Arthritis
What Does It Mean?
Arthritis is a condition characterized by inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the joints. It can result from immune dysregulation, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, or cartilage degeneration. Functional medicine addresses arthritis by identifying root causes, such as nutrient deficiencies, autoimmune dysfunction, and toxin exposure, to promote joint health and long-term symptom relief.
How Did We Get There?
Root Causes:
- Chronic Inflammation & Oxidative Stress – Elevated inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) damage joint tissue.
- Autoimmune Dysfunction (Rheumatoid Arthritis) – CCP antibodies and elevated inflammatory markers indicate immune system overactivation.
- Hormonal & Nutrient Imbalances – Low DHEA and Vitamin D contribute to chronic inflammation and joint pain.
- Imbalanced Calcium & Collagen Metabolism – Affects cartilage integrity and bone density.
- Poor Detoxification & Gut Dysbiosis – Intestinal permeability (leaky gut) triggers systemic inflammation.
Signs & Symptoms:
- Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling
- Reduced range of motion, morning stiffness (>30 minutes in rheumatoid arthritis)
- Warmth and redness in affected joints
- Fatigue and general discomfort (common in autoimmune arthritis)
- Deformities in advanced stages (e.g., finger joint abnormalities in rheumatoid arthritis)
Lab Test Findings
| Lab Test Name | Expected Changes | Optimal Range |
| Calcium | Normal or Decreased | 8.90-9.50 mg/dL |
| CCP (Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide) Antibody IgG | Positive | Negative |
| DHEA Sulfate | Decreased | 150.00-250.00 µg/dL |
| Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) | Increased | 0.00-1.00 mm/hr |
| Neutrophil % | Increased | 48.00-60.00 % |
| Omega-3 total | Decreased | 5.4-10 mg/dL |
| Omega-6 : Omega-3 Ratio | Increased | 3.7-14.4 |
| Omegacheck (EPA+DPA+DHA) | Decreased | 5.4-50 µg/mL |
| Phosphatidylcholine IgA Ab | Positive | 0-12.0 IU/mL |
| Phosphatidylcholine IgG Ab | Positive | 0-12.0 IU/mL |
| Phosphatidylcholine IgM Ab | Positive | 0-12.0 IU/mL |
| Platelet : Lymphocyte (PLR) Ratio | Increased | 0.00-128.00 |
| Rheumatoid Factor IgA | Positive | 0 IU/mL |
| Rheumatoid Factor IgM | Positive | 0 IU/mL |
| Uric Acid | Increased | 3.50-5.40 mg/dL |
| Vitamin D 25-Hydroxy | Decreased | 50.00-90.00 ng/mL |
| Vitamin D25-OH, Total | Decreased | 45-65ng/mL |
How Do We Treat It?
Functional Medicine Approach:
Management of arthritis focuses on reducing inflammation, supporting joint repair, and modulating immune function.
Supplement Protocol
| Supplement | Supplement | Dosage & Frequency |
| OsteoPrev | Supports bone and cartilage health by providing key nutrients for joint integrity | 2 capsules with food, daily |
| V-Inflamma | Broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory with turmeric phytosomes to reduce pain and swelling | 1 capsule with food,daily |
| Vascuzyme | Multi-enzyme formula that aids in reducing joint inflammation and promoting tissue repair | 2 capsules without food, daily |
| Vita-D | Supports immune function and calcium metabolism, essential for joint and bone health | 1 capsule with food, daily |
| V-Collagen | Provides structural support for cartilage and connective tissue | 1 scoop of powder without food, daily |
| Vita Buffered C Powder | Immune & antioxidant support | ½ scoop of powder with food, daily |
Additional Lifestyle Interventions:
- Anti-Inflammatory Diet – Focus on whole foods, omega-3s, and antioxidants to reduce systemic inflammation.
- Gut Health Optimization – Support microbiome balance with fermented foods and prebiotics.
- Detox Pathway Support – Enhance liver detoxification to remove toxins contributing to inflammation.
- Targeted Movement & Physical Therapy – Encourage low-impact activities like swimming and yoga to maintain joint mobility.