• Tender, warm, swollen joints
• Joint stiffness that is usually worse in the mornings and after inactivity
• Fatigue, fever and loss of appetite

Early rheumatoid arthritis tends to affect your smaller joints first — particularly the joints that attach your fingers to your hands and your toes to your feet.

As the disease progresses, symptoms often spread to the wrists, knees, ankles, elbows, hips and shoulders. In most cases, symptoms occur in the same joints on both sides of your body.

About 40% of people who have rheumatoid arthritis also experience signs and symptoms that don't involve the joints.

Areas that may be affected include:

• Skin
• Eyes
• Lungs
• Heart
• Kidneys
• Salivary glands
• Nerve tissue
• Bone marrow
• Blood vessels

Rheumatoid arthritis signs and symptoms may vary in severity and may even come and go. Periods of increased disease activity, called flares, alternate with periods of relative remission — when the swelling and pain fade or disappear. Over time, rheumatoid arthritis can cause joints to deform and shift out of place.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. Normally, your immune system helps protect your body from infection and disease. In rheumatoid arthritis, your immune system attacks healthy tissue in your joints. It can also cause medical problems with your heart, lungs, nerves, eyes and skin.

Doctors don't know what starts this process, although a genetic component appears likely. While your genes don't actually cause rheumatoid arthritis, they can make you more likely to react to environmental factors — such as infection with certain viruses and bacteria — that may trigger the disease.

Women are more likely than men to develop rheumatoid arthritis. Cigarette smoking increases your risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, particularly if you have a genetic predisposition for developing the disease. Smoking also appears to be associated with greater disease severity.

Holistic Practitioners generally find some common issues with genetic miasms (particularly the Sycosis miasm), parathyroid/calcitonin imbalances, lyme bacteria or other toxic conditions.

ESSENTIAL:

• Proteolytic Enzymes:  (NS Proteolytic Enzymes) Reduces inflammation when taken between meals. Helps digestion of protein when taken with meals. 2 capsules 2 to 4 times daily
• Manganese: (NS Manganese Plus * Note also contains Betaine (TMG)) Nutritional support for strengthening joints, ligaments, and tendons. 2- 6 capsules daily
• BL - Inflam Redux 2 - Reduces Inflammation and aids in repair
• Essential fatty acids: (NS Omega Complete) To supply essential fatty acids that increase production and activity of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. Helps to control arthritis pain and inflammation. 2-4 capsules daily Take with meals.
• NS Glucosamine Joint Formula - Supports bones, joints and tissue repair.  Helps reduce Inflammation.  Avoid if allergies to shellfish or sulfur.  2-6 capsules daily
• Silica  OR Horsetail Extract: (NS Bone Health) Supplies silicon, important for formation of apatite crystal, the primary constituent in bone. 
• Superoxide dismutase (SOD): (NS Superoxide Dismutase) An antioxidant that protects fluid in the joints from destruction by free radicals.  2 to 4 capsules daily
  
• Trimethylglycine (Betaine)(TMG): (NS Liver Support -1- 2 capsules 3 times a day or EQ Hepa Detox 1- 2 capsules 3 times a day)*Note also found in NS Manganese Plus Lowers Homocysteine Levels. 
• Vitamin E: A powerful antioxidant that protects the joints from damage by free radicals. Increases joint mobility. Low levels of vitamin E have been found in people with arthritis and lupus. Use d-alpha-tocopherol form. Caution: If you are taking blood thinning medication, consult your physician before taking this supplement. Take 90 mg (200 IU) daily.

VERY IMPORTANT:

