to let go and go with the flow the more the condition left the body.

No problems with this anymore.

Blessings in abundance to you both and praying it leaves you forever.

being love

Kim xx

RE: Arthritis and The cold

Hi Fiona

I would be happy to send you some information with regards to Arthritis. I am happy to say the product which my Mum is taking for hers is really helping and believe me we have tried so many different types and it is all natural!

Alfalfa which is used for inflammation and also is an excellent natural blood purifier.

Also there is Black cohosh again acts as an anti-inflammatory for arthritic and rheumatic conditions, it acts as a mild analgesic (pain reliever) due to the presence of salicylic acid. Also helps with high blood pressure.

Next is Bromelain derived from Pineapples, is a protein-digesting enzyme that simultaneously kills worms in the gastrointestinal tract. It is considered an adjunctive treatment for inflammation and swelling and has been found to posses neuro-muscular relaxing properties that are beneficial for soothing vascular (blood vessel) linings.

Next Burdock which is well known as a blood purifier and also to soothe inflammation in both internal and external tissues.

Capsicum is a stimulant to increase circulation and cardiovascular activity also helping to lower blood pressure. This also soothes inflammation, enhances the removal of toxins from the body.

These are just a few of the herbs to be found in this product there are ten more!

My mother took this product (sorry I am not allowed to name it for fear of advertising) and got 90% pain relief within 10 days! It is well worth trying although these results cannot be gauranteed as everyone is different. With the combination of the herbs it is a very powerful product having wonderful results with many people.

Please feel free to email if you would like further information

Warm Wishes
Sue
x

RE: Arthritis and The cold

Dear Fiona

Think I promised to find NAET practitioner in Scotland, so got onto NAET Europupe & here's the info they sent me.

Aaron COTE

Aberdeen Allergy Clinic
124, Union Street
Aberdeen
Aberdeenshire
AB10 1JJ
01224 639 955

I may have gushed on a bit in my last post, but thought you may relate or that it may help you avoid some of the stuff I went through. With regard to nutritional & herbal products I found that they only gave symptom relief and didn't address the cause. The ones that helped most are:- very strong antioxidants, kelp & those that those that keep candida at bay and they need to be rotated on a regular basis, because it's very resistant stuff. Things that it can't adapt to live with are colloidal silver & a product called vitamin O. More info on my Holistic-Centre web site below.

I do still take some of these, as Aaron moved upto Scotland before we had completely sorted the problem, but as I say I've booked myself on a course to study NAET.

Good luck - And.

RE: Arthritis and The cold

Anahata,

Fiona
xxx

RE: Arthritis and The cold

Kim, hiya 🙂

You post really interested me you said...

In metaphysics arthritis is about being 'fixed' in our thinking or being.

I used to have it badly in my left hand and and some distress in the hips affected by damp weather. The more I learnt to let go and go with the flow the more the condition left the body.

How would i go about the thinking part? How did you manage it? Esp on really bad days....

Look forward to hearing from you
Thanks again

Fi:)

RE: Arthritis and The cold

Hello Fiona
I suffer/suffered with arthritis in my hands for many years. After trying all the the creams and pills the doctors could throw at me, I decided to try a natural approach. I now take Organic Sulphur, more commonly known as MSM (methyl sulphonylmethane). You can buy this at any health store (about £10 for 90 tables).
I know this might sound expensive, but they do work, and I know many people who take them and will tell you the same.
MSM was first used for race horses to keep their joins supple, which benifited the owners as they got more races out of the horse. Now it has been proven to aid in the relief of arthritis and is being produced for human consuption. I have been taking 2 x 1000mg a day for the past 3 years (with no side affects except for a slight increase in wind[sm=nuts.gif])and I can honestly say I have had a pain free time and full use of my hands. Try it and see if it helps you ( you need to take them for about 3/4 weeks before there is any improvement) I still take them every day as now that the cold weather is upon us, I find I seize up if I stop taking them. Good luck.

L & L
DC

RE: Arthritis and The cold

PS
Got some more informatoin on MSM but I don't know how to put it up on here. If anyone one like this info, feel free to e-mail me and I shall gladly send it on to you.

