Phase 1:  Month 1 

1. Remove Berberine Blend to remove infections and toxins from the bowel.  Used in the first month only, take 2 tablets three times daily with or without food.
2. Relieve Protein Drink for inflammation.  Our program uses natural anti-inflammatory agents, such as curcumin, ginger, and rosemary, in our Relieve Anti-Inflammatory Protein Drink, which can be thought of as a meal replacement and used for breakfast.  We love this product and so do our patients.  Use 2 scoops daily to make a breakfast shake.  
3. Relieve Fish Oil adds a key anti-inflammatory nutrient, and is especially important for autoimmune conditions.  Starting dose is 1 capsule twice daily.
4. Remove Food Triggers:  The program also includes a modified elimination diet to remove the foods most often found to be triggers for inflammation. The 2 most common allergens are gluten and dairy, and they should remain out of your diet at least for the 3 months of the program. (Complete dietary instructions are included with your program) The most important part of the elimination diet is how you feel when you add a specific food back after the 3 months are finished.  If you feel worse, you may need to remain off these foods indefinitely.
5. Remove exposure to environmental toxins:  It is crucial to reduce your exposure to environmental toxins by avoiding fish known to be high in mercury, such as tuna, swordfish, sea bass, and all large predator fish that eat other fish.  (Wild salmon is still a good choice, both for the Omega 3 fats, and it’s low levels of mercury).  In addition, it is imperative to reduce your exposure to pesticides by eating organic whenever possible, especially dairy as the pesticides concentrate in the cow’s milk.
6. Begin lifestyle changes:  A critical aspect of this program is the lifestyle component.  The ultimate goal is to bring the body back into balance and keep it there.  To sustain this balance, changes in lifestyle are critical. In addition to dietary changes above:
1. Elimination of night shade vegetables for patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis, such as peppers, eggplant, potato, and tomatoes
2. Drink plenty of water to help flush out toxins
3. Exercise will help move toxins out of your body and reduce inflammation.  If you are inactive, any mild exercise such as walking, 3 times per week for 20 minutes is a good place to start.  Add strengthening exercise such as weights, or yoga/pilates twice per week when ready.
4. Find time daily for relaxation and introspection.  Reducing stress is an important part of the healing process and will help balance cortisol levels.
5. If you smoke, quit.