Rheumatoid Arthritis

Pathological Considerations:

A systemic chronic syndrome characterized by non-specific inflammation of the peripheral joints and related structures. Crippling deformities are the end results. The cause is unknown.

Physiological Considerations:

A hypochromic, normocytic anemia is found in most of these cases with a corresponding very low hemoglobin. A super imposed iron deficiency is also common. The white cell count may be elevated and there is frequently an enlargement of the spleen.

Is There A Cure?

Review the facts and decide what treatment you want to take!

The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not known. It is generally believed to be an autoimmune response (a misdirected immune response in which the body's defenses become self-destructive). Specific research validates this belief, although infection and malabsorption are major contributors to the progression of this disease.

A definitive diagnosis is based on laboratory and other test results such as, x-rays, rheumatoid factor test, synovial fluid analysis, serum protein electrophoresis, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and a complete blood count.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, multi-systemic disease. The characteristic feature of rheumatoid arthritis is persistent inflammatory synovitis, usually involving peripheral joints in an orderly distribution. When immune response (antibodies) aggregate into complexes, synovial inflammation is generated which then causes joint destruction and bone erosions. The joint deformities are the hallmark of the disease. Rheumatoid arthritis usually requires lifelong treatment and sometimes surgery. In advance stages the disease can be crippling. The prognosis worsens with the development of nodules, vasculitis, and high titers of rheumatoid factor.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, gold salts and methotrexate are of some benefit but are extremely toxic and can result in further damage to the bones and joint matrix. Aspirin is an old time favorite that is prescribed on a daily basis by most physicians. Although proven effective to reduce the pain of RA, long term use negatively impacts the gastrointestinal tract and blood vessels. Symptoms that may occur are; nausea, dyspepsia, anorexia, ulcers and hemorrhage.

Any physician's primary goal should be to treat the patient in the least harmful way. Fortunately, thanks to a mountain of evidence, we know that a specific combination of systemic oral herbal nutrients, enzymes, and homeopathic nutritional supplementation may be the best medicines for difficult to treat inflammatory joint conditions. Excellent early results were noted by researchers writing in 1985 in Zeitschr. f. Rheumatologie and in 1988 report in Natur-und Ganzheitsmedizin.

It is understood that rheumatoid arthritis is an immune and inflammatory disease, but few conventional treatments address their underlying systemic condition. Most treatments reduce the inflammation and pain but do nothing to start the healing process.