Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder that tends to affect the lining of your joints, causing a painful swelling that will eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity. However, it can affect more than just your joints. In some people, the condition can damage a wide variety of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart and blood vessels.
Symptoms generally include:
Tender, warm or swollen joints
Joint stiffness tha is usually worse in the mornings or after idleness
Fatigue, fever and loss of appetite
Other areas that may be affected, include:
About 40% of people who have rheumatoid arthritis also experience signs and symptoms that don't involve the joints.
Skin
Eyes
Lungs
Heart
Kidneys
Salivary glands
Nerve tissue
Bone marrow
Blood vessels
Causes
Unfortunately, there is no known cause for Rheumatoid Arthritis. However, it has been shown that genetic factors may be involved. Whilst your genes don’t actually cause rheumatoid arthritis, they can make you more likely to react to environmental factors.
The main risk factors include:
Your sex - women are more likely than men to develop rheumatoid arthritis
Age - Rheumatoid Arthritis usually occurs in middle age
Family history - if a member of your family has Rheumatoid Arthritis, you may have an increased risk of the disease
Smoking
Excess weight
Diagnosis
Rheumatoid Arthritis can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages because the early signs and symptoms can mimic those of many other diseases.
First, initial examinations will take place, these will test for swelling around your joints, and check for redness and warmth. They may also check your reflexes and muscle strength.
Secondly, blood tests will take place to check for Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate or C-Reactive Protein or Anti-cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibodies.
Your doctor may recommend X-rays to help track the progression of Rheumatoid Arthritis in your joints over time.
How it is treated conventionally?
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, the following medications may be prescribed:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Steroids
DMARDs
Biologic agents
How does Surrey Centre for Nutrition work with Rheumatoid Arthritis?
We work to identify the underlying causes and triggers for Rheumatoid Arthritis. Then, we build up a thorough functional medicine case review which dives deep into your health history and any predisposing factors. Analysing the results, we then look at what the trigger/s was/were at the time of onset, and although these sometimes won’t be obvious we can use functional medicine timelines to pinpoint the most likely triggers.
We will often also use functional and nutritional testing such as comprehensive stool testing (to identify the role of gut health in disease) and food, pathogen and chemical reactivity testing to identify causative factors which can’t be identified through casework alone.
By identifying the triggers we can address these using functional medicine and nutritional therapy approaches to diet and lifestyle. Often we will work through a series of protocol phases focussing on gut health, food and nutrition, environmental and pathogenic inputs, stress and lifestyle factors to ensure we have addressed all aspects of health in relation to your Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Are you ready to work with us to reach your health goals?
If you or someone you know is suffering from the symptoms or conditions listed above, Surrey Centre for Nutrition may be able to help. We typically work with clients for 3-6 months depending on your health concerns. Are you interested in working with us?
Book a discovery call to see how the Surrey Centre for Nutrition can help
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