L & L
DC

RE: Arthritis and The cold

MSM, Glucosamine sulphate & the stronger antioxidants can do wonders for degenerative arthritis with, well the elderly, but to have an inflammatory joint condition at such an early age is something I've been through, so it's most like ly to be something underlying. [:o]

Hance my earlier posts. I won't repeat. 😉

RE: Arthritis and The cold

I have had arthritis since I was 13 and didnt really think that diet could affect it.

I also have asthma so I guess I am very prone to allergies and intolerances.

I have been on all types of medication including the strongest of medications but the tablets just made me feel worse with all the side effects, medication made me very depressed and made my appetite really low and I had constant nausea.

so I just tend to stick to natural stuff to help ease the pain and stiffness like paraffin wax(i have my own remington aromotherapy paraffin wax heater at home), hand excercises, my intra sound electronic massager, hot water bottles, wearing gloves when outdoors, etc etc.

Take care people!

RE: Arthritis and The cold

Dear NaughtyNat,

it certainly sounds like that's your problem and especially as;

I also have asthma so I guess I am very prone to allergies and intolerances.

I have been all the strongest of medication but it just made me feel worse with all those side effects, medication made me very depressed and made my appetite really low.

With asthma, of course your best avoiding aspirin based anti-inflammatories (NSAID's) i.e. Ibuprofen, Volterol, etc., but also they tend to increase the permeability of the gut and so may cause further sensitivities & intolerances.

Do check out the Allergy Forum -

and I especially recommend looking into NAET. Essentially as you are still young, then there's a better chance of resolving the problem. If you have any questions, just give me a shout.

Good luck - Andrew.

RE: Arthritis and The cold

Hi Fiona. I know how you feel though I'm a lot older than you and it must be a bummer when you are so young. I've got osteoarthritis in all my joints and in my neck. My arms feel terrible at the moment but it might be because its cold.

I've also got IBS which I've had for many years. Tried different diets but nothing seems to work for me. Don't drink tea or coffee no dairy products there. Do like butter but then I don't have much as bread blows me out as well. Doctor used to say it was stress (work related) butI 've had to give up work as my husband has alzheimers and it hasn't improved.

Also went on Atkins diet but too much meat - I don't eat much meat though not a veggie.

Good luck in finding something to help you. IfI find anythingonthe net I'll let you know.

RE: Arthritis and The cold

With asthma, of course your best avoiding aspirin based anti-inflammatories (NSAID's) i.e. Ibuprofen, Volterol, etc., but also they tend to increase the permeability of the gut and so may cause further sensitivities & intolerances

hi all...
being a asthmatic and suffering the with seasonal bouts of knee pain etc... I found that "Voltrol"( diclofenic) is available as a overcounter gel which can help as a aid - as long as no other NSID is taken within the prescribed time limit.. this way it does not affect my asthma( personally that is). hope this is of a help. but obviously please check before trying..:)

RE: Arthritis and The cold

Please do be very careful Crystal_Sense, as even with a topical cream or gel - it still gets into the blood stream and can still have an effect on stomach & gut and potentially asthma.

Not wishing to sound like a stuck record, but asthma is an allergy related problem, although this issues seems to get passed over in orthodox medicine for how & when to take which inhaler. Whilst treating the symptoms is fine for short term relief, there are usually long term consequences to both steroids and NSAID's and they're not pleasant. And those with allergies & allergy related problems are more likely to suffer adverse reactions to these, some of which may not be reversible, especially if ignored for too long.

And.

RE: Arthritis and The cold

Dear Fiona,

Firstly i'd like to say how horrible it is for you to have arthritis at such a young age.
I'm 43 and have arthritis in all my joints through sport. Mine too started in my hips at the age of 15. Although i do have long periods of time (sometimes many months), with not pain at all in my hips.

I too have noticed something similar to you and have never thought to mention it until i read your post.

I never have a day without pain in my neck. Sometimes at it's worse, it's unbearable...but like you, whenever i have a bad cold or am ill with a virus or a bug, the pain in my neck lessens or goes altogether.

The only conclusion that i could come up with, is that when i am ill with say the flu, i'm floppy and lifeless. In other words i'm almost over relaxed. I can't think why else it would be!

Aura

RE: Arthritis and The cold

IMHO the association of arthritic symptoms and inflammation being eased by present infection is an indication of involvement of the immune system.

I am more than happy to share what it was that resolved the issue for me, having spent most of my life with such problems and more.

