Arthritis is NOT a symptom of gluten intolerance. Accepted symptoms include:A possibility of headaches, mouth ulcers, weight gain or weight loss, poor immunity to disease, and skin problems like dermatitis and eczema. The most common and well-known Gluten intolerance symptoms are gastro-intestinal (diarrhoea, flatulence, bloating, etc.). Also associated symptoms are miscarriage and infertility and malabsorption problems like anemia. If you have these symptoms, then you should consult a physician who will probably recommend that you eliminate all gluten from the diet, which means no: Barley, bulgur, most cereals, couscous, graham flour, rye, semolina, spelt, triticale, wheat germ, whole wheat, and any type of wheat. Also, it is likely you might not be able to tolerate bran, grits, hemp, modified food starch, dry roasted nuts (wheat by products often used in the roasting process), and oats.

Q: What are the best vitamins and dietary habits for people with rheumatoid arthritis?
– Rahul

A: Diet is linked to arthritis in two ways. First food components might provide allergic responses and second, diet can alter immune and inflammatory responses. Although diet is only one factor in the development, progression, and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RH), there are some habits that might help. People with RH often consume inadequate amounts of vitamin D, folic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin C, iron, copper, selenium, and zinc. Whether these deficiencies are a cause or result from the disease is unclear. However, a few studies have found that increasing intake of nutrients, such as folic acid, alleviates some symptoms such as joint tenderness. Antioxidants, such as vitamin E and selenium, reduce free radical damage to joint linings. Finally, fish oils found in salmon and other fatty fish or taken as capsules have shown promise in reducing symptoms of morning stiffness. -Elizabeth Somer

Q: How much over the RDA would be wise and safe in taking vitamin E for arthritis and premenstrual syndrome?
– Sue in Berkeley, CA

A: Vitamin E is a relatively safe vitamin and can be taken in doses as high as 800IU or more with little or no adverse side effects. The only concern is if you also take blood-thinning medications, since vitamin E also is a blood thinner and could cause excessive bleeding if taken with these medications. Typical recommendations for vitamin E are 100IU to 400IU a day. Whether vitamin E is effective in the treatment of either arthritis or Premenstrual syndrome has not been proven, so taking doses any greater than 400IU for these conditions is not recommended without physician approval. – Elizabeth Somer