I’ve struggled with writing this blog post for several reasons. I felt it leaned too heavily toward negativity, with a lot of finger-pointing, blaming, and name-calling. Over the past month, I have been proactively seeking out and engaging with members on community platforms that discuss rheumatoid arthritis, such as the Reddit community titled "Rheumatoid Arthritis."

I joined these online communities with the genuine intention of offering support and guidance to others navigating the challenges of RA. Having lived with this condition for over 20 years, I understand the physical, emotional, and social burdens it can bring. I've explored a wide range of treatments, from conventional medications to natural supplements, and I believe my experiences could be valuable to others seeking relief and a sense of normalcy.

I have been in remission from RA for nearly eight years now. After much encouragement from friends and family, I decided to inspire and help others struggling with RA by sharing the methods that aided me during my most challenging times.

However, during this past month, I have faced numerous obstacles. I’ve been blocked, flagged, removed, suspended, and even banned from several online community platforms for sharing my experiences. I have experience in discussing nutrients, supplements, and holistic healing. I know how to communicate my experiences without making bold claims. Therefore, the reasons behind these bans, blocks, and removals have come as a surprise to me. Yet, I probably shouldn’t be surprised, as America has gradually moved away from recognizing the importance of nutrients and natural remedies.

Historically, before medications became prevalent, people relied on nature for health and wellbeing. I’m a history enthusiast, and I recall reading about individuals in my hometown of Pima, AZ, who would soak in natural hot springs to alleviate the symptoms of "rheumatism." Nowadays, mentioning such suggestions can quickly lead to bans and removals across various platforms.

This disheartening experience has been one of the most frustrating aspects of engaging with online communities. I’ve been consistently shut out from spaces where I aim to help others with their struggles, questions, and concerns about RA. After enduring this condition for over 20 years and finding my way to remission, I struggle to understand why sharing what has helped me is seen as a violation of community rules.

It seems the world has become lost and oblivious to the benefits of nutrients and their historical context. We often overlook our ancestors, who relied on natural remedies before the advent of modern medications. While medications eventually became popular, it appears that societal norms shifted to prioritize pharmaceuticals, often sidelining the importance of natural remedies—despite the reality that many medications originally stemmed from natural sources, albeit chemically altered.

After searching online for similar stories of others being blocked, removed, flagged, and banned for expressing their feelings, experiences, and thoughts on holistic healing, natural remedies, naturopathic approaches, and the like, I was surprised to find no one struggling with this similar problem. I'm uncertain if I'm alone in my thoughts and feelings or if those thoughts and feelings are being censored, blocked, removed, or taken down simply for mentioning the word "natural."

Why is "natural" such a bad word? It makes absolutely no sense to me why society has turned "natural" into a negative term. Natural is a positive word and should not be categorized or associated with anything negative, disgraceful, embarrassing, or seen in any way as a bad thing. Natural represents life, not death. Black is dead.

I don't mean to downplay the effectiveness and support that medications offer. If it weren't for the medications I've taken for my rheumatoid arthritis (RA), I might still be experiencing significant RA-related problems and complications today. I continue to take medications as needed and often suggest them to others. I'm not advocating for the removal of medications or insisting that everyone switch to solely natural methods of healing; rather, I believe that medications and holistic healing can work hand in hand. 

In my journey with RA, as I've mentioned in several of my blog posts, I began with medications and then gradually incorporated natural approaches into my regimen. Ultimately, I was able to stop taking those medications.

I strongly believe that doctors may become more receptive to these combined approaches if they can observe the positive effects of nutrients through tests and studies on their patients' health. There is nothing wrong with patients suggesting to their healthcare providers that they would like to incorporate natural methods and holistic approaches, as long as this is done under the supervision of their doctor. This allows for careful monitoring of progress, and any changes can be documented with tests.

Citations, in this context, are the supporting documents for these approaches. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of studies, research, and trials involving natural and holistic methods. However, many doctors are unaware of these citations and have not been educated about them during their training. Most medical education focuses primarily on medications and drugs, often neglecting natural methods.

For example, Optimal Health Systems is doing an excellent job hosting seminars and events to educate healthcare professionals about natural and holistic healing. As a result, more doctors are becoming aware of and willing to incorporate these natural methods and holistic healing into their practices.

While I respect the need for rules and guidelines in online communities, I am particularly concerned about the restrictions on sharing personal experiences and recommendations. Everyone’s journey with RA is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. However, I believe sharing personal stories and insights can provide invaluable support, hope, and a sense of community for those who often feel isolated in their struggles.

The community should value members like myself, fostering an environment that encourages meaningful dialogue. I believe it’s essential to help individuals craft their messages to avoid making unverified claims while still sharing their experiences. I do not claim that natural methods will cure or work for everyone. In fact, I advocate that members collaborate with their healthcare professionals while exploring these natural options and monitor their progress together. As an employee at a nutritional supplement business, I always suggest that customers consult their doctors to work together on their health journeys.