• Boron: A trace mineral required for healthy bones and uptake of calcium. Also reduces COX-2 and LOX enzymes for anti-inflammatory value. Take 3 mg with each meal. (NS Bone Health)
• Calcium, and magnesium, plus copper, and vitamin D, and zinc: (NS Bone Health)Calcium is needed to prevent bone loss. Magnesium is needed to balance with calcium. A cofactor for lysyl oxidase, which strengthens connective tissue and bone formation. Copper is needed for calcium uptake and bone formation. Vitamin D is needed for bone growth. Often deficient in those with arthritis. For calcium, take up to 2,000 mg daily. For magnesium, take up to 350 mg daily from all sources. For copper, take 3 mg daily. For vitamin D, take 20 mcg (800 IU) daily. For zinc, take up to 40 mg daily. Do not exceed this amount daily from all supplements. Use zinc picolinate form.
• Amino Acids:  (NS Amino Complex): To supply protein, needed for tissue repair. Protein is a major component of bone tissue. 4 capsules daily
• Kelp or alfalfa: (NS Green Max and EQ Kelpcom) A rich source of minerals needed for good skeletal health.  NS Green Max 2-4 caps daily.  EQ Kelpcom 30-50 drops 2 times daily
• Multienzyme complex: (NS Digestive Enzymes Plus)To aid digestion.  Take 2 capsules with meals.
• Selenium: (*Note NS Superoxide Dismutase contains selenium) OR AI Selenium  A powerful antioxidant. Take 200 mcg daily.
• Vitamin B complex (EQ B complex) (AI - B complex), with para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), plus extra vitamin B3 (niacin), or niacinamide, plus vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine): B vitamins work best when taken together. Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) is good for swelling. Vitamin B3 (niacin) increases blood flow by dilating small arteries. Good for knee pain. Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) is especially good for rheumatoid arthritis; vital for the production of steroids in the adrenal gland. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) reduces swelling in tissue. For vitamin B complex, take  50 mg of each major B
   vitamin (thiamine and riboflavin) 3 times daily. Amounts of individual vitamins in a
   complex will vary. Do not exceed 35 mg niacin, 100 mg vitamin B6, and 1,000 mcg
   folate daily. Use a hypoallergenic formula. For vitamin B3 (niacin), take 35 mg daily. Do not exceed this amount. Caution: Do not take niacin if you have a liver disorder, gout, or high blood pressure. For niacinamide, take as directed on label. Caution: Do not substitute niacin for niacinamide. Niacin can be toxic in such high doses. For vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), take 500–1,000 mg daily. For vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), take 50 mg daily.
• Vitamin B12, and folic acid: (AI B12 Folate) Needed for proper digestion, the formation of cells, and the production of myelin, the protective coating surrounding the nerves. Prevents nerve damage. For vitamin B12, take 1,000 mcg daily. For folic acid, take 400 mcg daily. 
• Vitamin C, plus bioflavonoids: (NS Liposomal Vitamin C) Vitamin C is a powerful free radical destroyer that also aids in pain relief because of its anti-inflammatory effect. Bioflavonoids, boost the activity of vitamin C. Take up to 2,000 mg daily, in divided doses.
• Vitamin K: (NS Bone Health) Helps deposit minerals into the bone matrix. 2-4 capsules daily

HELPFUL:

• NS Bone Health: Contains calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and other valuable bone-reinforcing nutrients. 2-4 caps daily
• DL-phenylalanine (DLPA): Good for pain relief. Caution: Do not take this  supplement if you are pregnant or nursing, or if you suffer from panic attacks, diabetes, high blood pressure, or PKU. Take 500 mg daily every other week.
• Garlic:  Inhibits the formation of free radicals, which can damage the joints. Take 2 capsules 3 times daily, with meals.
• L-cysteine: A detoxifier essential for immune function; a source of sulfur and a component of collagenous tissue. Take 500 mg twice daily, on an empty stomach. Take with water or juice. Do not take with milk. Take with 50 mg vitamin B6 and 100 mg vitamin C for better absorption.
• L-Histidine: Aids in building joints and connective tissue. Take as directed on label.
• Multivitamin complex with vitamin A, and natural beta-carotene: All nutrients are needed to aid in repairing tissues and cartilage.
• Pycnogenol or Grape seed extract:  (NS Grape Seed Extract) Improves joint flexibility, repairs connective tissue by reducing the prostaglandins that cause inflammation, and inhibits histamine release responsible for tissue damage. NS Grape Seed Extract 2-6 capsules daily.
• Shark cartilage: Treats pain and inflammation. Aids in repairing joints and bones. 
  

• AI B12 Folate
• AI B Complex
• AI Selenium
• BL Inflam Redux 2
• EQ B Complex
• EQ Jointox BB
• EQ Kelpcom
• EQ Hepa Detox
• NS Amino Complex
• NS Bone Health
• NS Burdock Root
• NS Celery Seed
• NS Digestive Enzymes Plus
• NS Grapeseed Extract
• NS Green Max
• NS Liposomal Vitamin C
• NS Liver Support
• NS Manganese Plus
• NS Phosphorus Plus
• NS Proteolytic Enzymes
• NS Superoxide Dismutase
• NS Turmeric
• NS Glucosamine Joint Formula
• NS Omega Complete

• Fruits, Strawberries, Blackberries, Blueberries, Cherries, Watermelon, Mango, Peaches, Apples, Bananas, Prunes, Cranberries
• Vegetables, Broccoli, Collard greens, Onions, Beets, Sweet Potatoes, Spinach, Kale, Winter Squash, Butternut Squash, Acorn Squash, Pumpkin, Brussels sprouts, Sauerkraut, Pickles, Kombucha, Kefir, Tempeh, Miso, Kimchi
• Beans
• Nuts
• Seeds
• Whole grains, Oats, Whole wheat, Brown Rice, Quinoa
• Citrus, Oranges, Grapefruit, Lemons
• Fatty Fish, and scallops, sardines, anchovies, trout, crab, mussel’s, Sea bass
• Extra-virgin oil, Canola oil, Avocado oil, Sesame oil, Walnut oil
• Low Fat Dairy
• Turmeric, Ginger, Garlic, Cayenne pepper, Cinnamon,
• Dark Chocolate, Cacao
• Green Tea, Water, Oolong Tea, Red Wine (in moderation)

 Popeye's Favorite:

Ingredients:

• small handful spinach
• 4-5 carrots, greens removed
• 1/2 apple, seeded

Directions:

• Bunch up spinach and push through hopper with carrots and apple.

