Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
The most common connective tissue disease is rheumatoid arthritis. According
to the Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, "rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune
reaction, where antibodies develop against components of joint tissue."
Dr. Graham Hughes, a noted medical researcher, states, "this disease appears
to be a disease of modern times." While osteo-arthritis and gout have been
identified in human remains dating back thousands of years, no such evidence
exists for rheumatoid arthritis. The usual age for onset of this disease, is
between 20-40 years.
Rheumatoid Arthritis affects about 1% of the population, with most of those
affected being permanently disabled. Most people with rheumatoid arthritis have
a progressive worsening of symptoms. Statistics point out, that 50% of rheumatoid
patients, are disabled within five years of having this disease. A review of
existing medical treatments shows, that little if any progress has been made,
to significantly reduce the progression of this disease.
WHAT IS RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS?
Rheumatoid arthritis is believed to be an auto-immune disease, that causes the
destruction of cartilage, due to the immune system attacking it. Researchers
have not been able to determine what causes this immune attack. Inflammation
occurs, when the cartilage and tissue surrounding the joints are damaged. Scar
tissue replaces the destroyed tissue. Rheumatoid arthritis causes stiffness,
swelling, fatigue, anemia, fever, and often crippling pain.
RA frequently occurs in people under forty years of age. The onset of rheumatoid
arthritis is often associated with physical or emotional stress, however, poor
nutrition or infection may also contribute.
CAN INFECTION LEAD TO RA?
It is very clear that autoimmunity plays a major role in RA. Most rheumatology
investigators believe, that RA may be due to an infectious agent. In simple
language, RA may be caused by an organism invading the joints of the body. There
is little agreement as to the involved organism.
Researchers have suggested the following possibilities: rubella virus, cytomegalovirus,
herpesvirus, human T-cell lymphotropic virus, and mycoplasma. Those of you that
have been treated in my office in the past two to three years have heard me
discuss the existence of mycoplasmas. These are very tiny organisms that can
cause disease. Mycoplasmas are considered to be parasites of humans, animals,
and plants.
In 1939, Dr. Sabin, the discoverer of the oral polio vaccine, first reported
a chronic arthritis in mice, caused by a mycoplasma. He suggested, that human
rheumatoid arthritis might also be caused by mycoplasmas.
Mycoplasmas are very difficult to culture, therefore, Dr. Sabin's work has
been difficult to reproduce. However, a group of British researchers, have been
able to isolate mycoplasmas in the joint tissue of patients with RA. Some of
these RA infections occurred following a mycoplasma respiratory infection.
This mycoplasma infection, and the corresponding immune response, is what causes
the chronic joint inflammation, and cartilage destruction.
It is important to know, that these immune responses may also be caused by:
food allergies, environmental toxins, or heavy metal toxicity.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
The nutritional treatment for RA consists of looking at different systems within
the body. First: bowel integrity should be explored. A condition known as leaky
gut is a major factor in most auto-immune diseases. The health of the small
intestine is critical to improve symptoms. Proper digestion is important for
a healthy gut. Secondly: food and environmental sensitivities should be examined.
And last, the presence of mycoplasmas needs to be determined.
In my office I can determine the assistance of mycoplasmas. The treatment consists
of a combination of various herbs, which I have found to be very effective.
Diet plays an important role in the treatment of RA. It has been shown, that
food sensitivities can exacerbate this condition. Tests can be given for the
presence of food sensitivities. There are some foods, that should be eliminated,
because they cause bad reactions, which enhance the inflammation of the joints.
Supplementation is also necessary, to: strengthen the body, repair cartilage,
and promote better liver function.
WHAT SUPPLEMENTATION IS REQUIRED?
Over the years, many products have been touted, as the cure-all for RA. My experience
with patients has shown me, which of these products work best. They are not
necessarily cures.
DIET: A healthy diet, including: fresh fruits and vegetables, whole
grains, fish, and fiber. Low intake of beef products, dairy, saturated fats,
sugar, and refined foods. Food allergy testing should be taken into consideration
when planning a diet.
HERBS: Feverfew, has been shown to provide relief, for inflammation
of the effected joints. An amino acid called Dlphenylalanine, can also be very
effective, in reducing joint pain.
CARTILAGE: It appears, that the best means of healing cartilage, is
by using Glucosamine Sulfate.
ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS: These nutrients, are very useful in reducing
inflammation. EPA-DHA (in a dose of 3 grams daily), has been shown to relieve
joint pain.
THYMUS: Supporting the thymus gland, this master gland of immunity,
is very important in treating any of the connective tissue diseases. Research
has shown, that using thymus- concentrates, enhances T-cell production. A product
made from the bark of a larch tree called arabinogalactan, helps to regulate
immune function.
VITAMINS and MINERALS: The use of anti-oxidants is crucial in dealing
with connective tissue diseases. Auto-immune attack, produces many free radicals,
which must be cleared, before they cause further cellular damage. In addition
to anti-oxidants, a good all purpose multiple vitamin/mineral should be considered.
Vitamin C is essential to assisting the body to recover from these diseases.
Dosages of around 3,000 mg daily are suggested.
CONCLUSION: With the rise of connective tissue disease, it is important
for patients, to understand the relationship between immune dysfunction, and
connective tissue disease. While no magic remedy exists, nutritional intervention,
appears to be quite beneficial, in helping people afflicted with these diseases,
to regain mobility of joints, and to see positive changes in their condition.
Posted
by Dr. Steven Felder
