RA is an autoimmune condition that mainly affects the joints. The body’s own immune system attacks itself due to a loss of ability to differentiate self proteins from non-self proteins.
Signs and symptoms include:
· Morning stiffness around the joints, lasting for more than 30 minutes
· Tenderness and swelling of 3 or more joints, including elbow, wrist, hands, knees, ankles or feet
· Symmetrical joint involvement
· Positive blood test for rheumatoid factor and/or anti-CCP antibodies
· Inflammation of the joints
· Fatigue
· Rheumatoid nodules
RA has been linked to SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth), an alteration in normal gut physiology. Changes in the small intestinal microflora have been observed. The intestinal mucosa has been suggested to be abnormally permeable (“Leaky Gut”).
Leaky Gut
The intestinal epithelial lining forms a barrier that separates the host from the environment. In pathologic conditions, the permeability of the epithelial lining may be compromised allowing the passage of toxins, antigens, and bacteria in the intestines to enter the blood stream creating a “leaky gut.” In individuals with a genetic predisposition, a leaky gut may allow environmental factors to enter the body and trigger the initiation and development of autoimmune disease. Growing evidence shows that the gut microbiota is important in supporting the epithelial barrier and therefore plays a key role in the regulation of environmental factors that enter the body. Modulating the gut microbiota can serve as a potential method for regulating intestinal permeability and may help to alter the course of autoimmune diseases in susceptible individuals. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5440529/)
The risk of developing RA is increased by smoking, diet/food allergies, genetics or microbial infections such as parvovirus B19, rubella, hepatitis B and C viruses.
Naturopathic point of view on RA
Naturopathic treatment is built around causative and contributing factors and consideration centres around a few key areas:
· Gut health
· Underlying or triggering microbial infections
· Food allergies/intolerances
· Free radical damage
· Dietary and nutritional deficiencies
· Lifestyle factors
Naturopathic treatment may include dietary changes, nutritional medicine supplements and herbal medicine. The main goal is to eliminate inflammation, reduce pain and swelling of the joints and reduce cartilage damage.
