Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition involving chronic inflammation of the joints (Araki et al 2016). Symptoms of RA include: joint stiffness particularly worse in the morning, joint inflammation (red & hot & swollen joints) leading to severe joint pain and fatigue. We know that genetics may or may not play a role in autoimmune disease. RA may require biologic medications such as DMARDs (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs) to help modulate inflammation, reduce pain & potentially improve quality of life.

Research is showing us that environmental factors such as lifestyle might be contributing to RA.

Research is showing that certain foods may aggravate RA. Dietary changes may help with modulating the immune response. The food we consume can be a foundational basis upon which RA can be managed. Did you know that almost 70% of our immune system is in our gut? Wow, right?! This means that the food we eat impacts our immune response. Anti-inflammatory diets have been studied and shown to reduce inflammation, decrease synovial infiltration of immune cells, reduce inflammation in the synovial membrane, and reduce the progression of RA (Khanna et al 2017).

Another aspect that is often overlooked is one’s history of infection. Viral infections are now being associated as potential triggers for autoimmune conditions. The interesting thing about viruses is that although they may pass that phase of producing acute symptoms (say from a cold, cold sores, or shingles, etc), viruses can also linger in various parts of the body (joints, nerves, etc) for long time periods, without causing any issues. High periods of stress (physiological and/or mental emotional) may trigger immune cells to cause a “flare up” and this can in turn activate the autoimmune response. Autoimmune conditions in general are a result of “loss of immunological tolerance to self-antigens”, which means that in a way, the immune system begins to over-exert an immune response on itself (Anaya et al 2013). RA is one of those conditions that might be affected by a chronic viral infection, scientifically known as a “host-guest interaction” (Anaya et al 2013).

Rheumatoid arthritis is a complex condition. Appropriate blood work, assessment and information is required. If indicated, patients may also be referred to a rheumatologist for further investigation and specific diagnosis & treatment.

Dr. Nadia Mawji, ND has experience working with patients diagnosed with autoimmune disease.

If you have any questions, please book in for a Meet & Greet appointment to find out if naturopathic medicine is a good fit for you.

Dr. Nadia Mawji, ND

Calgary Naturopathic Doctor

References:

Anaya et al 2013. Infection and autoimmune diseases. Autoimmunity: From Bench to Bedside. Chapter 19 of textbook.

Araki et al. 2016. The mechanisms underlying chronic inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis from the perspective of and epigenetic landscape. Journal of immunology research. Published online.

Demoruelle et al. 2014. When and where does inflammation begin in rheumatoid arthritis? Current Opinion in Rhuematology. 26(1): 26-71

Khanna et al. 2017. Managing rheumatoid arthritis with dietary interventions. Frontiers in Nutritions. 4 (52): Published online.

Skocyzynska et al. 2018. The role of diet in rheumatoid arthritis. Journal of Rheumatology. 56(4): 259-267.