Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system is attacking itself. The pattern of joints affected is usually symmetrical involving hands and other joints.The main target of inflammation is the synovium, the thin membrane that lines the joints. As rheumatoid arthritis develops, some of the body’s immune cells are mistaking one’s own protein as a foreign intruder. The exact protein is unknown and may be one of many potential candidates such as responses to pathogenic infection, be it viral, bacterial or fungal. The other possible proteins may have a genetic connection.
Whatever the sources this breakdown in our immune system, cells called lymphocytes react to this protein and stimulate release of cytokines, the chemical messengers that trigger inflammation, chronic pain, fatigue, joint damage and loss of function.
Before we embark on any treatment protocol to get well from RA, we must first understand the many causes of rheumatic disease or rheumatoid arthritis and remove each stressor from our body to allow the immune system to regain its proper function again.
Here, we explore each of the possible rheumatoid arthritis causes:
Genetics
Doctors often suspect that RA has a genetic link, and the disease run in families. An individual with specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes is said to highly probable of contracting RA than others who do not have these HLA genes. However, not everyone with these genes end up with RA.
Recent studies have begun to phase out the genetic connection of RA, as being passed down from generations. It is interestingly proven that the inherited trait alone does not cause the illness.
Pathogenic Infections
Advanced immunological technology has revealed immunological abnormalities not only in some chronic and autoimmune tissue disorders but also in conditions like inflammatory arthritis where infection apparently seems to play the only role. The route of infection and penetration can probably determine the aggressiveness of the disease and the chance for full recovery.
There are currently two popular hypotheses for the pathogenic or infectious causes of rheumatoid arthritis:
(a) Amoebic infections
Amoeba, a nasty free living microorganism, is cited as the reason for onset of rheumatic disease. This was according to the findings of Professor Roger Wyburn-Mason and a world-class amoebologist, Dr. Stamm. There are about 300 different known species of these amoebas and many more are yet to be identified. Nature has made these amoebas very strong survivors and they are able to use their toxins and other mechanisms to hide from plain sight throughout our body (See “Dr Wyburn-Mason’s Anti-Amoebic Treatment for Rheumatoid Disease” at http://www.arthritistrust.org).
(b) Mycoplasmic infections
Independently, Thomas McPherson Brown, M.D. had concluded that a mycoplasm was the culprit in the creation of rheumatoid disease. His research also reported that mycoplasma and bacterial L-forms as having a precise affinity for joint tissue and are known to produce arthritis in a variety of species including rats and mice, cattle, swine, gorillas and elephants (See “Thomas McPherson Brown, M.D. Antibiotics therapy for rheumatic diseases” at http://www.roadback.org)
Systematic Candidiasis
Some practitioners allege that approximately 50% of rheumatoid arthritis patients also suffer from Candidiasis. Many other physicians are of opinion that this percentage should be higher.
Candida, another form of invasive organisms-of-opportunity, is a yeast or fungus that are known to have at least six switching mechanisms that spreads throughout the intestinal tract, aka our gut, pushing through our protective intestinal mucosa. The switching mechanism allows the yeast to switch to a different form and function and persists it to survive in environment that is changing surrounding it.
The “holes” in our intestinal mucosa permits undigested molecularly sized proteins to go directly into our blood stream where our immune system will activates antibody to invade the foreign invader, ie the antigen. This condition is what many term as “leaky gut” and this “antibody/antigen” relationship exactly explains the increasing number of food allergies.
Leaky Gut & Food Allergies and Sensitivities
Leaky Gut
Leaky gut syndrome and resultantly, food allergies and sensitivities do not only produce their own unique health problems, but are often found in degenerative diseases, in particular, rheumatoid arthritis.
I cannot emphasize enough on the importance of gut:
(a) Gut is responsible for up to 80% of our immune system.
(b) Gut is responsible for protection against pathogens including parasites, bacteria, yeast, viruses and fungi.
(c) Gut is responsible for proper digestion and absorption of nutrients
(d) A poor gut is also responsible for up to 90% of chronic diseases.
If you are suffering from chronic fatigue, constipation and joint pain, the likelihood of having leaky gut is high. The most common culprits that cause leaky gut are:
(a) Drugs – antibiotics, NSAIDs, birth control pills, steroids, antacids and chemotherapeutic agents.
(b) Diet high in refined sugar, processed foods high in chemical food additives as well as excessive consumption of grains, which contain anti-nutrients and lectins that can damage intestinal lining of the gut.
(c) Dysbiosis – a condition with microbial imbalances on and within the body – of various parasites, bacteria, yeast, etc; as well as free radicals can create continuous inflammation from these toxic by-products.
(d) A highly stressed lifestyle is an environmentally-induced stressor that reduces blood flow to the gut and increase free radicals.
Food Allergies and Sensitivities
Food allergies and sensitivities may another most common reasons for the manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis. You have now understand how Candidiasis can promote food allergies. If systematic Candidiasis is present, most any food can be allergenic/sensitive.
Surprisingly, allergies’ biological rules are pretty much similar to those of an addiction. We are addicted or crave for certain foods because we like to eat them. And you will often find that you develop food allergies from the food that you really like and eat most often; and also foods that are most easily digested.
