The Number 1 cause of disability in many countries is arthritis. This prevalent disease is literally all around us. It is estimated in the U.S alone, as much as 50 million Americans are afflicted with arthritis. That is more than the entire population of Spain.
Here’s how the Budwig Diet can make a difference for people who suffer from arthritis. For more information download the Budwig Guide.
8 Ways The Budwig Diet Alleviates Arthritis
1) Omega 3 Foods
Foods with high levels of omega 3 lower inflammation. And inflammation is an arthritis sufferer’s arch enemy. Arthritis and especially rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune-mediated inflammatory disease that causes an individual’s immune system to attack their own joint tissues. The staple of the Budwig Diet – the Budwig Mix of flaxseed oil and quark (cottage cheese) – provides incredible amounts of omega 3. Also, the Budwig diet encourages the consumption of foods rich in omega 3 such as chia seeds and walnuts.
2) Antioxidant and Fiber-Rich Foods
Antioxidants are potent fighters that help to neutralize the unstable molecules that damage our cells. They are crucial not only for their anti-inflammatory effect but also in maintaining healthy joints. The Budwig diet includes plenty of high antioxidant foods, such as fruit, steamed vegetables, and green smoothies. These foods are also high fiber foods. Scientists have discovered that a high-fiber diet not only helps promote happy gut bacteria but is also linked to reduced inflammation and pain. The Budwig diet favors legumes/beans and nuts and seeds. At the Budwig Center, our patients consume these daily and are taught how to prepare them to make them more bio-available and thus get the most benefit from their diet.
3) Sulfur-Rich Foods
Sulfur is found naturally in every cell of the human body, and it has a particular affinity for our joints. Research shows that sulfur can help reduce arthritic pain. Many ask why kefir or yogurt cannot be used instead of the quark or cottage cheese with the flaxseed oil in the Budwig Mix. The main reason is that kefir and yogurt do not contain enough of the sulfuretted protein that quark and cottage cheese do to produce the health benefits. In addition to the Budwig Mix, at our clinic, we often recommend MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) supplementation. Sulfur food sources include onions, garlic, asparagus, and cabbage.
4) Gut Health
Some 70% of your immune system is in your stomach, so restoring gut health is essential. Over 2,000 years ago the man dubbed “the father of modern medicine”, Hippocrates, suggested that all disease begins in the gut. Harmful bacteria, food intolerances, antibiotics and fungus overgrowth such as Candida can all lead to what is knows as ‘leaky gut syndrome’; which according to Dr. Robynne Chutkan, assistant professor of medicine at Georgetown University Medical Center, “is likely to emerge as one of the most significant medical concepts of our time.”
Symptoms of leaky gut syndrome may include chronic diarrhea, constipation, gas or bloating, weak immune system, regular headaches, brain fog, memory loss, excessive fatigue, skin problems such as eczema, Arthritis or joint pain, depression, and anxiety.
Identifying any deficiencies of the small and large intestine as well as specific food intolerances via a Vega test and GSR scan is the first step taken in the Wellness Programs at the Budwig Clinic. Following the Budwig Diet protocol as well as the personalized remedies recommended contributes to healing the digestive system.
5) Avoid Inflammatory Foods
The Budwig diet completely removes foods that cause inflammation such as refined sugars, syrups, and artificial sweeteners. Stevia, fruit juices, and raw honey are favored. Refined oils (canola, corn, cottonseed, soybean, vegetable, etc.,) are replaced with only cold pressed oils. For at least 30 days or more if needed, all gluten (flour and wheat products especially), as well as nightshade vegetables, such as tomatoes, eggplant, and potatoes, should be avoided.
6) Natural Therapies
Combining natural therapies with the proper diet adds a dynamic element to your health plan. Treat yourself to massages, herbal treatments, acupuncture, and chiropractic adjustments. The body’s proper energy flow can be disrupted if a muscle is pressing on a nerve or if a disk is out of place. Our Budwig Wellness Programs include not only diet protocol but also multiple natural therapies personalized to each patient.
7) Exercise
It may be somewhat painful to do exercises. However, if a person becomes inactive, in the long run, they will suffer from more pain and disability. Walking is a safe, low impact exercise, that can easily be adjusted to the desired level of difficulty by varying pace and terrain. The best part is, it costs nothing! Try and have a nice brisk 20 or 30 minute walk every day. To help combat stiffness in the joints stretches, aquatic exercises, bicycling and swimming are all encouraged.
8) Natural Remedies
Natural supplements and essential oils are helpful additions to a healthy diet, especially where they target specific deficiencies. Proteolytic enzymes aid digestion and reduce inflammation. Ginger and Curcumin, when taken correctly, have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. Frankincense oil massaged over the painful areas is a potent natural pain reliever.
To find out more about how the Budwig diet can help you not only alleviate arthritis but overcome cancer and some other 50 common ailments, please download our Free Budwig Guide and subscribe to our Bi-Monthly Newsletter.