Potassium Broth:

Ingredients:

• handful parsley
• handful spinach
• 4-5 carrots, greens removed
• 2 stalks celery

Directions:

• Bunch up parsley and spinach leaves and push through hopper with carrots and celery.

Bromelain Special:

Ingredients:

• 1/4 pineapple, with skin

Directions:

• Push pineapple through hopper.

Garden Salad Special:

Ingredients:

• 3 broccoli flowerets
• 1 garlic clove
• 4-5 carrots or 2 tomatoes
• 1/2 green pepper
• 2 stalks celery

Directions:

• Push broccoli and garlic through hopper with carrots or tomatoes.
• Follow with celery and green pepper.

Ginger Hopper:

Ingredients:

• 1/4 inch slice ginger root
• 4-5 carrots, greens removed
• 1/2 apple, seeded

Directions:

• Push ginger through hopper with carrots and apple.

Maureen's Spicy Tonic:

Ingredients:

• 1/4 pineapple, with skin
• 1/2 apple, seeded
• 1/4 inch slice ginger root

Directions:

• Push pineapple through hopper with apple and ginger.

Gingerberry Fizz:

Ingredients:

•  1 quart blueberries
• 1 medium bunch grapes
• 1/4 inch slice ginger root
• sparkling water

Directions:

• Push blueberries through hopper, followed by grapes and ginger.
• Pour juice into ice-filled glass.
• Fill glass to top with sparkling water.

Cherie's Cleansing Cocktail:

Ingredients:

• 1/4 inch slice ginger root
• 1 beet
• 1/2 apple, seeded
• 4 carrots, greens removed

Directions:

• Push ginger, beet, and apple through hopper with carrots.

• Emerald: calms pain and works on heart and root chakras.
• Garnet: relieves joint pain and improves blood circulation.
• Black Tourmaline: protects from negative energy and inflammation.
• Rose Quartz: heals emotional wounds and soothes stress.
• Black Agate: strengthens bones and joints and balances energy.
• Neon Apatite: stimulates cartilage growth and reduces swelling.
• Azurite: clears toxins and enhances mobility.
• Hematite: reduces pain and stiffness and boosts immunity.
• Magnetite: attracts iron and oxygen to the affected areas and reduces inflammation.
• Lavender: aligns the joints and improves energy flow and toxin removal.
• Turquoise: balances the body and mind and promotes healing.
• Sodalite: reduces blood pressure and inflammation and calms the nerves.
• Lapis Lazuli: relieves pain and enhances mental clarity and communication.
• Blue Lace Agate: eases tension and pain and supports the throat chakra.
• Celestine: brings harmony and peace and connects to the higher self.
• Amethyst Quartz Crystal Point: amplifies healing energy and cleanses the aura.
• Fluorite: absorbs and neutralizes negative energy and stimulates regeneration.

• Ginger
• Thyme
• Turmeric
• Ginkgo
• Stinging Nettle
• Capsicum (Cayenne)
• Willow Bark
• Indian Frankincense
• Thunder God Vine
• Devil’s Claw
• Ashwagandha

• Antimonium Crudum
• Lithium Carbonicum
• Caulophyllum
• Actaea Spicata
• Rhus Toxicodendron
• Pulsatilla Nigricans
• Apis Mellifica
• Medorrhinum
• Abrotanum for juveniles

• LI-4
• LU-7
• GB-20
• LV-3
• BL-40
• KD-3

• Photonic Mat
• Rife Frequencies
• Ionic Footbaths (2 a week for 14 sessions)
• Bemer
  
• Biomat
• PEMF
• Magnet Therapy

• Manage your weight
• Your weight can have a big impact on arthritis symptoms. Extra weight puts more pressure on your joints, especially your knees, hips, and feet.
• Get plenty of low impact exercise, walking, cycling, water activities, swimming
• Keep your joints flexible
• Strengthen muscles around your joints, which offers more support
• Heat therapy can include taking a long, warm shower or bath in the morning to help ease stiffness and using an electric blanket or moist heating pad to reduce discomfort overnight.
• Cold therapy can help relieve joint pain, swelling, and inflammation. Wrap a gel ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables in a towel and apply it to painful joints for quick relief. Never apply ice directly to the skin.
• Capsaicin, which comes from chili peppers, is a component of some topical ointments and creams that you can buy over the counter. These products provide warmth that can soothe joint pain.
• Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical treatment that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on your body. Practitioners say it works by rerouting energies and restoring balance in your body.
• Follow a healthy diet
• Manage your stress levels
• Get a massage
• Massage can provide an overall sense of well-being. It may also help manage joint pain and discomfort.

• Lavender oil
• Turmeric oil
• Frankincense oil
• Eucalyptus oil
• Peppermint oil
• Ginger oil
• Sage oil
• Thyme oil
• Wintergreen oil
• Cinnamon Leaf oil
• German Chamomile oil
• Helichrysum oil
• Bergamot oil
• Basil oil
• Orange oil