Foods that are most easily digested are listed in the following sequence:
(1) Alcohol
(2) Sugar
(3) Simple carbohydrates eg flour
(4) Complex carbohydrates eg meat or whole vegetables
The Tooth Connections – Gum Disease, Root Canal Infections & Amalgam Toxicity
Gum (Periodontal) Disease
It is found that people with rheumatoid arthritis may be up to four times more likely to have gum (periodontal) diseases than people without autoimmune disease. However the biology of the association between these two chronic inflammatory diseases remain unclear, with differing hypothesis that suggests PD increases the risk of RA.
Gum (periodontal) diseases typically result from untreated gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums caused by bacteria in the mouth as well as other factors such as smoking, medications, genetic susceptibility or others.
This link between gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis is revisited in a number of studies. Recently, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology found traces of gum bacteria in the knees of people with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
In another study, researchers from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland essentially traced the passage of bacteria in the mouth to the fluid surrounded the kneecap, called synovial fluid. By analyzing the DNA of the bacteria, the researchers could determine that the progeny of the gum bacteria entered into the bloodstream and settled in the synovial fluid, which was in a weakened state as a result of arthritis.
Numerous evidence has shown a strong relationship between the severity of periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis, and this relationship is more than just a shared susceptibility. The disease processes in both are very similar as they are characterized by self-sustaining inflammation in a fluid filled compartment adjacent to bone, just as the tooth and socket comprise a joint.
Root Canal Infections
Root canals have been performed by dentists around the world for over 150 years. Small cavities are first treated by cleaning out the infection and then, the void is filled with a suitable filling material over it. Tooth decay is seemingly arrested, the tooth is saved and the pain goes away.
However, root canals are deceptive. An absence of pain does not equate to a good oral health, but merely a result of nerves being removed. Unfortunately, irregardless of the due diligence put into disinfecting the infected cavity, a root canalled tooth will always remain infected. The very nature of the tooth does not allow complete sterilization while it still resides in the mouth.
Bacteria that lives in your mouth and that has gotten locked into these cavities mutates from an oxygen-loving form (aerobic) to one that does not love oxygen (anaerobic), and build a impenetrable bacterial fortress where they live and thrive.
At the same time, the bacteria expel toxins, waste products that are detrimental to the surrounding tissues and general health. Where they can avoid the arrest of white blood cells by hiding in areas where blood supply is restricted and immune response is slow, it starts building colony in our joints! (because joints do not have blood supply like other tissues of the body). This fort makes the root canalled tooth a breeding ground because it no longer has a blood supply and hence, neither white blood cells nor antibiotics can enter.
Amalgam poisoning
Do not be fooled by anyone telling you that it is perfectly safe to place amalgam in your mouth. Dental amalgams, the mercury-silver dental fillings, are important source of mercury vapour that can be released from 20 to 30 yeras of chewing, biting and grinding. We do know that mercury is a deadly poison if ingested in sufficient but relatively small quantities. Strange that things can get different when these are placed in our mouths!
Here are more facts to think about:
(a) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as well as the American Medical Association states that there is no lower safe limit to the amount of mercury a person can intake.
(b) Dentists and their employees are required to handle mercury in ways that the EPA considers safe because of mercury’s extreme health hazard.
(c) After many years of resistance, the Swedish Dental Association studied the problem, apologized to their citizens, and phased out mercury. Many European countries, notably Denmark, Norway and Germany, have also banned the use of amalgam.
Mercury is known to rapidly and readily be absorbed into a human body and has the ability to cause biochemical damage at cellular level. It inhibits sulphur and blocks normal enzyme functioning, producing extreme toxicity that the body is unable to properly detoxify. Sulphur is essential in enzymes, hormones, nerve tissue, and red blood cells. A deficiency of sulphur oxidation at the cellular level has been found in many of degenerative diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis.
Furthermore, there are also extensive documented cases that have shown that amalgams removals have led to cure or significant improvement of rheumatoid arthritis.
Stress including Toxins Accumulation
Stress exists in many forms:
(1) Physical stress – such as lack of sleep, financial concerns, injuries from accidents, etc
(2) Emotional stress – such as death of loved one, birth of a new baby, etc
(3) Environmental stress – such as pollution, herbicides and pesticides, carcinogens, etc
When stress is present, our body will enter into a “fight or flight” state, and in this state, the body takes blood away from the internal organs and moves it to the mascular system so that either way, you are ready to take action or fight the ensuing stress. Blood removal from digestive organs also impair digestive capability of our body. That is why under stressful circumstances, our digestion is compromised.
Unaware to many, there are also many hidden sources of stress that are not known to be dangerous but are very real and our body has taken a lifetime to store up the cumulative effect of these stresses from various sources: teeth, food additives and preservatives, toxic skin and beauty products, vaccination shots, toxic home chemicals and many more environmental toxins that are all around us.
If you suffer from a Leaky Gut, the liver is already overloaded and can’t properly deal with the added environmental toxins. Therefore, it is best to limit exposure to a minimum and allow our liver to catch up with the process of toxins elimination.
What are the causes of my RA?
