What is Rheumatoid Arthritis and how can Functional Medicine help?
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a condition that affects numerous individuals globally, often impeding their daily activities. Traditional medical approaches target symptom relief, but what if we delved deeper into the root causes? This article explores the fascinating world of functional medicine and how it offers fresh perspectives on managing and understanding RA.
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis
Definition & Mainstream Perspective:
RA is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's joints. This results in inflammation that can lead to joint deformity and bone erosion. Common symptoms include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and fatigue.
Traditional Treatments:
Patients are usually prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroids, or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). However, these may come with side effects and may not always address the underlying cause.
Causative Factors of Rheumatoid Arthritis
As RA is considered a complex autoimmune condition, with multiple causative factors, it is important to look at each individual case in detail. Causative or underlying factors include:
Nutritional insufficiency - This plays a pivotal role, as deficiencies in essential nutrients such as vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants can impair the body's ability to regulate the immune system and maintain joint health.
Increased intestinal permeability or gut health imbalance - often referred to as "leaky gut." When the gut lining becomes compromised due to factors like poor diet, infections, or chronic inflammation, it can lead to the leakage of toxins and undigested food particles into the bloodstream, triggering an autoimmune response that may contribute to RA.
Chronic or acute stress or trauma - Stress is often seen as a Trigger point for the onset of RA due to the physiological impacts it can have on the body. Continued stress may also exacerbate the condition and prevent a person from returning to health by disrupting the body's stress response and promoting inflammation.
Reactivity - Chemicals, pathogens, or specific foods may trigger an immune mediated reaction, which may result in cross reactivity, meaning that the body will produce antibodies not only to specific foods but also to its own human tissue proteins that it identifies as having a similar protein structure to the food itself. Food reactivity may also result in increased inflammatory processes which may worsen symptoms.
Addressing these causative factors through personalised nutrition, gut healing protocols, stress management, and identification of triggers is essential in the Functional Medicine approach to managing Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Alongside other Functional Medicine protocols, the above aspects would be analysed to derive a bespoke plan to suit your individual needs and requirements. No two cases or RA will have the same set of triggers and causative factors because no two people are the same, so a personal approach is absolutely required to support a client back to health. To get started on your RA plan, book in a free discovery call to speak to one of our practitioners.
The Functional Medicine Approach
Holistic Understanding of RA:
Functional medicine sees RA not merely as joint inflammation but as a systemic issue rooted in genetics, environment, and lifestyle interactions.The Gut-Joint Connection:
Emerging research suggests that gut health plays a crucial role in conditions like RA. Imbalances in gut flora and increased gut permeability can trigger systemic inflammation and autoimmunity.Lifestyle Factors:
Having a higher level of stress hormone cortisol can exacerbate inflammation. Addressing how your body responds to stressors is pivotal for comprehensive RA management.
Nutritional Interventions in RA
Anti-Inflammatory Foods:
Incorporate foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and polyphenols, such as oily fish, berries, and green leafy vegetables. Numerous patients, including some of mine, have reported reduced flare-ups upon adjusting their diet.Foods to Avoid:
Several foods can act as inflammatory triggers, including gluten, dairy, and refined sugars. It's essential to observe one's reactions to these and consider eliminating potential culprits.Supplements for Support:
Incorporating a small selection of supplements that may be beneficial, include omega-3, turmeric capsules, and collagen. It's vital, however, to ensure proper dosages and to choose high-quality supplements. The most appropriate supplements for your individual needs, will be tailored to you by your practitioner.
Lifestyle Factors and RA
The Importance of Sleep:
Restorative sleep is paramount in combating inflammation. Prioritising a sleep routine, including reduced screen time before bed, can be immensely beneficial.Stress Management:
Chronic stress can trigger RA flare-ups. Incorporating mindfulness practices, meditation, and relaxation techniques can make a profound difference in symptom management.Exercise and Mobility:
Regular, gentle exercise like swimming or pilates can maintain joint flexibility and reduce stiffness. It's crucial, however, to listen to one's body and not overexert.
Do you think you could be struggling with RA?
Book a FREE discovery call with us at the Surrey Centre for Nutrition to opt for a natural and holistic approach to your condition. We integrate Nutritional Therapy with Functional Medicine to ensure that you have a treatment plan completely suited to you and your needs.
Written by Libby Linford, Functional Medicine Practitioner & registered Nutritional Therapist
It is important to note that functional medicine and nutrition are complementary to conventional medical treatments. If you are experiencing RA issues or related health concerns, it is advisable to work with a qualified healthcare professional who can provide guidance, monitor your progress, and collaborate with you to develop an individualised treatment plan.