Is it possible to go off RA drugs by following a plant based diet

Hi @debcha, and welcome to Connect. I'm so glad you decided to share your positive experience with a plant-based diet with us. I'm tagging @vickiekay @blindeyepug - two members who also have RA and may be able to share their thoughts and experiences.

I'm also tagging @bestcare, as this member was recently searching for a plant-based diet for another condition. But it would be good for the two of you to share your thoughts on what works and what does work. And @karen29 wrote about her husband's positive experience from a plant based diet for his joint pain.

Could you tell us a bit more about your plant-based diet? Did you find certain foods gave you more energy, etc. than others? Have you reintroduced meats back into your diet at all?

I read a lot from Ty Bolinger and Ocean Robbins who interview Specialists and Researchers, about the Immune system and that it starts in the gut. We have to have a healthy gut by detoxing our bodies daily. We do this by eating whole foods, apples, oranges, carrots, beans nuts, berries, most fruits and vegetables. Once in a while I have fish. But I don't feel confident about our oceans anymore with all the oil spills, nuclear accidents etc. I just try to eat the above foods, everyday. I take supplements, also. Quercertan, Curcumin, L-Lysine etc. I read about what affects my issues; lung cancer. But again, all things seem to stem from the gut. If we take care of our colon, by gentle detoxing, plant protein powders, our bodies can fight off the diseases that try to come out way. I'm actually confused sometimes with all that I read. I try to do a little at a time. Hope this helps. bestcare.

There is a good book by "How Not to Die", by Michael Greger, MD. He talks about turmeric mixed with soy, which I don't eat, but also with pumpkin puree. He gives pumpkin smoothie recipies, and turmerc powder with lentils, brown rice etc. Its an informative book. Good for arthritis. Not sure is that helps, but I'm going to tell a friend who was just dx. with RA and trying different drugs to help her. Methotrexate, but she reacted badly. Now on Humera. Hope this helps somewhat. I just eat whole foods, bananas, apples, berries, couscous, quinoa , all vegetables, and sometimes a good fish. I would ask your doctor about a plant based diet. Usually, the MD's are well informed about diets. Read about it or the Food Revelution, Ty Bolinger, Truth about Cancer, he touches on everything condition. Bestcare.

Hello @debcha, you might want to take a look at the Wahls Protocol diet by Dr. Terry Wahls - http://terrywahls.com/about-the-wahls-protocol/. She has an amazing story to read about her battle with MS and doing her own research on nutrients. I would still discuss with your doctor but the diet may help you get off of the RA drugs or reduce the amount needed.

Thank you for welcoming me Alyse! I actually have not eaten meat for over 20 years and 3 years ago became a Vegan. I ate crappy food as a Vegan because we all know that potato chips etc can be Vegan. I started doing a lot of reading on plant based eating as it cuts out processed food and processed fats. Sticking to all homemade foods and natural fats such as nuts, avocado etc. Around the same time I also started Xeljanz as my ALT levels skyrocketed. I am feeling so much better, my joints are feeling really good and I have a lot more energy. I have not had joint stiffness in mornings ever but used to be tired all the time. I am so much more energetic and ran a 10 K race ( paid for it later though). I will never eat meat ever again, already have not eaten it over 20 years, but eliminating the crap just makes me happier. I start my day with a huge green smoothie with kale, red cabbage, Apple, orange, water, flax, beet, frozen banana and blueberries. This gives me energy, lunch I usually have a pot of lentil or bean soup ready and dinner a big salad or a curry lentils and quinoa dish or something along those lines. I use dates for sweetening and gave up coffee in January. I have lost 30 pounds since January and have about 40 to go. Hopefully this gives you an idea. Thank you for hooking me up with other members.

My husband has put chicken and pork back into his diet but NOT often. He has found if he eats meat regularly he is in pain again.He eats no red meat. He also has cut way back on white sugar and uses honey or other sugars recommended by plant based doctors. He also used fresh ginger and turmeric when juicing. I hope this helps others here. Greens are the most healing food and for my husband meat and sugar are the enemy.

I have Michael Greger's book on my bedside table! Lol I make my own almond milk and do not drink soy milk usually, but I will eat a lot of non GMO tofu. I make a turmeric almond milk hot drink everyday for my pick me up. My rheumatologist is on board with the plant based diet, so far so good and losing the weight is actually really good for my joints. So nice to meet you.

Thank you John I will look it up and read it. I am willing to do whatever I can to try and get away from all the drugs. Thanks again