But I find that I have to accept that most have been told that - 'that's life' and 'You have to live with it'.

When your up against deeply engrained beliefs, then you have to tread very carefully.

Andrew

RE: Arthritis and The cold

The first thing that came to my mind was that brains, the ultimate computer that can do so many things at the same time, can not deal with too many pain impulses at the same time. This of course is a good thing. Say if any part of your body hurts, you go and kick your toe hard on a stone, all other pains disappear to make room for the new pain signals coming through.

So this is my theory on your story...
I also have arthritis and for me the only thing that has helped is aromatherapy oils. I use them in massage oil form to gently massage on joints and I also use them in a bath.
I have tried various different recepies and have found a few that take 95% of my symtoms away overnight. Say if i take a bath in the evening with the oils, nextday I feel great. Pains eventually return and then I do it all again.

RE: Arthritis and The cold

I've just left a rant in the general section of the board over a locum GP and his handling of my arthritis.

Some years ago (I am nearing 40) - I was told I had artritis.
Rheumatic and Osteo (thats mainly in my knees from sport).

For the most part it has never been too bad and I've just got on with it. Yes, I need to lose weight and this doesn't help the old knees, but the hands have never been too bad except odd flare ups.

I take Glucosamine, Cod Liver oil and Sea Kelp each day and they also help.

I began by taking NSAID's and didn't have a real problem but as time went on I began to react and while on Diclofenac I have a small amount of blood in my stools. So I stopped taking them and advised the doctor who immediately took me off them and warned me to try and avoid NSAID's in future.

Fast forward 6 years or so.

I moved to a completely new area and had a great new surgery.
Even the locum doctors seem great.
Until the one I saw today!

Basically I have been suffering with a particular finger. I know it doesn't sound much, but this hasn't been the usual pattern for a flare up with me. Usually after a week, two at the most it would settle down into a dull ache.
This is really sharply painful all the time

This hasn't settled and there is no real swelling associated with it.
So, go to the doc's after about 2 weeks. They ask me to try one of the latest NSAID's and explain they have improved beyond recognition.
So, I agree.
I manage to take them for just about 3 weeks (under by one day) before I begin to get indigestion that I can no longer stomach *No pun intended* , stomach cramps, sickness blah blah blah.
So, apart from taking Co Codamol for the alloted 4weeks (I won't take more than 3 to 4 weeks at any one time and then rest it for at least that again) I solider on.

After 4 weeks - no improvement and if anything its worse. So, I was told to go back for arranging a blood test if it hasn't improved.

More to today and this idiot GP!

Basically I was told I could only sort this out by losing weight (Yes I need to and I know its going to help lower joints immensely - but I also have been told even by consultant it doesn't really make a difference for hand problems).
Then I get told the reasons for my stopping the NSAID's are NIL - and he even has now put this on my records, despite me arguing how can that be when they tell you not to take them if you have the history I do with them?

I then get told that I should also be taking the Co-Codamol every single day and that by not doing this I am not helping myself!

Then the icing on the cake was - Oh and of course you need a blood test!
Thats the only reason I went - because I was asked to if it hadn't improved!

Oh - and its really angered me that a GP who knows nothing of my history, has not even bothered to ask me fully about it then lectures me on weight and not taking tablets and making out it is my actions alone that are causing this problem.

I am currently livid in fact - and this isn't like me to get so wound up and angry. But I also worry that many other patients with Arthritis are going to be given the same advice and made to feel the same way!

I can't wait to see my regular GP - because I am going to insist he takes off the fact my reasons for not taking NSAID's is nil!

Rant over *again* lol

RE: Arthritis and The cold

I have posted a reply to your "rant" in the other thread. Here I would like to reply to this:

I take Glucosamine, Cod Liver oil and Sea Kelp each day and they also help.

It was recently suggested to me by my medical herbalist *...who also gives good advice on vitamin and mineral supplements ... to buy flax oil next time instead of cod liver oil. Reason is that flax oil contains omega-3, 6 and 9, whereas cod liver oil only has omega-3. You can check this out online - I put "flax oil omega" into google.

[link= http://www.nimh.org.uk/ ]http://www.nimh.org.uk/[/link] *is the website of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists, just in case you're interested in having a look. I have no vested interest, other than a firm belief in herbal medicine!

