What is it?

• Chronic inflammatory condition affecting entire body especially synovial membranes of joints

• Disease progresses to joint deformities in hands and feet

• Autoimmune reaction with antibodies and immune complexes (Rheumatoid factor) against joint tissue

 

Causes​

• Gut dysbiosis, inappropriate gut flora

• Lack of breast feeding

• Dairy sensitivity or intolerance

• Sorbitol intolerance

• Gluten sensitivity

• Food allergies

• Poor diet

• Infections

• Genetics

• NSAIDS

• Alcohol​

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Symptoms

• Abdominal pain

• Abdominal distension

• Alternating constipation and diarrhea

• Constipation more common

• Nausea

• Fatigue

• Anxiety or depression (not only does stress contribute to IBS developing, but symptoms can then worsen stress, creating a vicious cycle that’s hard to break)

• Low back pain

• Change is stool frequency

• Change in stool form

• Difficult passage

• Mucus in stool

• Bloating

• Trouble sleeping

• Headaches

• An unpleasant taste in the mouth

• Sexual problems, including reduced sexual desire

• Body image issues

• Heart palpitations

• Frequent or urgent need to urinate

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Tests

• Diagnosis requires 5 of the following for 6 weeks or more: morning stiffness, pain on motion or joint tenderness, joint swelling, positive rheumatoid factor on blood test, xray changes

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Allopathic Treatment Options

1. NSAIDS

2. Corticosteroids

3. Immunosuppressants

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Naturopathic Treatment Options

1. Discover the root cause to why your body is creating symptoms

2. Diet: Rheumatoid arthirits is not found in societies that eat whole foods diet. High rate in societies consuming western, standard american diet

3. Repair and restore gut flora

4. Support gut function and insufficiencies

5. Anti-inflammatory support with high dose spices and herbs

6. Support liver health to detox environmental toxins and infections

7. Address micronutrient deficiencies to build up the physiology/biochemical function of the body

8. Find out what foods you are intolerant to through food intolerance testing. Dr. Felty's patients experience relief after removing foods that bother them

9. Treat infections

10. Reduce stress and anxiety naturally through mind body techniques such as somatic experiencing, meditation, and qigong

11. Support physical health through massage and manual adjustments

12. Counseling

13. Acupuncture

14. Hydrotherapy

15. Physical therapy

16. Lifestyle changes such as exercise, sleep, hydration

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With the help of a health care professional like Dr. Felty, you can receive personalized recommendations on how to improve your health. Call today to schedule an appointment to discuss possible solutions.