The big thing for me was giving up gluten. It changed everything. I originally went to a naturopath and did a whole anti-inflammation diet. I kept to it strictly for about a year. I felt terrific. My worst pain problem was always muscle inflammation. It took that away.
That diet also had me give up red meat (not a problem because I rarely eat it), pork, shellfish, dairy, and sugar. I'm allergic to shellfish so it didn't matter. Mostly, the diet was very similar to a Japanese diet of fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and rice. However, my rice was brown rice. Also, no fast foods, but that didn't affect me because I've always cooked my own meals because it's cheaper in the long run. I still put sugar in my coffee (yes, I still drank coffee even though it was restricted). I had to drink a shake a day the first few months for vitamins. Gradually added foods back to my diet, except for gluten.
A couple years have gone by, and I'm still mostly off the gluten, although not 100%. I really do feel a difference when I avoid it. I rarely eat bread, but I will eat foods that have bread crumb coating. However, if I go out to a restaurant, I'll eat a roll. I eat much less dairy than before. And I still eat lots of vegetables, fruit, nuts, and brown rice.
The good thing is that I've still retained most of the benefits. My muscles really aren't a problem anymore. My inflammatory arthritis hasn't advanced, and sometimes it improves a little. I can walk for miles and miles now. I joined a gym and am slowly building some muscle. Couldn't even think of that before.
Hope this helps.
