autoimmunity microbiome program
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Overview
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. It affects about 1% of Australians, with women affected three times more often than men (AIHW, 2023). If untreated, it can lead to joint damage and disability.
Common Misunderstandings
RA is not simply “wear and tear” arthritis — it’s an immune-driven disease. Patients may feel dismissed when joint pain is blamed on ageing. Flare-ups can disrupt work, hobbies, and mental health.
How is Rheumatoid Arthritis Linked to Your Microbiome?
- People with RA often have lower gut bacterial diversity and enrichment of certain species (e.g., Prevotella copri) linked to disease onset (Scher et al., 2013).
- Dysbiosis may alter gut permeability and immune priming, influencing systemic inflammation (Zhang et al., 2015).
- Periodontal pathogens like Porphyromonas gingivalis can trigger citrullination, a key RA immune process (Potempa et al., 2017).
- Animal models show that altering gut microbiota can reduce RA-like symptoms, though human interventional trials are still limited.
Been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Addressing the microbiome might help you.
The Microbiome Clinic™ offers thorough testing and tailored microbiome treatment plans grounded in science.
