Arthritis-Proof Your Life: Secrets to Pain-Free Living Without Drugs

by Michelle Schoffro Cook

REDUCE YOUR PAIN — HEAL YOUR JOINTS — LIVE THE LIFE YOU DESERVE Are you one of the 350 million people worldwide who has been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, or fibromyalgia? In Arthritis-Proof Your Life , discover the bodily imbalances and lifestyle choices that are causing the inflammation and get rid of it. Dr. Michelle Schoffro Cook shows "Dr. Cook's work is unique, empowering, informative, and guides us toward a healthy future." —MALLIKA CHOPRA, Founder of Intent.com

Genres: Health, Nonfiction

256 pages, Hardcover

First published April 17, 2012

Reviews

[Kathryn G · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is really useful at explaining the connection between inflammation and arthritis. The first half of the book is about diet and is pretty extreme in its recommendations. No sugar, red meat, refined carbs, dairy etc. This is of course the gold standard of nutrition these days but is not easily achievable. Moderation is always my goal but it is useful to know the biggest culprits. Most useful (to me) in this book are the recommendations regarding supplements and herbs that are helpful in reducing inflammation. It includes recipes for tea as well as dishes that are plant based and anti inflammation. Really helpful book.

[Phil Calandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a very informative book about those foods, nutrients and natural sources that can be used to counter the effects of arthritis. However, the information is a bit overwhelming and, in my opinion, one would need professional guidance in formulating a specific plan to meet one's individual needs.

[Mustangblu · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did like certain things about this book ..foods to eat or not eat, herbs and vitamins to take to help joint inflammation, etc. However a lot of things were either boring to me or a little hard to understand from the medical perspective, as per the lower rating. Also the recipes didn't sound very pleasant!

[Mary Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never taken so many notes from a book before. I loved many of the suggestions and really needed this information to slow down my arthritis. I think the best take away was the suggestion of taking glucosamine sulfate stops progession (1000-1500mg) and chondroitin sulfate creates cartilage (1500 mg) every day to halt damage and repair. I have been doing this for two weeks now and I see a real difference.

Drugs don't cure disease they mitigate symptoms. Pain is your friend. It tells you when you are deficient in one or more nutrients, over doing activity, not drinking enough water, or eating inflammatory foods.

8 ways to improve digestion:
1. Chew chew chew
2. Don't drink with meals
3. Simplify means
4. Don't eat when stressed
5. Eat before 7:30
6. Supplement
7. More fermented foods such as greek yoguart
8. More foods in natural uncooked state

Toxic chemicals to avoid in health creams: Artificial dyes (yellow #5 red #4) Benzoates, BHA BHT DEA MEA TEA Dibutyl phtyalalate, frangrance, lead, parabens, petrolatum, sodium lauryl sulphate, stearalkonium choride, tolvene, triclosan.

Methyl sulfonylmethane (MSM) is good for fibromyalgia take 2000 mg (1/2 at breakfast 1/2 dinner) build up by staring with 1000. lubricates joints, blocks destroyers, acts as a blood thinner.

DHA & EPA reduces inflammation take 2x @ 1000 mg with food look for uncontaminated with mercury.

Essential oils to reduce pain:
Peppermint oil (use straight)
Nutmeg (1 drop with 1 tsp oil
Rosemary oil - relaxes nervous system
clove oil - mix 1 drop to 1 tsp rub on joints 3x day
Dvils claw
willow bark
meadowsweet

Lemon eucalyptus
wintergreen
bay laurel
basil
ylang
spruce
3-4 drops of these added to 1 tsp oil to dilute

Substitute 1/2 baking soda into washer to use in stead of fabric softener.

Ginger is better than ibuprofen to alleviate pain - fub oil on area
Ginger tea: 2-3 ince piece add to 1 qt water boil 30-60 minutes and stevia drink 3 cups daily or add to smoothie.

[Debbie Nicoletti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great explanations of natural tools that can help with osteoarthritis in knees and other joints. The author is a certified herbalist, doctor of acupuncture, and registered nutritionist. I discovered several natural therapies I plan to try including enzyme therapy, acupuncture, aromatherapy and recipes involving spices and anti-pain foods.

[Yycdaisy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of it is just good advice for many health conditions besides arthritis. The chapter on enzymes was new to me and quite interesting. It's probably something that would be worth trying as most of the enzymes mentioned are inexpensive. The other supplements listed are standard for arthritis.

[Cheryl Jurrus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. I found the acupressure part interesting and photocopied it.

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy to read and lots of good points to ponder.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Over the past week I experienced an unusual event - my hands ached and then began to swell. As a very healthy person, I (naturally) freak out when something happens. This event took me off to a hand (to shoulder) center in my city where the lovely physician told me he believed I had gout. Freaked. Me. Out. Totally. Without boring you with the details, I started researching this gout thing. Although the Dr gave me a Rx to take for inflammation, I did so reluctantly. My research took me to this book, which I've just finished.

Filled with much helpful information and presented in an (mostly) easy-to-understand way, it ended with food recipes and alternatives to traditional medications (which I eschew). I read the ebook from my local library and will continue to review this author's web site and other informational offerings.

Giving it a full 4 stars because it is clearly presented with the info I wanted, offers solutions and suggested further reading.

DD@Phila

[Allison · Rating 2 out of 5]

Please instead read any book by Dr. John E. Sarno if you are having pain.

[Cynthia]

Left me feeling that there is nothing I can eat. At some point in the book every food group was eliminated and substitutes were not offered. Yes, in other parts in the book those substitutes were brought up but in a different context to the point where the food was removed. Even came across a few typing errors. Only a few recipes.