Having said the above, I do know the reason for my RA. It came about following a sad incident that happened to me in October 2010. I was into my 2nd pregnancy and I had a miscarriage. That was the saddest moment of my life. Saddest ever… It is difficult for one to understand how much pain and misery I was going through during that rough time. I was carrying the fetus inside my womb while knowing that it wouldn’t have the chance of coming out into this world for more than a week. I have hoped and prayed very hard for a miracle but it didn’t appear. In the end, I had a D&C performed. Right after the operation, I thought I would feel better after my emotions settled. But physical pain started to be felt on my right wrist. I was given two doses of prednisone to ease the pain but with the symptoms persisting, a blood test was ordered and it turned out that I have active RA with Rheumatoid Factor (RF) of 250.
I was convinced ever since that the miscarriage was the sole event that have caused the onset of my RA. But this is only half true. Under the care of a very experienced naturopathic practitioner of Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Techniques (NAET), I soon also learn that my cervical cancer vaccination – 3 shots taken – was the root cause behind my RA. The miscarriage was only a trigger, one that upsets the whole immune system, which had already been compromised, (just like the tip of an iceberg) to get all haywired and start attacking my joints. Because it attacks my joints, they call it Arthritis.
My conclusions of the main causes of my RA are therefore: pathogenic infection relating to vaccination and emotional trauma.
What about yours?
Do you know what the causes of your rheumatoid disease are? Share with us if you do not mind. My opinion is that you should explore the possibilities of each of the listed causes that may be contributing factors of your rheumatoid arthritis. It’s okay if you aren’t sure but it will be great to discuss this topic with all the fellow RAers.
31 Comments on The Many Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis Explored
1Pingbacks & Trackbacks on The Many Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis Explored
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[…] been telling an account of what I believe are the causes of my rheumatic disease in some earlier posts. And I shall re-iterate this point once again […]
Victoria
March 21, 2013 at 4:18 pm (10 years ago)Hi, thank you for your blog and FB page, they’re great. I have RA and have recently come to realise that ultimately any illness is about disconnection. Yes, I believe diet, less stress, exercise and all that helps a lot AND I find all those things easy to follow when I am connected. For me it has been a spiritual journey of reconnecting to source – remembering I am part of the Whole and trusting Myself/My body/Mother Earth/God/Universe. I have been trying to ‘fix’ my RA through diet, therapies etc. in stead of just letting myself BE and trusting. Ironically, when I Let Go I find it easy to de-stress, eat well, exercise etc. etc. So yes I feel it is about all that but ultimately about letting go and trusting yourself, your Body to Heal and the universe. Love and light <3
diana
March 22, 2013 at 11:12 pm (10 years ago)Vic, that’s exactly how I felt when I finally let go of the frustrations and anger about the RA diagnosis and began to trust that I can rebuild my body and heal itself the holistic way. Can’t say I’m totally pain free because I gotta admit that there are a lot to do which I have not done! If we nourish ourselves with the right nutrition and adopt a proper and healthy lifestyle as well as stopping intoxicating our bodies, we’re on the right path of recovery. Don’t you agree? Appreciate your view on letting go and trusting yourself, it’s a very good point to take in and remember along my RA healing journey.
Tina
September 6, 2013 at 6:36 pm (10 years ago)I was diagnosed with RA 6 years ago. My diagnosis came during the most stressful and saddest time of my life. My first grandchild was stillborn the day after his due date. Supporting my daughter through this horrible ordeal was the hardest thing I have ever done as a mother. During this time, our family business of 22 years was failing, our home was in foreclosure, my youngest daughter was graduating high school, my beloved dog Bella died and my best friend my mother died suddenly.
I started to have severe pain in both of my feet. I had incidents of all over body pain, depression,feeling flu like . Due to the circumstances of my life I just believed that this was depression. I did not go to the doctor. I thought I could “power” thru it. Then I became very ill. I had pain so severe in my hands that I could not dress myself or comb my hair. I had pain in my feet so severe that I could barely walk. I went to the doctor finally, I was diagnosed with RA right away. My Rheumatologist explained to me that he believed that the extreme stress that I was under was the cause of my RA.
I did not have any surgeries, illnesses, dental work, or any physical trauma. I have no known food allergies. I had been healthy. I was thin, exercised regularly, I had a healthy low fat low sugar diet. Going from a healthy active person to a person living with RA has been difficult. I have lost so much these past 8 years.
beth
March 21, 2013 at 6:40 pm (10 years ago)I recently had to undergo a D&C after an unfortunate loss, coincidentally I have just finished the same vaccine you mention months before my pregnancy began. After the emotional pain subsided I noticed that it had been replaced with intense physical pain. I thought I was the only one with this story! Thank you for sharing and making me feel less alone.
diana
March 22, 2013 at 11:04 pm (10 years ago)Beth, can’t believe there’s someone out there having the EXACT circumstances surrounding our RAs onset. Oh my!! So, how’s your RA condition now? Did you try to detox from the vaccine effects? I did few months back. Went for muscle testing and found out that the viruses are still affecting me. So, I was on two courses of homeopathic remedy for the cervical cancer vaccination plus NAET treatments for my miscarriage emotion and for allergy towards medications for my D&C as well as the vaccine itself.
