Rheumatoid arthritis
A Functional Medicine Approach to Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a autoimmune condtion that targets joints and surrounding tissues. It impacts 3-5% of people, leading half of those affected to cease working within a decade due to disability. RA manifests through symptoms including joint pain, morning stiffness or stiffness after being inactive, swelling, and a reddening of the joints. It often impacts joints in a symmetrical manner, affecting both sides of the body equally (such as both knees or both hands). Initially, RA might affect only a few small joints but can gradually spread to include additional areas.
Traditional medical interventions focus on slowing the damage to joints and are recognised for their effectiveness, though they can cause harmful side effects in many cases.
Employing a functional medicine approach to reduce inflammation could significantly alter the distressing and often incapacitating nature of this disease.
Causes
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) causes are multifactorial. Some of the key considerations are listed below.
- Lifestyle factors
- Immune System Dysregulation
- Allergies
- Environmental Triggers
- Hormone Imbalances
- Genetics
Risk Factors
Some of these risk factors include:
- Gender: The condition is more prevalent in women, who have a higher susceptibility to developing it.
- Genetic Background/Family History: Having relatives with rheumatoid arthritis can increase your risk.
- Smoking: Individuals who smoke not only have a greater chance of getting rheumatoid arthritis but also often experience more severe symptoms.
- Age: While it can manifest at any age, rheumatoid arthritis is more commonly diagnosed in adults of middle age.
- Body Weight: People who are obese or overweight are at an increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.
- Environmental Exposures: Being exposed to certain materials, like mycotoxins or asbestos, may elevate the risk of developing the condition
RA Treatment
At the London Centre for Functional Medicine, we take a holistic approach to treating rheumatoid arthritis. We seek to identify and address the underlying contributors to inflammation and autoimmunity. By focusing on diet, lifestyle changes, and strategic supplementation, this method aims to recalibrate the immune system and promote healing.
Emphasising a diet rich in anti-inflammatory whole foods along with specific supplements, can support gut and microbiome health, reduce inflammation, and improve overall joint function and comfort.
- Your functional medicine practitioner will work to develop a deep understanding of all factors influencing your health, encompassing nutritional, emotional, and lifestyle elements. This step encompasses gaining a comprehensive grasp of your individual case history, followed by conducting the requisite testing.
- This involves creating a detailed treatment strategy tailored to you. The plan is then put into action and sustained through regular check-ins and modifications as needed.
- If food is identified as a possible trigger, this can be determined through an elimination diet. Your functional medicine practitioner can then offer guidance on how to steer clear of the problematic food and suggest alternative options to include in your diet
Our Approach
Diet and Nutrition Protocols
An anti-inflammatory diet can reduce inflammation, thwart autoimmunity, and alleviate discomfort. This entails a personalised dietary approach, eliminating foods triggering sensitivities or allergies and incorporating a vibrant array of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, beneficial fats (e.g. olive oil), and omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods.
Supplement Support
Supplements can be used to help target immune health, gut health, and inflammation. Boswellia, curcumin, pro resolving mediators, and green tea have all been shown to reduce inflammation and pain in people with rheumatoid arthritis. .
TESTING
In additon to comprehensive lab testing where we can look for a range of inflammatory markers, a comprehensive evaluation of gut health through stool, urine and/or breath can reveal elements that contribute to inflammation and autoimmunity seen in rheumatoid arthritis, given that dysbiosis and leaky gut play significant roles in triggering autoimmune conditions.
Targeted Treatments
Our practitioners can recommendations additional treatment or lifestyle interventions that have proven effects to help you overcome eczema such as light therapy.
Our Client's Feedback
Why Choose the London Centre for Functional Medicine?
Support
Once you reach out to us, the team will guide you through the collaborative process with a practitioner, We will gather the information we need to understand you better and help support and motivate you along your health journey.
Experience
We take the complex and try to make it simple. Many patients have gone to multiple doctors before they reach us. By taking a functional medicine approach, we can focus on the core imbalance and what needs to be addressed to improve your health picture.
Custom Approach
There is no one size fits approach as each patient is unique. Thus, no plan or protocol is the same. Everything about you including symptoms, lifestyle, diet, genetics and capacity to heal is different and will require a personalized approach.
london center for functional medicine