Hi - I've been enjoying the Zone diet for about 10 days now and have a question if it helps arthritis. About a year ago, I had a very bad arthritis attack in my left knee. I had a cortisone shot and my knee was normal - until this week that is. I guess it ran out! Anyway, my next appt. with my dr. is not for another 3 weeks and I was hoping to hear that if I stay in the Zone my arthritis will improve and maybe I won't have to have the shot. I'm not taking any fish oil yet, but I think I will start it as I know it helps arthritis. Thanks. Lois in Boxboro, MA.

Hi Lois... My wife Jeannie has been zoning since about May of this year after following my success with this new lifestyle. Jeannie has (at times) severe arthritis attacks in her peripheral joints, especially her ankles, hands and neck. ' Since undertaken the Zone, her bouts have been reduced dramatically....almost to the point where they don't even enter her mind some days. Additionally, Jeannie is taking PGFO and I'm convinced this is helping her as well. Please note that her major relief occured prior to beginning supplementation with PGFO simply because we weren't taking it at that time. The Zone program itself caused the intial disease relief. Food is indeeed a powerful drug when used correctly :) Jim Haverhill, MA

Hi Jim, Thanks for the reply - and I'm looking forward to feeling less pain in the ol' joints. By the way, my hubby (300+#) is still sticking with it - although has had a few complaints, and I'm hoping some of his health challenges will improve. You've been a lot of help - thanks. Lois in Boxboro, MA

I'm no doctor, but had cortisone shots in my hands years ago for carpal tunnel syndrome, and I am pretty sure they only lasted about 8 weeks, so I think yours probably wore off a long time ago. I know that a person is limited to how many shots they can get in a few years, because I maxed out and had to have 2 surgeries. But hey, they worked! :) Ronica

When I was in my 20's I couldn't even ride a bicycle without knee pain. I am 46 now and I race bicycles off-road and I am very competitive. The pain seemed to lessen when I started Zoning, then I started taking fish oil, and when I am taking glucosamine for the cartilage loss I have no pain at all. Good luck.