Andrea
March 21, 2013 at 7:58 pm (10 years ago)In Sept…2011 my little five pound yorkie “Opie James’ that I cherished was attacked at our local dog park…I rushed him to my vet holding his little body together…they were able to complete the operation but he died coming out of anthesia…:( My heart was broken…he was my best friend…my companion…my co-pilot and my assistant in my pet sitting business…everyone knew him…he was a little celebrity…the outpouring from the community/friends was surreal…I was in complete depression…I did what I had to do on a daily basis but it was difficult…three weeks later I went on a planned trip to St. Croix to visit friends…In Opie’s memory I decided to bring two pups state side to two different rescue groups…one was a puppy/lab and the other a terrier mutt who was older and going to a NJ based group because of her age…as soon as they put her in my arms she stuck her nose in my neck and I knew five minutes after going through customs that she would being going home with me and we would help heal each other…she had suffered horrific abuse…her name is Lacie Jana and the past year and half have been difficult but time has been my friend…In 2012…my sister was visiting me…she has lyme disease…RA…lupus and skleraderma…my heart broke again seeing her in such pain…I felt guilty…I ran 5 miles every day and hit the gym at least three times a week…after she left I started to feel some pain in my shoulder…not uncommon but a different pain…I ran 5 miles one morning and the next morning I could not get out of bed…the pain was excruciating…my whole right side immobile:( I went to doctors for a month and no one could figure out what I had…vicodin/percaset (sp) got me through…luckily one of my friends who is a neurologist saw me out and saw I was walking with difficulty…my hand/shoulder were swollen…she sent me for immediate blood work…results where sedtrate and RA levels through the charts…she said I needed to see a rheumatologist immediately…I could not get an appointment for a month:( she made some calls and my little friend not even 5 ft tall did not just knock on doors she knocked them down…that day I met with a team of doctors who diagnosed me with RA…I cried…still in pain but thankful to have some answers…I am on prednisone (weaning off 5mg every other day) and methotrexate…I am lucky I can still walk…I suffer pain every morning…not knowing what each day will bring me but I am optimistic and I don’t run but try to do a 2-4 mile walk when I can…if you rest…you rust…I take multiple vitimans and listen to other people’s remedies…I will find the right recipe for me…as you said we are all different and suffer different extents of this disease…thank you for listening…off to walk some dogs….:) Have a wonderful day….Andrea
diana
March 22, 2013 at 10:59 pm (10 years ago)Andrea, I’m sorry to hear about your loss. I too lost my dog to distemper just this Dec. Luckily, the other dog survived the ordeal. Was lucky to be able to save the other dog which was infected at much later stage. We treated her naturally w/manuka honey, high dosage of Vitamin C, etc. Everyone facing an RA diagnosis is likely to feel the same thing like you do – shocked! depressed! disbelief! and the list went on… I’d my time for a very long duration; couldn’t let go and blaming God for mistreating a nice person like myself (well, I think I’m a kind and nice person!). At the end of the day, when we vented enough, we cannot let RA beat us down. We must continue to challenge ourselves to do what we think are right to correct the ‘wrongs’ that we have done to our bodies. From your case, I deeply think that addressing emotional aspects that attach with your RA will help you with your condition (like some suggestions Shannon shared in the comments). Alongside dietary changes, why not you try out Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) for addressing and resolving the underlying emotional stressors that are holding onto your RA? I’ve written 4-5 mini EFT guidance series on my blog, categorized under ‘EFT, NAET, etc’ section. Do check them out! And before I go off, feel free to write me if you need someone to speak to. Enjoy your walk with your dogs. Keep the exercising going 🙂
Nancy
March 21, 2013 at 11:02 pm (10 years ago)Could IBS be a contributing factor with regard to RA?
diana
March 22, 2013 at 10:48 pm (10 years ago)Nancy, my 2c worth on IBS is that it’s what I say ‘symptoms’ or ‘conditions’ that are actually caused by something else, and I believe that something is a Leaky Gut. Leaky Gut is not a disease. It’s not even a term that conventional doctor comes to understand or accept; but this is very real issue behind many chronic conditions due to many lifestyles reasons, eg excessive use of antibiotics, our diet which is highly inflammatory, etc. So, I will not think that IBS is a contributing factor to RA; but leaky gut may be the contributing factor to both RA and IBS.
Shannon Wallace
March 21, 2013 at 11:37 pm (10 years ago)Fantastic article!! I believe the cause of my RA was a combination of poor diet which lead to Candida and Leaky Gut, Viral residues and Emotional Stress. I would like to add to the emotional stress component. While I also had a serious car accident about 6-8 months before I can remember having symptoms of RA, there is also the component of the emotions we carry around with us on a daily basis. They may be Fear, Anger, Anxiety, Guilt, Sadness, etc…but they ALL have an impact on our physical body. (For me it was Guilt and Fear.) Stress to me is just a generic term to describe emotions that have become CHRONIC. Many times we are so used to the chronic emotional state we’re living in that we’re not even aware of what it is…we just feel “stressed”. So my suggestion is to sit with that thought and see what comes up for you. What chronic emotional state may you be living in that is not serving you. It’s not your fault. The beautiful thing is, once you become aware of it you have the opportunity to learn to let go of it.
I started a Group on Facebook for anyone looking for Natural Options to fight RA. Would love you and your readers to come join us! https://www.facebook.com/groups/NaturalOptionsRA/
Together we have the power to change our lives and our health! Empower yourself with knowledge you will be blown away by what your are capable of.
