Description

There are two primary forms of arthritis:  osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. 

Osteoarthritis involves the degeneration of the lining of the joints, which results in pain, stiffness, inflammation, and reduced mobility. 

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the body's immune system attacks the joint tissue, especially in the hands and feet, which results in red, swollen, painful joints.  Weakness, fatigue, and weight loss may also be present.

Causes

Osteoarthritis is often associated with injury and "wear and tear" on the joints.

The exact cause/s of rheumatoid arthritis are unknown, but may include:

- Food allergies/sensitivities

- Leaky gut syndrome

- Gut flora imbalance (dysbiosis)

The idea being that these disorders of the gut may allow partially digested food particles and/or pathogens and their toxins to enter the body.  From there, the substances may deposit in the joint tissues, where they are attacked by the immune system.  Alternatively, the substances may contain proteins that are similar to those found in joint tissue, and the immune system may in turn mistakenly attack the joint tissue.

Toxin exposure (e.g., heavy metals) and genetics are also implicated in rheumatoid arthritis.

My Treatment Approach

- Shift to an anti-inflammatory diet.

- Identify food sensitivities / allergies with testing and/or an elimination diet.

- Supplement to help rebuild joint tissue and moderate inflammation, e.g.:

      - Vitamins

      - Minerals

      - Essential fatty acids

      - Enzymes

      - Probiotics

      - Herbals

      - Other - e.g., glucosamine, MSM, etc.

- Avoid future toxin exposure, and safely / properly reduce existing toxin levels in the body.

- Address existing chronic infections (bacterial, viral, fungal).