Rheumatoid arthritis is a crippling disease which affects approximately 2 – 3% of the world’s population. Routinely, it begins between the ages of 20 and 40 years, however, there are forms that can occur in childhood. It afflicts three times as many women as men. The symptoms typically start out mild and often times are unnoticed by the patient or go undiagnosed for years. Unfortunately, the condition generally progresses to the point where joint damage and disability are routine. Standard medical treatment includes pain killers and anti-inflammatory drugs. Unfortunately, these have not been shown to stop the progression of this disorder.

Certain factors have been identified by researchers which seem to be causally related to this condition. Many of these factors relate to diet and the digestive tract. Food allergies, adverse food reactions, intestinal inflammation, certain eating habits, and harmful bacteria in the digestive tract have all been associated with rheumatoid arthritis. One auto-immune theory explaining rheumatoid arthritis is what occurs when there is a breakdown in the lining of the digestive tract which allows for passage of larger particles of digested material through the wall of the intestines. These particles then begin circulating throughout the body. The immune system mistakes these particles for foreign invaders such as viruses or bacteria, and attacks them, leading to a general inflammatory state throughout the body. The immune system may become “confused” and begin attacking normal body cells, mistaking them for these “invading” particles. It is believed that this can cause or contribute to rheumatoid arthritis in the joints.

Some people react to certain proteins in foods. The immune system in their body produces antibodies against these proteins and begins attacking them whenever they are eaten. One of the main proteins that have been found to be a target for the immune system is gluten. Gluten is found in several grains including wheat, oats, barley, and rye, as well as some milk proteins. Unfortunately, since our American diet contains a high concentration of grains and dairy products, the intestine of many individuals is constantly inflamed.

Harmful bacteria may also be a contributor to this disorder by causing a chronic inflammatory response within the bowel. A normal status within the intestine is the balance between good and bad bacteria. Harmful bacteria can gain a foothold. This imbalance has been related to the over user of antibiotic therapy. These harmful bacteria produce toxins, and these toxins can cause intestinal inflammation. The majority of rheumatoid arthritis patients have been shown to have an overabundance of a specific bacterium called “Clostridium perfringes.” This is a very harmful bacteria when found in the digestive tract. Other types of bacteria in the proteus family can also produce harmful toxins as well.

Another way that the bowel becomes inflamed and “leaky” is through the use of certain medications that will lead to inflammation in the intestine. This includes some pain killers. The irony of this situation is the pain killers are often utilized to reduce the symptoms that a patient experiences with rheumatoid arthritis. These pain killing and anti-inflammatory medications include aspirin, acetomenophin and ibuprofen, all of which are routinely used by patients with rheumatoid arthritis. This may be why medications have not been shown to prevent the progression of this disorder, in spite of the fact that they may temporarily reduce the pain and symptoms.

Fortunately, for us, a fairly simple dietary change can assist in reducing inflammation in the digestive tract. By eliminating foods that are activating the immune system and/or causing an overgrowth of bacteria, we can reduce the aggravators of this condition. Certain other foods can support the proliferation of beneficial bacteria, as well as reduce inflammation in the bowel and throughout the body. Next week we will discuss which foods can help, and which ones you should avoid. For more information visit our website www.upchiropractic.com.