Namaste.
diana
March 22, 2013 at 10:43 pm (10 years ago)Hi Shannon, actually I’ve joined your group a while ago, recommendation by Heather. It’s a great closed group that shared very useful information about dealing with RA. The fantastic thing I love about your group is that everyone in there is positive-minded and eager to take control of the health and kick the RA ass! 😀 I’ll so totally encourage anyone looking for natural/holistic options for fighting RA to join your group. Oh yes, I totally agree with you on the emotional aspect that accompanied RA. It was only six months ago that I began to find more information and conviction that these are not all in my minds but it does make sense now when I say my miscarriage was the trigger of my RA. That was the saddest moments of my life and my RA came knocking right after my D&C was completed. Even though I thought I’d let go of these emotions, but I believe it set off a chain of reactions in my body that also led to RA. Like yourself, emotional stress is just one of them. I’d tons of problems – Candida, leaky gut, parasites, heavy metals, allergies, etc etc. So, the journey is not going to be easy. And I’ll have to address these issues as long as it’s needed. Like many on your group, I’m now drilling into energy medicinal work including EFT; and I do love it!
Tammie
May 17, 2013 at 7:47 pm (10 years ago)Hello,
I am new to this and I really do not know where to begin. I sarted out being told by my doctor in 1993 that I had Lupus ( SLE). I could not hardly move. I had to have help to get up or down. Basically, help with everthing. I had no idea what was happening ! I was always on the go. Played sports with my kids..etc..never a sickly person. Finally it got so bad I had to go the doctor. Well. the doctor knew right away what was going on. He told me that he was 99% sure I had Lupus. Although he had to do the blood work to confrm it. He told me he was going to go ahead and treat me for it and he gave me steriods and some anti-inflammatory meds..I was better in know time. When the test came back he was correct it was LUPUS that have…Well, I stayed on the meds and I did great…I was on steriods for all that time…10mgs..I did not research the meds. I should have. I was doing so well. I trusted the doctor. I am sure anyione who has been on the steriods does not have to be told. NIGHTMARE, the damage that the steriods did.
That being said: here is what I do not understand.. I had a accident in 2008 .. I broke my right leg so bad. I will not go into detail…anyway , I ended up losing my right leg below the knee. The doctors told me: ” that due to the lupus and being on the steroids for so long that my bones were like twigs! No hope to save my leg. I ended up with a bone infection. Then all of a sudden I was still in the hospital ..I was told that I had RA. I told them i had been tested through the years and the test was always negitive, until I got the bone infection ..I guess..I have no idea really how I got the RA. But, as of 2008 It has been added to my list.
The problem I a having at this point: MY RA and maybe the Lupus together …not sure….I woke up and i was stuck ….I felt like i had to brake all my bones just to get up..if that makes any sense I was stuck in the most horrible pain . I actullay was screaming out trying to get up…I went to the doctor they said it was a flare up..and just told me to ride it out until I can get back in a month and get my I.V. of actemeria….I can only take certain meds because for some reason the lupus will act up with the most of them..I have been on Methatrxate …shot and pill form…iI am on Arava now , celebrex twice a day….Plaquinal…and steriods 2mg…None of these meds are helping me . I am getting worse.. I know there is more to this situation then the doctors are checking me for …there has to be. NO one should be this sick…I am wondering if it is something at my home …water,,,,etc…we ive in the country and like I said just getting worse with no concern to the docs: I am lost . I do not know what to do. I just needed to talk to someone who will understand. I hope to hear back from you .
sincerely,
Tammie
diana
May 21, 2013 at 11:24 pm (10 years ago)Hi Tammie,
I’m sorry to hear that you’re in such horrible pain. One thing about the way conventional doctors treating RA patients is that they are following textbooks & pharma salesmen on what drugs/meds or even meds COMBINATIONS that a person with RA should be taking because RA is autoimmune & incurable. Fact is, there bound to be REASONS why RA happens to a person. Everyone has different underlying causes. From what you mention, your RA may have roots in ‘infections’ (and you may need to work on clearing out those infections). Since you’ve been on steroids and meds for such a long time, ‘leaky gut’ is likely to be another problem. Your condition is much complicated & in my opinion, I suggest you see an integrative/functional doctor. You can locate on here (http://www.functionalmedicine.org). They can work with you to find out your root causes and design a program to get you feeling better. Functional medicine addresses the whole person, not just an isolated set of symptoms. by looking at the interactions among genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that can influence long-term health and complex, chronic disease. Seeking help from professionals when needed is crucial and do not be afraid to reach out for health. Try check out if they are covered for by your insurance. For starters, I’d also suggest that you look into your diet. Diet does matter in RA, and can make BIG difference in pain level & inflammation. Most people with RA have what is known as leaky gut. With leaky gut, you become allergic/intolerant to the foods that you eat. Therefore, it is necessary & important that you identify and remove these offended foods including foods with hidden allergenic ingredients TOTALLY for at least a period of 6 months. I’ve posted details on how to conduct elimination diet and thereafter, rotation diet on my blog under ‘Diet & Nutrition’ category. Do check them out. Do this right away and see how you feel down the road. I’m not sure if you’re okay to fast (given your condition) but fasting has known to help greatly! I can feel that you’re under great amount of stress from you condition, but worrying too much will make you flare even more. Do it one step at a time or it will overwhelm you. Change your diet and seek help. Once you feel better, then, you’re on the way to heal slowly over time. Be kind to yourself and just get started. The journey will be about learning and experiencing; but as you see improvements, you’ll be motivated to find the right recipes (from many treatment modalities out there) that will work for you. Take care & hugs to you!! Diana.
