What To Do If You Have Arthritis

7. What To Do If You Have Arthritis

7.1 The Fast

Dr. Shelton describes a case where a lady with arthritis, recovered completely after a fast: “Mrs. G. was forty-four years old. Her arthritis was of but a few months standing, but it was painful and crippled her movements. Mrs. G’s physician could promise her nothing but temporary relief which was aspirin or cortisone for the rest of her life. He told her there would be a probable spreading and increase of pain. She journeyed to the United States from Canada and underwent a fast. The fast lasted only three weeks, but it freed her of all pain and inflammation and restored normal movement to her joints.” After the fast she remained free of the pain and inflammation of arthritis.

The body has remarkable recuperative powers. The body’s ability to heal can be enhanced if the remedies and the causes that have built the disease are removed. The body must be given an opportunity to eliminate its toxic accumulation by means of a fast and then given an opportunity to alter its blood chemistry by means of a change in the plan of eating.

During a fast, the chemistry of the body (especially its fluids and secretions) undergoes a rapid change and returns to a normal healthy state. Fasting relieves the pains of arthritis more effectively than drugs and does it without risk or harm. It is not because the fast itself did anything. Fasting did nothing. But it provided the best condition for the body to heal and repair itself. This is why you fast.

The duration of the fast in arthritis depends on individual circumstances and should only be undertaken under the personal supervision of one who is thoroughly familiar with the techniques of fasting.

Recovery from chronic arthritis is a slow process out of a state of ill health and into a state of biochemical normalcy and health. According to Dr. Shelton, recovery depends on many factors—age, weight, extent of the disease, its duration, degrees of joint destruction, the amount of ankylosis, previous habits of living and eating, the amount of nerve energy in reserve, the character of complications that exist (such as heart disease), the occupation, disposition and environment of the patient. All of these factors determine the extent of recovery possible and the rapidity with which recovery can take place.

While some joints may be permanently ankylosed, the fast can still result in improved health in all cases. A higher state of health will result overall.

7.2 After the Fast

After the fast you should try to implement a more healthful diet into your daily life. The best diet for all humans is one that consists of all raw fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, organically grown. On this diet, arthritis sufferers have had the most success in recovery and maintaining health thereafter. This is a diet that contains no harmful toxins that would create the conditions for any disease to exist. When eaten in correct combinations, there will be no fermentation or putrefaction that results in the presence of toxins in the body. These foods are easily digested, supply us with all nutrient needs, and will provide, the correct conditions for health.

You must keep in mind that the body always strives toward health and will always heal and repair itself even in seemingly hopeless cases when the proper conditions are provided.

Besides fasting, and proper diet, all of the other conditions must also be provided (proper rest and sleep, exercise, etc.).