Rheumatoid Arthritis is a debilitating autoimmune condition characterized by flaring pain in the knuckles and joints. It usually entails flare mirroring where one joint on one side is inflamed and the same joint on the opposite side of the body is as well.
Autoimmunity is just a fancy way of saying the body is attacking itself. A multitude of issues from diet to lifestyle, genetics to environmental triggers, and even extremely stressful events can trigger autoimmunity in susceptible individuals.
Typical interventions focus on the use of medications like methotrexate which work to reduce flares by blocking certain immune system functions and lowering inflammation.
While this approach does reduce symptoms and flares in some people, it is often not as effective as desired and can cause a range of side effects that are less than desirable.
Many people with rheumatoid arthritis believe that they must suffer through it, that there are no other options besides dangerous medication.
They couldn’t be farther from the truth.
Rheumatoid Arthritis, like many autoimmune conditions, actually responds very well to nutritional intervention.
A plan that includes customized nutrition protocols, therapeutic supplements, and targeted lifestyle interventions can drastically reduce symptoms and flares, in most cases much more effectively than medication.
This custom plan should always include some important upfront functional testing like IgE and IgG food sensitivity panels to look at the foods that you are not only immediately allergic to, but foods which you have delayed responses to.
IgG food testing can show you foods that are triggering your immune system. These foods are often foods that you eat very often, foods that are common triggers like gluten containing grains, eggs, and dairy, and sometimes even strange and obscure foods that only your unique body is reacting to.
Many people with autoimmune diseases do give nutrition a try to treat their symptoms, but quickly become overwhelmed at the range of information and discouraged when they don’t seem to be making progress.
Food sensitivity testing can help a qualified nutritionist determine the right diet plan to begin with for your needs, one that takes into account your unique nutritional status and triggers.
Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis by a functional nutritionist typically follows the 4 R’s protocol: Remove, Repair, Replace, Reinoculate. This is a complex process that should be carefully tailored and monitored so that you get the very best results possible for you.
But the benefits are definitely worth the trouble! Most clients see amazing reductions in flares, sometimes getting rid of them altogether and feel better than they’ve felt in years.
Along with improvements in symptoms, many clients also see improvements in mood, sleep, energy, immune system function and more. The body is all connected and when we treat it right, it really responds!
If you are interested in the functional approach to rheumatoid arthritis, consider making an appointment with me here. I can help you formulate a custom plan and coach you through the whole process to ensure your success.
My access to functional testing and doctor quality supplements are what will really make your experience unique.
Treating autoimmune disease is a long process that requires commitment and dedication, but it is NOT impossible. And the benefits you’ll feel will be both quick and motivating.
If you’re sick and tired of feeling sick and tired, I can help. Contact me here.