5 Simple Ways to Manage Rheumatoid Arthritis Naturally - Part I

Aug 20, 2024

∙ Paid

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune condition that primarily affects the joints. In RA, the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium, which is the lining of the joints.
This causes inflammation in the affected joints, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. Over time, the inflammation can damage the cartilage and bone within the joint, potentially leading to joint deformities and loss of function.

Why would the immune system attack the body?

Leaky gut syndrome, also known as increased intestinal permeability, is a concept used to describe a condition where the lining of the gut becomes more porous than normal.
This increased permeability allows substances such as undigested food particles, toxins, and bacteria to pass through the gut lining and enter the bloodstream, triggering the immune system to target its own body.

Vitamin D receptors are found at high density on T and B cells, dendritic cells and macrophages which help to modulate the immune system. These white blood cells rely on adequate vitamin D to function properly.
Adding vitamin D to certain immune cells (CD4+ T cells) helps reduce inflammation. It does this by lowering levels of a protein called IL-6, which is important for activating other immune cells that can contribute to autoimmune diseases. Vitamin D also reduces the production of harmful antibodies by another type of immune cell (B cells) which help control inflammation.