LYNNE RICHMOND
July 9, 2016 at 12:55 am (7 years ago)hi tammie
im new to this site
i started with my swelling in my fingers back in feb this year,my joints then begain to hurt bit by bit,till i was so swollen andin so much pain,i.d been to the doctors many times had loads of blood test and scans taken all came back clean,in the end i took one of my dads dexamethasone tablets,the next day all my swelling had gone down,i did tell my doctor what i had taken,i was then referred to specialist,i had to wait two months tho,i was getting tingling in my fingers and numbness,to cut a long story short,i have been told i have seronegative rheumatoid arthritis,bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome in both wrist,and now depression,they want me to start on methotrexate,cause the r.a doesn’t show up in my blood and when i have asked how do they know for sure i do have it,they reply was cause my swelling went down from a steroid tablets means the imflammatory points to some kind of arthritis.im at a lost with it al,i think the best thing for me is to get a second opinion,im scared that i could be doing harm to my body if i take the tablets and if i don’t.
Jillian
July 30, 2013 at 2:24 am (10 years ago)Hi Diana!
Your website is a breath of fresh air, thank you. I am 35 and was diagnosed with JRA when I was 12. However, my Mom and I both believe I had it since I was an infant it just took that long for me to be diagnosed. I was an extremely cranky baby that did not do well with formula and would only be happy being held. As I grew more problems presented themselves. I had been to countless foot doctors growing up because I would cry every night with pain in my legs and feet. Every doctor told my Mom that I was flat footed and I was tall for my age so they blamed the pain on my flat footedness and growing pains. By the time I was 12 I had a lot of trouble walking, my left ankle was turned out at a 90 degree angle and my fingers were sausage like. My Mom demanded that my pediatrician do something and he sent me to another foot doctor. However, that doctor actually had some knowledge and performed bloodwork and fit me for orthotics since I have extremely high arches and am not flat footed at all. My bloodwork came back with a positive Rheumatoid factor and a high sed rate. He referred me to a Rheumatologist and that is where my official journey with RA began. I truly believe that my infant RA stemmed from a vaccination as well. I saw a regular rheumatologist and listened to mainstream medical teachings regarding RA until I was 30. At that point I had exhausted most medications due to extensive side effects and I was getting Remicade infusions which were causing anaphalatic reactions during every infusion plus such a terrible reaction afterwards that I would miss work for two days after every session, I had been on prednisone for 18 years as well as various other anti-inflammatories. I was newly married and my husband would have to pick me up off the couch just to get to bed. All those poisons I was putting in my body weren’t even helping and I had had enough. I found a wonderful holistic doctor and I haven’t looked back from natural medicine. Right now I am in a really bad position due needing my ankle, both shoulders and my elbow replaced. I do not believe for a second that all of the medications I had been on for most of my life helped me in any way and I wish I would have found the natural approach much sooner in my life. Thank you again for sharing your journey with us and providing this great informative website!
diana
July 30, 2013 at 10:25 am (10 years ago)Jillian, sorry to hear about your struggles with RA since so young. I was luckier in comparison that I only had it for few years now and I managed to turn to natural medicine before putting too much poison into my body. But believe me, it’s never too late for anything. It may take long for you (probably years) to detox yourself from these toxins since you’d been putting them in for decades. Just as long as you do not stop that effort of eating clean and consistent detoxing, you shall be able to notice gradual improvement and relief in your condition. And if you feel strongly about vaccinations being the cause, you’re most probably right. And against this backdrop, I might suggest that you de-sensitize yourself to all the vaccinations that you had had in the past. Who knows it might stop RA at its attacks? And probably also to all the medications that you had had. The effects of meds linger for longer than most people think possible and if your body is allergic to them (which you mentioned having anaphylaxis), your body may have a difficulty healing itself. Sometimes, the reason why a person consuming the exact supplements but not witnessing as much improvements is because the body is not detoxing enough and the nutrition benefits/effects of the herbs, etc cannot be assimilated because the body is too overload with toxins and they need to be eliminated efficiently. I pray that you shall find the right recipe that will lead you to better health and overall wellness than what you’ve been going through. Take care, Diana.
Donna
August 1, 2013 at 12:24 am (10 years ago)So many things are mentioned in your book… that YES I’ve had or have. Food allergies, multiple root canal infections, high stress, female organ problems, hysterectomy, car wrecks, gall bladder, blood sugar levels, mercury poisoning – so many things strike familiar chords with my medical history. (Haven’t finished your book – still reading) But also have a history of infected spider bites and tick bites, chigger bites… can’t help wonder if they are connected as well?
diana
August 2, 2013 at 10:49 am (10 years ago)I know. Funny isn’t it? I’ve read testimonials from different people with RA and it appears different people are experiencing different root causes. Most common being food allergies, leaky gut, stress & infections. I believe that more often that not, for a condition to arise to become as chronic as RA, the problems must be collectively substantial enough and intertwined in how they affect our immunological systems. And now that I remember, I should add another potential causes of RA ie hormonal imbalances!