Holistic

RE: Arthritis and The cold

I will certainly look into Flax oil instead.

Taking these tablets is something I've done for some time now, and overall I notice an immense difference.

What really convinced me to use them was surprisingly my older dog! He has suffered with Arthritis in a front shoulder ever since being hit by a car as a young dog.
We were told by a vet friend to put him on Vet Vits (an animal alternative of Glucosamine) - and while some people could argue the reason we can improve is that we believe in it - the dog doesn't even know this - and his improvement was dramatic.
I also have since passed the advice about Vet Vits to numerous other dog owners who all agreed that after a couple of weeks the differences were outstanding!

So - whats good enough for my dog is good enough for me lol And certainly, medical research now fully backs up the use of these products. When I first began taking them it was almost impossible to find - now its in just about any chemist you walk into!

I always believe positive thinking and natural remedies have a place to work alongside modern drugs. I was fortunate that before I moved I had an excellent GP's surgery who offered alternative treatments like acupunture through the surgery itself.

I also do have a good experience here of the GP and surgery (apart from this morning) but I do miss the alternative options I had before since I can't afford to pay for it privately 🙁

RE: Arthritis and The cold

What really convinced me to use them was surprisingly my older dog! He has suffered with Arthritis in a front shoulder ever since being hit by a car as a young dog.
We were told by a vet friend to put him on Vet Vits (an animal alternative of Glucosamine) .....

Thanks for that (a good swap for the flax oil hint :D) - I finally ran them to ground ;)here, in Guernsey:

[link= http://www.healthspan.co.uk/contact/ ]http://www.healthspan.co.uk/contact/[/link]

where there's an 0800 (free) phone number, so I'll give them a ring.

I gave up giving cod liver oil to dogs ages ago, as I have a whiskery breed with a regrettable habit of using the carpet as a table napkin! I have just one old lady now, 15, who has arthritic hips.

Some friends have loaned me a magnetic rod to see if it will helpher hind mobility. I thought I might try it myself while I have the chance, but read a slightly alarming story in one of the forums here, so have been meaning to post a query. Have you tried magnetic therapy?

Holistic

RE: Arthritis and The cold

ORIGINAL: Holistic

Thanks for that (a good swap for the flax oil hint :D) - I finally ran them to ground ;)here, in Guernsey:

[link= http://www.healthspan.co.uk/contact/ ]http://www.healthspan.co.uk/contact/[/link]

where there's an 0800 (free) phone number, so I'll give them a ring.

I gave up giving cod liver oil to dogs ages ago, as I have a whiskery breed with a regrettable habit of using the carpet as a table napkin! I have just one old lady now, 15, who has arthritic hips.

Some friends have loaned me a magnetic rod to see if it will helpher hind mobility. I thought I might try it myself while I have the chance, but read a slightly alarming story in one of the forums here, so have been meaning to post a query. Have you tried magnetic therapy?

Holistic

Your more than welcome. The prices are damn good as well, and delivery usually pretty quick.

I have tried magnetic therapy - and it didn't really seem to help much. I am also going to try and see a spiritual healer I know at some point, but I've only recently moved into this area and don't know many places yet.
I have the added problem of not being able to work right now, and so money is really tight - which means I simply can't afford to pay for alternative treatments apart from getting the supplements I use.

The really stupid thing about this morning is I didn't go because of the pain as such (I've learnt to live with it) but this is a change in the pattern of flare ups Ive ever had over the past 6 or 7 years, and the doctor I saw 4 weeks ago agreed this was a concern, which is why he wanted to look into it further if it hadn't settled after 4 weeks and get a blood test done as an initial starter!

But - I am always on the look out for alternatives and simply refuse to accept modern drugs as always being the answer.
I've experienced some great benefits from alternatives - sometimes as a direct replacement or working alongside modern treatment. I don't see why the two can't be used to complement each other.

RE: Arthritis and The cold

Let's hope you get to see your regular doctor soon, and get the blood test sorted.

But - I am always on the look out for alternatives and simply refuse to accept modern drugs as always being the answer.
I've experienced some great benefits from alternatives - sometimes as a direct replacement or working alongside modern treatment. I don't see why the two can't be used to complement each other.

