Pillar for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Looking Deeper into Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is more than just joint pain. As an autoimmune disorder, RA causes the immune system to target healthy tissues, resulting in persistent pain, swelling, and tissue destruction. Yet, recent insights reveal that hormones—alongside genetics and lifestyle—may significantly contribute to both the onset and persistence of RA.

Experts in functional medicine, including Hormone Reset, have identified hormone balance as transformative for RA management. By exploring the interplay of hormones, gut, and lifestyle, functional medicine aims to heal RA at its source, not just control pain.

 

 

The Science Behind RA and Autoimmune Dysfunction

As an autoimmune condition, RA involves the immune system erroneously attacking healthy joints and tissues. Multiple triggers may lead to this malfunction:

- Family history and genetics can increase the risk of developing RA
- Exposures to chemicals, certain foods, or infections may trigger RA
- Ongoing inflammation accelerates tissue breakdown and increases discomfort
- Long-term stress raises cortisol, fueling immune dysregulation and more inflammation
- Estrogen Dominance: High estrogen levels can overstimulate the immune system, increasing RA risk
- Thyroid Dysfunction: Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are linked to RA, as they both fuel systemic inflammation
- Elevated insulin and unstable glucose add to RA’s inflammatory load

Functional medicine focuses on these foundational factors to support real healing beyond temporary symptom relief.

 

 

How Hormones Influence RA Development

Hormonal shifts—especially in women—can cause RA symptoms to flare or subside. Why? Because hormones regulate immune responses, inflammation, and cellular function. How hormones play into RA:

Estrogen & Progesterone: The Immune Regulators

- The risk and severity of RA in women often correlate with hormonal changes through life events
- Balanced estrogen and progesterone help control inflammation, but imbalances may spark autoimmunity
- Low estrogen levels, especially post-menopause, contribute to increased inflammation and joint degeneration

Cortisol: The Stress-Induced Firestarter

- Persistently high cortisol from stress impairs immunity and magnifies inflammation
- Long-term stress can burn out the adrenals, leaving the body unable to control inflammation

Thyroid Hormones: The Overlooked Factor

- Thyroid dysfunction is highly correlated with RA, as both aid to low immunity
- Underactive thyroid results in sluggish metabolism, increased fatigue, and more joint stiffness

Insulin Resistance & Blood Sugar Spikes

- High insulin and unstable blood sugar levels drive systemic inflammation, worsening RA symptoms
- Dietary shifts are essential because many RA patients struggle with blood sugar control

 

 

Identifying the Root Causes of RA

Functional medicine goes beyond symptom relief to find and treat the true causes of RA. Here’s what’s considered:

- In-depth hormone testing reveals shifts in stress, sex, and thyroid hormones
- Lab analysis of inflammatory markers tracks disease activity
- Checking levels of vitamins, minerals, and omega 3s reveals any nutritional gaps affecting RA
- Gut health evaluation checks for dysbiosis and intestinal barrier issues
- Environmental Toxicity Exposure Screening to evaluate toxins, heavy metals, and pollutants affecting immune function
- DNA testing reveals inherited RA risks and helps personalize care

By understanding these factors, a targeted healing strategy can be developed.

 

 

The Role of Gut Health in RA

A healthy gut is central to immune balance and RA prevention. Imbalanced gut flora may contribute to ongoing autoimmunity and RA progression.

Leaky Gut Syndrome and RA

- A “leaky gut” lets toxins, pathogens, and food particles slip into the bloodstream, igniting the immune response
- Such leaks cause the immune system to attack what it shouldn’t, driving inflammation and joint pain
- Multiple studies have found that individuals with RA commonly experience gut dysbiosis, a state where the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut is disrupted
- Some bacteria, like Prevotella copri, are directly tied to RA risk
- A drop in good bacteria makes the gut more vulnerable in RA
- Gut infections and overgrowth of pathogens such as Candida albicans may also contribute to heightened immune activation in RA

Healing the Gut for RA Relief

- Eating fermented foods and taking probiotics restores gut balance
- Bone broth offers Rheumatoid Arthritis building blocks to heal the gut and support joints
- Removing problem foods can reduce gut leaks and calm the immune system
- Prebiotics & Fiber: Feed beneficial bacteria and support gut barrier function
- Herbal supplements like mulethi, slippery elm, and marshmallow root help heal the gut lining

 

 

The Connection Between Toxins and Autoimmune Disorders

Toxins and the Onset of RA

- Toxic metals interfere with healthy immune activity
- Residues from pesticides aggravate immune reactions
- Endocrine disruptors from plastics worsen hormone imbalances and joint pain

Reducing Toxin Exposure for RA Relief

- Pick organic to limit toxin intake
- Filter drinking water to remove contaminants
- Reduce plastic use and switch to glass or stainless steel containers
- Opt for natural personal care and cleaning products

 

 

Natural Strategies for Managing RA

Addressing RA effectively requires a multi-faceted approach that restores balance to the body. Consider these evidence-based approaches:

Nutritional and Dietary Adjustments

- Adopt an anti-inflammatory diet rich in salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts
- Spices like turmeric and ginger, plus green veggies, help reduce inflammation
- Control blood sugar by skipping sweets, white bread, and sodas
- Eat complex carbs and legumes for steady energy and lower inflammation
- Rebuild gut health with dahi, chaas, and fermented vegetables
- Bone broth and collagen further help repair the digestive tract
- Oats, fruits, and veggies help feed the gut flora and detoxify
- Stay hydrated to support detox and joint lubrication
- Sip herbal infusions to encourage detoxification
- Hydration improves lymphatic flow and reduces joint stiffness

Lifestyle Modifications

- Stress Management: Use mindfulness, meditation, and deep breathing exercises to regulate cortisol and reduce chronic stress, a key factor in RA flare-ups

- Physical Activity: Engage in low-impact workouts like yoga (especially restorative and yin yoga), tai chi, and gentle strength training to improve joint flexibility, reduce stiffness, and enhance blood circulation

- Quality Sleep: Prioritize 7–9 hours of deep, restorative sleep

- Create a sleep-friendly environment and try calming teas or magnesium for deep rest

- {Sunlight & Vitamin D: Aim for 15–20 minutes of early morning sun exposure daily to boost natural vitamin D production, which supports immune regulation and bone mineral density|Get some morning sun for vitamin

 

 

A New Era of RA Healing Through Functional Medicine

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a complex condition, but functional medicine offers hope for long-term healing. This strategy tackles the underlying issues—not just symptoms—to promote lasting improvement.

Lasting relief comes from treating the origins of disease, not just masking pain. Combining hormonal support, nutritional upgrades, detox, and lifestyle changes brings renewed quality of life.

Ready to approach RA from a root-cause perspective?

Connect with Hormone Reset today to get a personalised plan that restores hormonal balance, reduces inflammation, and gives you back your quality of life.