Rheumatoid Arthritis

Introduction: Why RA Demands a Functional Medicine Approach

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) isn’t just “joint pain”—it’s a systemic autoimmune attack affecting 1.3 million Americans. At Patients Medical in NYC, we go beyond immunosuppressants. Our integrative approach uncovers why your immune system attacks healthy joints—and uses evidence-based natural therapies to reduce flares, heal inflammation, and prevent progression.We treat the whole immune system, not just your symptoms.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

RA is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks joint linings (synovium), causing:

  • Pain, swelling, and stiffness (often symmetrical, e.g., both wrists)
  • Progressive joint damage and deformities
  • Systemic inflammation affecting the heart, lungs, and eyes
    Types of RA:
  • Seropositive RA: Blood tests show rheumatoid factor (RF) or anti-CCP antibodies.
  • Seronegative RA: No RF/anti-CCP, but clinical symptoms persist.
  • Juvenile RA: Occurs in children under 17.

Common Symptoms of RA

Root Causes: Why Does Your Immune System Attack Joints?

Functional medicine digs deeper than genetics. Key triggers include:

  • Leaky Gut Syndrome: Intestinal permeability allows food particles/bacteria to trigger immune reactions.
  • Hidden Infections: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Lyme, or periodontal disease mimic joint tissue.
  • Toxin Overload: Heavy metals (mercury) and mold disrupt immune regulation.
  • Hormonal Imbalances: Low cortisol, estrogen dominance, or thyroid dysfunction worsen inflammation.
  • Stress & Trauma: Chronic stress raises inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-alpha).
Gut Healing Protocols

Advanced Diagnostic Testing

We use cutting-edge labs to identify RA drivers:

Anti-CCP & Rheumatoid Factor (RF)

ESR & CRP (inflammation markers)

Gut Zoomer stool test (leaky gut, dysbiosis)

Viral & bacterial panels (EBV, Lyme, H. pylori)

Heavy metal toxicity testing

Hormone panels (cortisol, thyroid, sex hormones)

Integrative Treatments for RA

Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition

  • Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet to eliminate triggers
  • Turmeric, ginger, and omega-3s to calm inflammation
  • Bone broth and collagen for joint repair

IV Therapy

  • High-dose vitamin C and glutathione to reduce oxidative stress
  • Myers’ cocktails for nutrient deficiencies

Herbal & Nutraceuticals

  • Boswellia serrata (natural COX-2 inhibitor)
  • Curcumin (turmeric extract)
  • Vitamin D3 + K2 for immune modulation
  • Probiotics to restore gut balance

Stress & Immune Modulation

  • Acupuncture to lower TNF-alpha
  • Adaptogens (ashwagandha, reishi) for HPA axis support
  • Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) to rebalance immunity

Physical Therapies

  • Hydrotherapy for low-impact joint mobility
  • Cold laser therapy to reduce swelling

Case Study: Sarah’s RA Remission Journey

Sarah, 44, had progressive RA for 8 years despite methotrexate. Our testing revealed:

  • Severe leaky gut (zonulin 3x normal)
  • EBV reactivation
  • Mercury toxicity

After 6 months of treatment (gut healing, antiviral herbs, detox IVs):

  • Joint pain reduced by 70%
  • CRP dropped from 12 mg/L to 3 mg/L
  • Methotrexate dose cut in half

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

  • RA: Autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks joint linings, causing systemic inflammation. Often affects joints symmetrically (both hands).
  • Osteoarthritis: Wear-and-tear cartilage damage from aging/injury. Localized to specific joints (e.g., one knee).

While there’s no medical “cure,” functional remission is possible. Our patients achieve this by:

  • Healing leaky gut
  • Addressing hidden infections (like EBV)
  • Reducing toxin overload
  • Balancing the immune system naturally

Common triggers include:
✔ Food sensitivities (gluten/dairy)
✔ Stress (raises cortisol and inflammation)
✔ Hidden infections (dental issues, UTIs)
✔ Weather changes (barometric pressure shifts)

We identify your personal triggers with advanced testin

We dig deeper with:

  • Gut Zoomer stool testing (leaky gut/dysbiosis)
  • Heavy metal toxicity panels (mercury/lead)
  • Hormone testing (low cortisol = more inflammation)
  • Micronutrient panels (vitamin D, B12, magnesium)

Early intervention can slow or halt progression. Key strategies:

  • Peptide therapy (BPC-157 for tissue repair)
  • Hyperbaric oxygen (HBOT) to reduce inflammation
  • Collagen support (bone broth, glycine)
  •  No! While biologics suppress immunity, we combine them with natural therapies to:

    • Reduce side effects
    • Support gut/joint repair
    • Target root causes (e.g., IV glutathione for detox)

Absolutely. Studies show:

  • AIP diets reduce pain in 75% of patients
  • Omega-3s lower CRP (inflammation marker)
  • Nightshade vegetables worsen flares for some

Chronic stress:
➔ Increases pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-alpha)
➔ Weakens gut lining → leaky gut
➔ Depletes cortisol, worsening immune dysfunction

Solutions: Acupuncture, adaptogens (ashwagandha), and mindfulness.

 Nighttime flares happen because:

  • Cortisol drops naturally, increasing inflammation
  • Melatonin (sleep hormone) can trigger immune activity
  • Lymphatic stagnation from daytime inactivity

Fix: Evening turmeric tea, lymphatic massage, and low-dose melatonin.

 We’re out-of-network but provide:

  • Superbills for reimbursement
  • Affordable payment plans
  • HSA/FSA acceptance

Note: Many lab tests (CRP, vitamin D) are insurance-eligible.

Begin Your Journey with Patients Medical

Patients Medical specializes in gently helping the patient identify the root cause of their medical issues and then assist them to recover from their problems to help them move forward to good health.

Request your consultation today!

To schedule an in person on Tele-medicine appointment, please call our office at (212) 794-8800 or email us at info@PatientsMedical.com We look forward to hearing from you

Our medical center in New York City.

Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128

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