I completely agree. Fortunately, both my GP and my dog's vet are open to complementaries, and I make sure everyone is being kept informed. My herbal lady suggested garlic capsules for the dog (not for arthritis, but because she's had a couple of strokes in recent months), and my vet said OK, why not try them. But then the dog is also on a wonderdrug to improve brain/limb coordination, with no side effects.

The people who sent the magnetic rod have just, at my suggestion, bought a pad (I don't know what it's filled with) but it gets a few minutes in the microwave and is then tucked under their dog's bedding - she seems to have a spinal problem, as yet undiagnosed professionally, since I only spotted it when watching her moving on their recent visit. I'm waiting to hear if iti's made a difference.

I'm greatly in favour of warmth, however provided, to relieve stiffness from arthritis, and even in summer wear a fine cotton scarf round my neck when driving. Helps keep my shoulders supple for drumming, too 🙂

Laura.

RE: Arthritis and The cold

Oh, Laura! I completely agree - warmth,warmth,warmth. I sometimes go on a sunbed (yes, I know I shouldn't)just to warm my bones!! It's this damp, not quite coldish weather that starts the aches and pains with me!!
If it's cold and dry I'm usually okay.

RE: Arthritis and The cold

Oh yes - this has reminded me of something else he said which was totally stunning.

Put ice on it to reduce any inflamation!

Okay......... I'll just go and make it worse.

Garthur, like you I find that damp changable weather is worse than really cold and dry! That I can usually deal with much better. Its always when the poor dog suffers the most as well.
Mind you - a typical chow - he will insist on lying outside on the cold concrete guarding the place for literally hours on end!
Can't stop him - its in the nature of the breed.

RE: Arthritis and The cold

Hi andrew/Anahata,

every post I read from you makes me learn something new...you sound very knowledged about many health problems.

I would love to talk to you about accupuncture, and osteopathy, what you find in each one, why you chose those them...etc. I am curious about cranio-sacral therapy (by the way: does one have to train as an osteopath to be a craniosacral therapist?)

I have been disgnosed with asthma, although the inhaler stuff does not seem to improve anything. It is strange too, that sometimes I have chest pains, and almost swollen throat, and sometimes nothing at all.
doctors have blamed the kittens, the cold and damp climate as itgenerates mold(European continental doctors said that), the new furniture (having lots of chemicals in them)...
now the kittens are growing as cats, and the symptoms don't seem to correlate with me being in contact with them anymore...
I did feel something bad in my chest when I was sitting next to the house' gas fire. I have read recently it produces azote dioxite (=bad for asthma sufferers), so it is now switched off.

I have allowed my mild condition to get me nearly obsessed, as health is a priority for me and I don't like not knowing, and hoping it will fix itself up.

More recently, I read that food allergy could trigger/worsen asthma. Wheat and dairy food. I have had constant catthar for 5 years I think, and knew about the effect of dairy food, so I had removed it (soya milk instead), except for cheese. But the wheat was new...and not good news as I love bread, cakes and biscuits!

Anyway, I have cut all wheat and dairy food out of my diet for nearly 2 weeks: and hourra!! I feel much better. catthar gone! yesterday I had a bread sandwich with cheese and pasta (was in a cafe, completely forgot about my diet!!) and bam! an hour later: there I had catthar building, ear ache and some beginning of a headache.So the mystery is still to find out if it is more dairy food or wheat that is bad for me. but i am so happy i found the 2 culprits!!

What i would like to know is wether dampness and cold could be bad for me...I fancy living under hot Spanish climate, but honestly I cannot see myself moving and rebuilding my life elsewhere...especially that I love the way the UK is the European country where HT are the most accepted and popular.

and lastly, another question, another mystery: I am very fond of green tea, and drink daily. I looove it. However, to my bewilderment, I have had my oesophage/lower throat swell and even hurt!! I am baffled: green tea? but it is not all green tea, just the one from Whittard, not the expenive Chinese Jasmine tea (loose tea impotted from China)...Have you ever heard that before?

thank you Doctor!

RE: Arthritis and The cold

just to add about the arthritis,

My mum suffers badly from it, and when i visited her in the summer she could hardly walk with the pain in her knees. She has since stopped eating citrus fruit, and the change is amazing. Rang one day, to be told, shes gone on a bike ride!!!!
She came over to stay at christmas, and had some pain in her knees, due to the cold, but was still mobile and much better off than in the summer,

annie