Gillian McKeith's Food Bible (318 page)

Get tested for food allergies. Food allergies and intolerances have been strongly implicated with this condition. Go to www.gillianmckeith.info for details on food sensitivity testing. See your GP about allergies.

Get tested for parasites. There are certain parasitic infections, one being blastocystis homenis, that can cause arthriticlike symptoms. A stool test is needed for this. Go to www.gillianmckeith.info for details.

As silly as it may sound, if the pain is in the wrist area, you may want to look into the wearing of magnet bracelets. Some people have reported to me an improvement. It’s worth a try.

Creams containing the ingredient capsaicin (from chiles) may help to soothe pain and reduce inflammation.

Get regular body massages with oils. But even more important, have regular head massages with oils. This may improve circulation in the brain, influencing the pituitary gland and hormonal release. The hormonal system has an effect on autoimmune reactions.

When you have a bath, put a couple of tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in the water. This is a traditional soothing remedy going back donkey’s years.

I’m 17; soon to be 18. When I was 14, I developed a life-threatening thrombosis after a basketball injury and ever since have been in and out of the hospital fighting rheumatoid arthritis as well as recurring clots. After feeling sorry for myself for so long, I decided that what I made of my life was up to me. After watching your show I realized my diet was playing a large role in my overall health. After turning to healthier alternatives I now have a much better appetite and enjoy food more. My condition physically has improved and I no longer require intravenous medications for pain control! I’ll still have these conditions for the rest of my life, but I know for a fact that my quality of life is so much better.

ROSACEA

It’s not exactly acne, but it looks a little like that. A chronic redness and red flushed look appears on the cheeks and also around the nose and chin. The skin becomes thickened, feels rough, and may break out in red welts and red spots. It tends not to affect teenagers and is more common in fair-skinned women.

CAUSES MAY INCLUDE

Parasites, organisms.

Alcohol.

Caffeine.

Some dairy products.

Pork.

Spicy foods.