Barb
August 7, 2013 at 6:30 am (10 years ago)The RA my body is dealing with was triggered by overexposure to spray paint in an underventilated area, living in a new home with freshly stained and painted trim and walls, and that after several months of not handling the stress of building this home (with a team of the workers living on the property 24/7 for months.) well. However in hindsight, I began slowly developing the disease 6 years ago after I severely sprained an ankle, but it was undiagnosed by any medical professional as RA. So it snuck up on me and then exploded after the high stress and environmental toxin issue.
Sarah
August 9, 2013 at 5:09 pm (10 years ago)Great Article! Very Comprehensive, Thanks.
Vickie
October 11, 2013 at 3:04 am (10 years ago)I was diagnosed with ra a few months after the death of my father ..I am on rituximab infusions every 5 months and feel it it poison but it hleps me to walk and takes my pain away unless it rains .. and I so wish I could not take it anymore ..I got so bad with it I couldn’t walk and my hands were so swollen with sever pain in my elbows and shoulders ..Your site is simply amazing and I plan on reading and applying all I learn from you ..Many thanks to you for your good work and God bless ..Love Vickie
Jessica
November 30, 2013 at 3:54 am (10 years ago)I attempted to treat my RA naturally, with diet, energy healing, and homeopathy, for the first 18 months and am now on Humira. Like many of you, I would rather not be taking medicine and in fact would rather not have ever developed this devastating disease to begin with! I want to share that I was bedridden in extreme pain and suffered irreversible joint damage that could have been prevented by pharmaceuticals. I did not even take aspirin (and in fact found that chewing frankincense or using sweet birch essential oil on my joints did help relieve the pain). I was so stubborn about not trying any medicine because God had told me to try natural treatment. I had to quit my job and my graduate studies and move home to live with my dad. He was quite upset at my condition and insisted I see a rheumatologist. I thought the doctor would tell me he was so impressed how I was doing on natural treatments (since I had slowly but surely been able to stand and walk slowly thanks to water aerobics), but he was shocked. He said he had never seen anyone so bad off except before modern treatments and that I needed to get on medicine to prevent future joint damage. My RA is particularly severe also. I was so upset, having dedicated myself for months to healing my gut, addressing emotional roots, etc. but I prayed and was told to try Humira. It almost immediately improved my life. I had been wetting my pants almost every morning because I could not make the three steps to the bathroom in time, and that is no longer a problem. I can also live a more normal life, going out and knowing I can make it ok. I no longer get trapped in chairs because it is too exhausting and painful to stand up. Of course I am still bothered that I have not healed the root cause and wish I did not have side effects to deal with. I want to see a doctor who combines pharmaceuticals with natural treatment but he charges $970 and does not accept insurance. It is particularly humiliating because I practice and teach Reiki, and I believe strongly in the power to heal ourselves. RA has been kicking my butt, though, and I am questioning everything. Can I really be so responsible for this disease? I try to stay positive and it is really a challenge. I know natural treatment has its benefits, but wanted to share this story for those of you who wish you had avoided ‘poisons’ in your body. You may have prevented long term damage or otherwise helped your situation in ways you cannot fathom. Either way, I pray for everyone who ever has had to deal with this nasty disease and wish you all the best of luck on your journey!
dianaadmin
April 24, 2014 at 11:41 pm (9 years ago)My sincere thanks to you for sharing your RA experience, and highlighting the importance of prevention of long term damage to our joints while we approach natural and holistic measures to heal ourselves.
melanie
February 26, 2014 at 2:10 pm (9 years ago)I know I have severe gingivitis, amalgam and candida. I always suspected that the RA was triggered by a parasitic infection. Before my first flare I had some kind of infection that manifested as sores all over my entire body. They erupted into oozing sores after I felt particles pushing their way out of my skin for weeks. My joints were sore and I had flu like symptoms the whole time. For months afterwards I had little hard granules and fiber like pieces that wouldn’t dissolve in water and that melted like plastic if they were near heat or flame. The doctors refused to examine them and said it was probably from a topical beauty product. I’ve heard of others who had the same experience in RA groups on facebook. I live in CO and use cannabis for the pain and it also has antiparasitic qualities and it helps a lot. When I eat an alkaline diet and use probiotic support the RA symptoms almost disappear but come back if I cut down or miss doses. I’m going to try using boron and baking soda to do a complete parasitic cleanse and see what effect it has and will be doing a Rick Simpson oil (97% pure cannabinoid extract) as well for pain and to heal any mutating cells in my body. I’m saving for a PEMF machine (QRS 101) too and plan to use all the natural health therapies that work for me to help others with RA and other conditions in the future. I don’t view it as a disability and know I can cure it somehow or I would have been born with the condition if it was natural for my body so the time I’ve spent dealing with RA is empowering and an opportunity for learning. I have been in much emotional and physical pain in the past and it prepared me for this challenge and I’m grateful for everything I’ve learned about this condition in the last couple years.
dianaadmin
April 24, 2014 at 11:11 pm (9 years ago)Melanie, your experience and insight are absolutely inspiring and motivating. When I had bad time with RA, I did break down and cry; but after I’m done with the venting, I’m back to fighting the battle. And, knowing that there’s someone like yourself out there fighting the RA battle with such valor and patience, I always remind myself that I have not tried everything. Something will work. I will find the missing puzzle. As you might notice that ever since I moved on from blogging to a small business set up, I’d thrust my body out of its equilibrium state. In the past months, I’d also experienced extremely stressful minor and major life events that constantly threatened and pushed my body into flare ups which I had not experienced for a long time. I was and am facing many challenges right now. Like yourself, I’m continuing to learn and find ways to new approaches to improve my condition. And, I hope that by the time I am feeling better (or back to my ‘equilibrium’ again), I will take some time to share what I’d gone through in the past months and how I conquered the flare ups, what had worked, etc. I’m keen to exchange notes, and can be reached at myradiary.diana@gmail.com. Love to hear from you, Diana.
