Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA):

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the joint and characterized by joint pain and morning stiffness of the joints. It usually affects multiple small joints and the involvement is symmetrical. RA may involve other organs such as skin, eyes, heart, lungs, vessels, nerves, and blood. It might be associated with low grade fever, fatigue, malaise, and weight loss.

RA is seen in 1% of people, in women 3 times more than men. The exact cause of RA is unknown. However, the most common theory is “autoimmunity”.

Other possible factors and theories are:

1. Genetics.
2. Infectious agents, especially Epstein-Barr virus.
3. Environmental factors.
4. Oxidative stress.
5. Food allergies.
6. Nutritional deficiencies, especially zinc, selenium, and vitamins E, and B5.
7. External toxins.
8. Bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine (dysbiosis).

Nutritional Supports:

Restricted Foods:

1. Saturated fats.
2. Trans-fats.
3. Processed foods.
4. Fried foods.
5. Sugars and sweets. They weaken immune system.
6. Foods high in gluten: wheat, breads, oats, rye, barley, semolina, spelt, kamut, couscous, and triticale.
7. Foods high in solanine: potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers. Solanine is a poisonous plant alkaloid produced by the plants from nightshade family as a natural defense mechanism against external microorganisms. Solanine exacerbates inflammation.
8. Foods high in Omega-6: soy, sunflower oil, safflower oil, corn oil, borage oil, sesame oil, and evening primrose oil. Omega-6, particularly Alpha-Lioleic Acid, is a pro-inflammatory.
9. Inflammatory foods: red meats, eggs, and dairy products.
10. Alcohol and coffee.
11. Allergenic foods. The most common allergenic foods in RA are wheat, corn, red meats, eggs, citrus fruits, and peanuts.

Recommended Foods:

1. Plenty of water: at least 2 liters a day.
2. Gluten free foods: brown rice, quinoa, buckwheat, and millet.
3. Legumes.
4. Cold water fish: salmon, and mackerel.
5. Flaxseeds.
6. Chia seeds.
7. Hemp seeds.
8. Fresh fruits and vegetables, except allergenic and solanine-containing ones.
9. Fruits high in flavonoids: berries, and red grapes.
10. Ginger.
11. Pineapples.
12. Spices high in antioxidants: sumac, turmeric, and cinnamon.

Recommended Supplements:

1. Omega – 3 Fatty Acids: 2 -3 grams a day. They reduce inflammation.
2. French Maritime Pine Bark Extract: 200 – 300 mg a day. It is a powerful antioxidant with a potent anti-inflammatory activity.
3. Grape Seed Extract: 100 – 200 mg a day.
4. Curcumin: 1000 – 1500 mg a day.
5. Vitamin E: 800 – 1200 IU a day.
6. Bromelain: 1500 mg a day.
7. Probiotics: take a product that provides 5 to 10 billion active organisms per serving.
8. White Willow Bark: 400 – 800 mg a day. It contains salicin that reduces pain and inflammation.
9. Vitamin B5: 1000 – 2000 mg a day.
10. Zinc: 50 -100 mg a day.
11. Multivitamins – Multiminerals: A high potency product.

Miscellaneous Suggestions:

1. Liver detoxification.
2. Colon cleansing.