Page 34 - The Autoimmune Protocol

The Autoimmune Protocol

As the disease progresses, it may also affect underlying bone and cartilage. The most
common areas affected include the wrists and hands.

When the synovial membrane of the joint becomes inflamed as a result of an autoimmune
dysfunction, the joints in that area can become tender, swollen, and warm to the touch.
Because of this, a person with rheumatoid arthritis may experience a stiffness in the joints
that makes it hard to function normally.

Over time, this disease may cause enough damage to create loss of function in the joint
and erosion on the surface of the joint. As a result, deformities may occur.

Rheumatoid arthritis may affect other areas of the body besides the joints. The heart and
blood vessels, skin, lung, blood, liver, kidneys, bones, and eyes may also become damaged
as a result of this autoimmune disease, especially over time. Those with this condition are
also at an increased risk for cancers like lymphoma because of the chronic inflammation
present with the disease.

Symptoms
One common symptom those with rheumatoid arthritis have is stiffness in the joints upon
waking. When stiffness lasts for more than thirty minutes each morning, it is a strong
indicator of rheumatoid arthritis. Another symptom of this condition is pain, swelling,
redness, heat, and tenderness in the joints. Experiencing these symptoms for more than
six weeks in a row is a strong indicator. Oftentimes, more than one joint is affected by the
pain and inflammation. Experiencing trouble with multiple joints, as well as the same
joint on either side of the body, is a symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. Pay close attention
to changes in the small joints of the body. The small joints most commonly affected by RA
include the wrists, joints in the hands, and joints in the feet. Other symptoms include a
low-grade fever, fatigue, and loss of appetite.

A person with RA may experience what is referred to as a “flare” in symptoms. The
symptoms of RA may come and go, but sometimes they worsen and stay this way for some
time. This constitutes a flare. A flare can last anywhere from a few days to months.
Throughout the course of time, those suffering from this autoimmune condition may
experience other issues as a result of ongoing inflammation in the body. Symptoms may
present themselves in other areas of the body like the lungs. Shortness of breath may be
an indicator of inflammation and scarring in the lungs. The eyes may be affected by this
condition as well. Symptoms of eye issues as a result of RA include sensitivity to light,
dryness, impaired vision, pain, and redness. Like the eyes, the mouth may experience
dryness and become more prone to infection and gum issues.

Anemia is a very common result of RA. Constant inflammation can lead to higher than
normal levels of hepcidin in the body. Hepcidin helps regulate the entry of iron in the
body. When this hormone is affected, iron may not be absorbed properly by the body. Low

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