People living with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) compare the pain and inflammation to a fire raging out of control. RA is called a chronic, systemic autoimmune disease causing swelling, stiffness, and pain in the joints. It can result in joint deformity and damage to other organs, including the nerves, heart, and lungs.
Approximately 1 million Australians have Rheumatoid Arthritis: most are adults over age 40.
Symptoms of RA (aggravated by stress and lack of sleep)
- Swollen, painful, hot and disfigured joints on both sides of the body
- Pain, stiffness and limited movement making daily activities difficult
- Fatigue, muscle aches, and fevers
The prevailing, conventional theory is that inflammation results from an “over-reaction” of the immune system that may include genetic factors. Doctors of naturopathic medicine believe there is a deeper, root cause for this haywire immune system response. They theorize immune dysregulation originates in imbalances that involve a person’s genetics, lifestyle choices, nutritional status, gut health, stress, environmental triggers and emotional wellbeing.
Treatment of RA
Conventional treatment includes physical therapy and prescription medicines (steroids, painkillers, and immune suppressors) to treat pain and swelling. While these drugs may be necessary for some people, they have side effects including hair loss, liver damage, stress on the kidneys and heart, and risk for addiction, without ever correcting the underlying cause.
At our naturopathic clinic, we emphasize on identification and treatment of root causes. Our staff use safe, natural therapies and interventions that stimulate the restoration of health without side effects. Here’s a sampling of naturopathic interventions that can make a huge impact in healing the root causes of RA.
An Anti-inflammatory Diet
Commit to a diet that includes: organic fruits and veggies; healthy fats such as olive, avocado, and coconut oils; whole grains; bone broth; wild-caught fish; and nuts/seeds. These foods provide natural antioxidants – cellular superheroes that gobble up the free radical cells that contribute to development of R.A. There are many foods that are considered healthy in general, but may cause inflammation for some people, leading to immune dysregulation. Many doctors will test for food sensitivities, such as gluten, dairy, egg, or others, and work with a patient to create a diet with healthy alternatives as needed.
Keep Moving
Movement is important for managing symptoms (including pain) and enhancing psychological wellbeing. Low impact exercise, such as cycling, walking, or water aerobics, are ideal. Symptoms can improve with strength training.
Manage Symptoms, Naturally
A natural medicine approach to healing RA will be unique to each person. Research has shown RA to be a micro-bacteria in the joints, we focus on this and with a slow gentle approach to avoid a “Herxheimer” reaction (or “Die Off”), afterwards our RA patients have a dramatic remission from their symptoms.
Call to make a free consultation with our naturopathic doctor for interventions that will work best for you.
