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Hi, I have lots of swelling on my hands and fingers. I’ve also noticed a lot of pain in this area, particularly when I’ve had too much sugar, sweets, fatty foods, dairy, pasta and deep/fried foods. I suspect this is rheumatoid arthritis. Over the past two weeks I have changed my diet – I cut out sugar and salty foods and switched to fish like salmon. I also eat lots of fresh fruit and green veggies. What can you recommend as a natural painkiller?
Can I just ask if you have had rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed by your doctor? If not, I would really recommend you make an appointment just to rule out any other possible causes for your symptoms. Once you have a diagnosis confirmed, you will be in a better place to address your symptoms.
In the meantime, you may find it helpful to try our Devil's Claw Tablets to reduce the general inflammation. It can safely be taken alongside other medication, including painkillers and anti-inflammatories. These tablets take a couple of months to show their effects so you'll have to be patient.
Although you have noticed that certain foods can make your symptoms worse, I would warn against making lots of big changes to your diet all at once. Instead, if you switch one food at a time for another, you will be able to see more clearly which one is having an effect on your symptoms.
I have a few blogs that provide more information on how diet influences joint pain and inflammation which you may find helpful. I have put links to these blogs below. Generally speaking, anything highly processed is best avoided (so ready meals, sliced meat, jars of sauces) as this could make symptoms worse. On the other hand, drinking plenty of plain still water, eating magnesium-rich foods and getting lots omega-3 is helpful. As I say, though, introduce these changes slowly so you can monitor how it affects your joint pain and inflammation.
https://www.avogel.co.uk/food/10-foods-that-can-help-to-fight-inflammation/
https://www.avogel.co.uk/food/10-surprising-foods-that-can-cause-inflammation/
Do you have questions? Please feel free to ask.
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