But you are NOT alone!
1.3 million Americans are affected by Rheumatoid Arthritis. Though it is still unclear as to the actual cause, RA is an autoimmune disease. Your body’s cells mistake your own proteins as foreign intruders. Immune cells – called lymphocytes – react to this “intruder”, causing the release of cytokines. Cytokines are like chemical messengers that trigger more inflammation and destruction, which affects the synovial capsule and surrounding tissue, causing inflammation. Over time, the chronic inflammation leads to joint damage and deformities, fatigue, loss of appetite and stiffness.
Though there is no cure for RA, there are ways you can make the side-effects less severe. As with most diseases that cause inflammation, a change in diet along with daily exercise is a great start! And adding a juice regimen will help you get back on track to living a normal life.
The following 5 recipes are easy to make with ingredients you can find in your local supermarket. They’re healing and delicious!
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Understand that proper nutrition is vital, even if you are in optimal health. If you are seeking medical attention for your RA symptoms, discuss your plans to include a juicing regimen with your doctor before you begin.
If you are new to juicing and do not own a juicer, DO NOT be overwhelmed by all of the choices. First, decide if you want a centrifugal (most common, high-speed juicer, creates heat which weakens the quality of the juice, quick cleanup, effectively juices wide range of produce except wheatgrass) or a masticating juicer (slower speed, higher quality juice, juices wheatgrass, quieter motor, additional attachments for smoothies, nut butters).
Once you have your juicer – clear out some space in your fridge for produce. I suggest you make the space by getting rid of foods that are highly processed and high in sugar. You may even want to try an elimination diet.
An Elimination Diet is just like it sounds. You remove certain foods from your diet for 3-4 weeks and then slowly begin to introduce the foods back, one at a time. The ones that aggravate your RA or your gut, you know to avoid. Start removing foods that are known to cause inflammation: dairy, red meat, gluten, soy, corn and nightshade vegetables (tomato, potato, mushrooms, eggplants, peppers).
Toxins in our environment and in our food supply can also increase inflammation and it is best to go organic when available. Refer to the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 list to know which conventional foods contain the highest amount of toxins and which are the cleanest choices.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Benefits of juicing can be noticed immediately. More energy, heightened sense of awareness and mental clarity, digestive regularity, just to name a few. Inflammation and relief from pain associated with RA can take upwards of 6 weeks before you begin to feel noticeable differences. Be patient and be consistent!
READY… SET… JUICE!
The following are recipes that are high in antioxidants, Vitamin C and Beta Carotene. They are proven to help your body decrease inflammation and make you feel awesome! An extra bonus – juicing daily helps to rehydrate skin, making you look younger, brighter and more refreshed. If that doesn’t sell you alone, then keep reading!
HOLY BASIL WATER
Ingredients:
- Basil – 3 sprigs
- Blueberries – 1.5 cups
- Lime – ½
- Cayenne Pepper – 1 dash
- Watermelon – 5 cups
Instructions:
- Prepare everything.
- Add every ingredient into the blender.
- Transfer to a clean, glass container.
- Drink and enjoy!
Notes:
Watermelon is an anti-inflammatory powerhouse because of its high content of beta carotene and vitamin C. Add the antioxidants in the superfood, blueberries and you have a “mocktail” that is sure to get you feeling and looking your best in no time.
TURMERIC SUNRISE
Ingredients:
- Apple – 2
- Celery – 3 stalks
- Carrot – 3
- Lemon – 2 peeled
- Ginger Root – 1 inch knob, peeled
- Pear – 2
- Turmeric Root – 4 inch, fresh root
Instructions:
- Prepare every ingredient.
- Add everything into the juicer. (Note: Peeling is not needed when using organic produce)
- Add everything to the juicer, extracting the juices properly.
- Transfer to a clean, glass container.
- Drink and enjoy!
Notes:
Unlike the tequila sunrise, this is one you can drink and feel good about in the morning! Ginger is a well known anti-inflammatory, as is turmeric. But so is pear. Combine the effects of Vitamin C and Beta Carotene, this concoction will have you running off into the sunset, feeling like a million bucks!
BEGINNER’S GREEN
Ingredients:
- Apples – 3
- Celery – 4 stalks
- Ginger – ¼ inch knob, peeled
- Lemon (with rind)
- Orange – 1 peeled
- Spinach – 5 handfuls
Instructions:
Prepare every ingredient.
- Add everything into the juicer. (Note: Peeling is not needed when using organic produce)
- Add everything to the juicer, extracting the juices properly.
- Transfer to a clean, glass container.
- Drink and enjoy!
Notes:
Delicious blend of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory goodness in every drop. This drink is perfect for newbies who are looking for baby steps.
MINT APPLEBERRY
Ingredients:
- Blueberries – 1 cup
- Kiwifruit – 2 cups
- Peppermint – 30 leaves
- Strawberry – 1 cup
Instructions:
- Prepare everything.
- Add every ingredient into the blender.
- Transfer to a clean, glass container.
- Drink and enjoy!
Notes:
Not only is this drink the perfect thing for an afternoon in the sun, the antioxidant power of blueberries combines with Anthocyanidin, a flavonoid in strawberries, which is a very powerful protector against inflammation.
THE FOG CUTTER
Ingredients:- Apples – 2
- Red cabbage – 2 ¼ head
- Carrots – 4
- Ginger Root – ½ inch knob, peeled
- Lemon – 1
- Spinach – 4 handfuls
Instructions:
Wash and prep all ingredients; feed into your juicer and enjoy!
Notes:
What makes this the perfect juice is the combination of anti-inflammatory power of ginger, the Vitamin C in lemon, Beta Carotene in carrots and the high-alkalinity property of spinach. It also juices to a beautiful hue of magenta.
Adding a high, quality blend of Omega 3 Fatty Acids, such as fish oil, to the above juices will add an extra punch of support against inflammation. Look for high quality blends that contain 3 grams of both DHA and EPA. There are vegan formulas, which are also highly effective if you require a plant-based diet.
