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What remedies can help with swollen joints?

 It sounds as though you may be suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, or perhaps a similar condition.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory condition characterised by inflammation in the joints of the fingers, toes, wrists or other joints of the body. The affected joints become swollen and stiff and may become deformed in the long term.

The disease usually comes in waves, with painful periods being interspersed with times where sufferers are relatively symptom-free.

The disease usually starts in early adulthood or middle age but can sometimes start it childhood. RA affects two to three per cent of the population and about 75 per cent of sufferers are women.

RA is what is known as an 'autoimmune' disease. Here, the immune system mounts an immune response against the body's own tissues causing inflammation and diseased tissue.

In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, the part of the body that is affected is the tissue that lines the joints known as the 'synovium'. While the cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not known for sure, there is some evidence that it can be triggered by food.

In one study of 22 RA sufferers, 20 improved on elimination of foods from the diet. The worst offending foods in this study were grains, milk, nuts, beef and egg.

Identification of problem foods and elimination of problem foods from your diet may help you. You can find more details about how to go about this in my book Ultimate Health from Michael Joseph at £12.99.

RA sufferers may benefit from eating plenty foods rich in healthy essential fatty acids (EFAs) such as extra virgin olive oil and pumpkin, sunflower and sesame seeds. There is some evidence that omega-3 fatty acids in the form of fish oil can be effective in controlling the symptoms of RA.

Eating plenty of oily fish may also help to control your symptoms. Copper has anti-inflammatory activity in the body and can often help individuals with RA. In a double-blind study, wearing a copper bracelet helped to relieve the symptoms of RA.

Green-lipped muscle extract has also developed a reputation as a useful agent in the treatment of arthritis. Research has identified a compound known called eicosatetaenoic acid (ETA) which was found to have anti-inflammatory actions more potent than that of commonly prescribed painkillers.

One study found that treatment with green-lipped muscle extract (1050 mg per day of dried powder or 210 mg per day of a special extract) brought significant improvements in 68% of RA sufferers. Supplements of green-lipped mussel extracts are widely available from all good health food shops.