Although no single diet will help everyone who suffers from arthritis, undertaking an elimination diet and then sticking to the changes that it suggests, is likely to produce helpful results.  The most common allergens are wheat, cows milk and dairy products, soya and the nightshade family (tomatoes, potatoes, peppers and tobacco).  Some studies suggest that avoiding chemicals by eating organic foods is likely to be helpful too. 

Try increasing the  B vitamins; B5 and B3, these are best taken within a balanced B complex supplement and should not be taken at night.  Aim for a diet that is high in polyunsaturated fats and low in saturated fats.  Add omega 3 fatty acids like Cod Liver Oil or Flaxseed Oil, and Blackcurrant Seed Oil to your daily diet.  Other supplements which are considered useful are Selenium, Vitamins C and E, Glucosamine Sulphate with Chondroitin and MSM (Methylsuphonylmethane).  

Therapies which have been found to be beneficial to arthritis sufferers are: acupuncture, homoeopathy, hydrotherapy with dead sea salt or sulphur, gentle movement such as Yoga, Tai Chi and Chi Kung.  Hydrotherapy with Dead Sea salts is particularly helpful for sufferers of psoriasis with arthritis.  Hypnotherapy can also be affective, as it is now recognised that a person's emotional state can affect the course of their disease.  Relaxation and meditation assist in pain control and allow the natural inner healing mechanisms to come into play.  

Ayurvedic remedies

Ayurveda treats arthritis based on your dosha type, in order to determine your dosha type.

Vata types
If arthritis is due to imbalanced vata your joints will crack and pop, and may feel cold to the touch.  You should follow the vata balancing diet and take 1 Yogaraj Guggulu three times a day.  Apply heat to the affected joints using a hot pack, wrapped hot water bottle or warm oil rub.  

Pitta types
Pitta type arthritis is associated with more inflammation and pain than the other types.  The joints often look red and feel hot.  You should follow a pitta balancing diet, apply cool oil or ice packs to the painful areas and take 1 tablet of Kaishore Guggulu three times a day.

Kapha types
In kapha arthritis the joints may be swollen, but they feel cold and there may be fluid around the joint.  Follow a kapha balancing diet, particularly avoiding cold drinks.   Make a paste with Ginger Powder and a little oil and apply to the painful joint and take 1 tablet Punarnava Guggulu three times a day.
In addition for rheumatoid arthritis, make a cup of Ginger Tea and add one teaspoon of castor oil, then take before retiring.  Please note castor oil may have a laxative effect, but this is useful as it helps to keep the colon clean.  

Herbal remedies:

Make a decoction from 

• Devils Claw 8g
• Celery Seed 8g
• White Willow 8g
• 750 ml of water

Divide it into four doses and take twice a day for two days.  Not to be taken during pregnancy.
Other herbs that may help are: boswellia, greater celandine and feverfew.

Or for Gout

Add 25g of Celery Seeds to your food each day, or make a decoction with the seeds and drink during the day.

Juices

• Ginger 1oz peeled
• Carrots 3
• Apple 2

This juice is rich in vitamins A, C and fibre.

Or

• Ginger 1oz peeled
• Celery 4 sticks with leaves
• Kelp powder 2 teaspoons
• Banana 1

This juice is rich in iodine, potassium and vitamin C.