Even if you don't have arthritis, you know what you should eat and what you should avoid. But there are specific foods that actually help reduce the inflammation caused by arthritis and, of course, there are foods that arthritis sufferers simply should not eat. Remember, these suggestions are all apocryphal. I'm a lawyer, not a doctor, and all the suggestions here come directly from customers of Dealon Bracelets who have actually experienced the good or ill effects of the foods mentioned.

First, we need to get smoking out of the way. I know it's very difficult to stop smoking but nicotine causes a chain reaction which affects every part of your body. So, give it up. Of course, quitting is agonizing. But think of the great payoff when you succeed! Imagine, the poison is gone! All your cells can rejuvenate. Just think of the sense of accomplishment! Do it!

The second thing is alcohol. A glass of red wine with dinner is OK. Anything more is not. And spirits are absolutely verboten. I know. I know. It's really hard but the payoff is spectacular.

Now for the good foods!

Fresh fish is delicious and so good for arthritis sufferers. You can grill, broil, steam or poach it. Just don't fry it. And it's so easy! I know that lots of people are afraid to cook fish. They worry that it will be overcooked and dry or be undercooked and raw. If you're cooking chunky white fish, like cod, poach it. Wash the fish in cold water with a little salt. Drop it into boiling water to which you have added a little white vinegar, cracked black peppers and a little sliced onion. If you have a bay leaf, add it. Lower the heat to simmer, immediately. Taste test a piece of fish after 5 minutes. If it melts in your moth, it's done. If you overcook it, it gets rubbery. You can remove the skin but I don't because it's so nutritious. Serve it with boiled potatoes and any fresh green vegetable. It's food for the gods.

Chicken is really good. Roast it. Don't fry it. And remove the skin before eating. You're beginning to see a pattern here. We're trying to reduce fat. Don't eliminate it . Just reduce it.

Eat as many vegetables as you can. They're all good. Raw is best. Make sure to wash them before eating and use only paper towels to pat them dry.

All herbal tea is so good. Even ordinary black tea is good.

Now for the foods that don't help arthritis sufferers!

All soda is bad. Do not drink it. Drink lots and lots of water. Some people think that a diet soda doesn't count. It does. Don't drink it. Coffee is the standard drink of most Americans. Avoid it , if you can. It's very difficult but, in about three weeks, you will see and feel a diminution of swelling.

Red meat should be avoided. If you can't give it up altogether, reduce your consumption dramatically. The boffins think it's the protein. Certainly, our Dealon Bracelets experimenters have reported improvement in their symptoms immediately they stopped eating red meat.

Citrus fruits are not recommended. It's the ascorbic acid. Most vegetables have vitamin C also, but the amounts are much smaller that in citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruit, limes and lemons. Tomatoes come under this umbrella also.

To recap, eat fish, chicken, fresh vegetables and all non-citrus fruits. Drink tea, in all its forms, and water. The aim here is to reduce or eliminate dependence on the lethal chemicals prescribed for pain and swelling. Drugs CANNOT cure your disease but a change in lifestyle will definitely help.