3 Natural And Proven Ways To Help Manage Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

 

I have worked with many patients who are dealing with the pain and frustration of RA and the great news is that there are many simple natural methods to help relieve the discomfort and improve range of movement.

As with every imbalance, each person and each case looks to be looked at individually, but there are 3 really effective general guidelines that I can share with you today that help my patients get good results.

1. Detoxification and Gut Rehabilitation- for healthy modification of the microbiome.

RA is an autoimmune condition, which means that the body is attacking itself, leading to pain and discomfort in the joints which can be very debilitating and have a high impact on quality of life. Interestingly, whereas the reasons why some people develop RA are not known and there are many factors why RA can develop, there is more and more evidence that RA develops in the gut, through an overgrowth of bad bugs.  The Detoxification and Gut Rehabilitation program that I use effectively reduces the microbial load of the gut, getting rid of the ‘bad bugs’ and restores the ‘good bugs’  or digestive tract flora and digestive epithelial barrier and supports the safe release of toxic compounds which could be imbalancing the immune system and be a potential driver behind the condition. Both environmental factors (such as pollution, heavy metals, pesticides) and gut dysbiosis (the imbalance of the good bugs to the bad bugs) can contribute to immune dysfunction and chronic disease and these are both cleared by healthy modification of the microbiome. Its out with the old gut rubbish and in with the new good stuff!

2. Stress modification behaviours 

There is also interestingly a physiological reason why it is important to de-stress when suffering an autoimmune condition (RA, Hashimoto’s, Lupus, Psoriasis included) and it is that stress hormones such as cortisol, adrenalin and nor-adrenalin actually disorder certain T-helper cells,  a defect that occurs in autoimmunity. That is, simply put, stress drives RA and makes it worse. Addressing stress is key to overcome immune suppression (seen in the body as autoimmunity). Some stress modification behaviours that I recommend are daily meditation and breathing exercises. Its vital to de-stress!!!!!

3. Nutritional changes (e.g. elimination of gluten, salicylites, nightshades)

Excessive animal protein, excessive sugar, gluten, dairy protein (casein), food additives and chemicals have all be shown to alter the inflammatory response of the body and disturb normal immunity processes. I always work with patients to determine their individual drivers, which can also include the nightshade vegetables (tomatoes, eggplant, capsicum, white potato) or salicylates (citrus, berries, dried fruits, processed foods, stocks, sauces) or gluten or dairy. We determine this through working through a traditional food elimination program together or with functional medicine testing. I always recommend that patients follow a diet filled with lots of natural, unprocessed foods with adequate protein, especially from fish and chicken, and essential fatty acids, such as found in nuts, seeds, avocado and lots of veggies. Following this sort of individual nutritional plan usually results in weight loss to which is also very beneficial for taking the strain off the joints. Nutrition is KING!

Want to learn more?

Email me to arrange your personal one-on-one consultation either face to face or via Skype to address your individual RA or autoimmunity needs!

In good health, Victoria xoxoxox