Hi Theola,

As has been stated been several other posters, this is a complex problem, and
we live in an ever increasing complex environment. Our world is not truly
Paleo, and in Paleo times, it is unlikely that we would even be alive pushing 60
years old. But we have to deal with our medical problems in today's world.

I don't believe you stated which type of arthritis you have- osteo or
Rheumatoid. And there are other, rarer types as well. Rheumatoid is the more serious,
potentially far more debilitating, but it is an autoimmune disease, and as
such, it might just be more amenable to alternative treatments. (My uneducated
opinion.)

I have always maintained that what we DON'T eat has a more profound effect on
our health than what we DO eat. I am not a doctor, and I have no credentials,
but it seems to me that if at baseline (contemporary Paleo diet) a condition
exists (arthritis) and you add something into the mix (mainstream drugs,
herbs, alternative treatments, etc.) you still haven't addressed what may be
causing the condition in the first place. Not that that is easy to figure out!

The recent studies (see Mattson, etc.) showing substantial health/longevity
benefits to an every other day fasting/eating regimen have impressed me
tremendously. I certainly cannot advise that you undertake a fasting regimen, but you
might want to consider some research into the idea. I have just been doing
some research myself, in fact, for other reasons, and have come across a book by
a Dr. Joel Fuhrman, MD, on fasting and eating for health. I don't have the
book (just read about it) and I am disturbed by his eating recommendations (pure
Ornish style) but I AM intrigued by the fasting information.

I have spent some time myself practicing EOD eating/fasting, and note that I
feel much better, with improvement in niggling problems, have more energy, etc.

Lastly, are you familiar with the book, Dangerous Grains? How strict are you
avoiding gluten? Just wondering.

Please keep us posted, about which suggestions you try, and your results.

Maddy Mason
Hudson Valley, NY