Rob
March 9, 2014 at 11:54 pm (9 years ago)I feel I am in the minority here, being male, and having an interest in the diet connection to my RA. It does surprise me how many men with arthritis are disinterested in a natural cure. Men are more likely to just pop a pill. In fact, if I mention the likely diet connection to my wife, she looks at me as though i’m mad. She was the one who convinced me to see my doc, and ‘get it looked at’. He, of course wasn’t too interested, but he did manage to give my knee a quick examination, and refer me for an x-ray. He later informed me that it was just a bit of arthritis. I think the medical community just expect people to get arthritis, either sooner, or later. With not just the medical community being this blinkered, people in general see other people with limps, or bad backs as just people with conditions. As if it’s expected when you get older, that you will be a victim of one condition or another.
A neighbour asked me if I was okay, when she saw me with a limp, I replied with “it’s just a remnant from when I used to do a lot of running”. Her response was “It’s just old age, then” – I’m only 47! I thought to myself.
So, I conducted my own research, and found out I have Sudden Onset Fungal Arthritis. As the swelling in my knee came on all of a sudden, and as I know I have Candida overgrowth, and Leaky Gut – then this must be my condition.
Thanks for your website, the information is very useful in my quest to heal myself.
Dr Richi
January 14, 2019 at 3:09 am (4 years ago)Men should support each other more generally and more specifically in health. Its a little unfortunate that I found your case here amongst the passive misandry.
I think your own diagnosis, within a narrow range of related conditions, is spot on. Not only would a dr not get this so fast, they would never get to it, because they have no idea about science and biology.
Please look into my protocol using cistus tea, rizol oils (ozonated oil with pure herbals) from biopure, then you can add colloidal silver, grapefruit seed extract, and pending other issues with digestions – sodium or potassium hydrogen carbonate. You probably know (as it seems to have become common knowledge in the past 5 years) about zero sugar, extreme low carb or ketosis diet. You can also look up Dr George Georgiou da Vinci health for his candida protocol.
Am sure that as my mentor Dr Klinghardt speaks about, these infections have interactions and their pathogenicity is exacerbated by EMF, wifi, mobile phone, heavy metals and aluminium, mold poison, all other chemical toxins, including all pesticides, sweetners, sugar.
If you want me to continue this essay please just ask (so the comment is not too long) but otherwise this is a very good comprehensive article, almost so good a man could have written it!
jai gaur
April 3, 2015 at 12:40 am (8 years ago)does over masturbation can cause any symptom of ra. is there any reletion?please rply
Gary
August 8, 2015 at 3:54 am (8 years ago)I ‘ve had RA for about 7 yrs. I take Enbrel and Methotrexate. i recently leaned that my mercury level is .0077 compared to an upper range limit of .0039. I do have silver amalgams in my mouth and have had root canals.
i also was tested for the MTHFR mutation and learned that I have two copies of the A1298C gene. This means that detox enzymes may only be working at 60% capacity. Has anyone had
Has anyone had/have similar symptoms and know of any successful treatment plans?
Regards,
Gary
Dr Richi
January 14, 2019 at 4:03 am (4 years ago)Yes I can help
but this site is a misandrist propaganda page so my comment wont be published.
The apparent mutation might be a mistake or indeed related to the mercury and or aluminium toxicity, which can bind to sections of DNA as can other metals. Look for Dr Klinghardts latest lecture at autismone.
Why you are taking lethal medication and yet interested in health I dont know, but then (if you dont mind a harsh truth) this page is a dot com so if you dont mind a normal educated person saying so – you are all retarded Americans – dont take it personally. Stop taking not only pharma but the worst possible useless drugs. Read this article and look deep into each section. If you kill any infections (Lyme mycoplasma, amoeba, fungal, Lform bacteria) with rizol, silver, cistus, oregano, garlic, grapefruit seed, broccoli sprouts, iodine, clove oil, ketosis diet etc etc
detox metals – coriander, algae, sulphur rich food,
detox poison – organic diet, sauna, filter water etc etc
as for the detail of MTHFR – well you seem to know yourself –
look up Dr Andrew Rostenbergs lectures on the matter otherwise. You know probably the supplement (B spectrum vitamin and Magnesium and high zinc) to convert homocysteine to sAMe and glutathione.
I am not sure why someone who presumably isnt stupid and cares about health is writing that they have dangerous fillings and root canals but not doing anything about it? What are you waiting for? Go to Cuba or a country with democracy and health care.
Sorry but would like to help
(that depends on how much the author of this page hates men)