She has had Seronegative arthritis [1] since 2013 and decided that, after a flare up, it was finally time to take control. In September 2018, she began finding holistic ways to heal and to connect with other people living with arthritis.
Her goal is to one day stop taking medication for her arthritis.
I asked her a few questions, varying from lifestyle to diet and exercise. Here is what she had to say:
Which foods do you personally find most beneficial to your arthritis?
It’s all still a massive experiment, and I’m still learning all the time (it’s not been a year yet!) but I honestly find that eating 100% natural has made a big difference to my body, from my immune system to my arthritis, eating well is paramount - and essential to keeping my immune system strong. It’s the overall package of what I’m doing - so it’s really hard to pick one thing. If I had to choose on this journey so far, I’d say apple cider vinegar in the mornings, pre+probiotics, Kefir, and matcha!
Do you have a daily routine of exercise? Does it help?
I commute to work, which means I have quite a number of daily steps - especially if I can’t get a seat on the tube. If I don’t get my steps in, being originally from Yorkshire I love the countryside and outdoors, so if I can - I take a walk on a weekend either somewhere suburban in London or if I’m home with my family it would be in the Derbyshire countryside. I have a daily exercise regime - stretches and small activity - but to be honest I never manage to do it everyday - often I’m so exhausted and don’t have time to do it - or I’m in too much pain. I see Genuine Georgia once a week and battle through the pain to do it though - as exercise is anti-inflammatory and its so important in the overall lifestyle I’m doing with Arthritis Foodie.
When were you diagnosed?
I was diagnosed incorrectly for a couple of years, but properly diagnosed in 2015. I’ve had symptoms since August 2013, so it’s been about 6 years now.
Are there any workouts/physio exercises that you recommend?
I would recommend that anyone looking to do exercise personalises it to them - not everything works for everyone and it depends what your aims are... For me, I want to build muscle and strength in my legs/upper body to support my ankles. Exercises wise - start with stretching - if you can’t manage yoga just google or YouTube stretches for the problem area you want to try to help.
What are your top 5 tips for diet and lifestyle for someone with arthritis?
Top tips! Erm, gosh there are so so many things that I want to say here, and I don’t think 5 is enough. But 5 things to look after the most when living with arthritis would be:
- Diet & exercise (you are literally what you eat - it’s science! Take care of your body because you only have one!)
- Sleep (getting rest is so so important and as we struggle with fatigue enough, you have to look after this one as much as you can)
- Mind (living with pain is so hard, but being mindful of it, and when to let it in or when to battle on - is vital)
- Self-care (it’s okay to say no sometimes, and put yourself first - the people who love you will always understand)
- Patience (it can be so frustrating - the hospital appointments, the medications, trying this and that, but be patient and kind to yourself).
Emily―Arthritis Foodie― has a website, Facebook and Instagram and posts about natural recipes, her own journey with arthritis and inspirational quotes to help you through your day!
Her socials are:
Website: https://arthritisfoodie.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arthritisfoodie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritisfoodie
Her website is still under works, so give it some time if some parts don't work :)
[1] When a patient tests negative for RF and anti-CCP antibodies, yet they still display strong symptoms consistent with rheumatoid arthritis, they are given a diagnosis of seronegative rheumatoid arthritis. The term seronegative means they don't possess the antibodies that seropositive patients do (https://www.rheumatoidarthritis.org/ra/types/seronegative/)
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