It's been a long road – over 20 years, in fact – navigating the ups and downs of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this post, I want to share the key factors that have fueled my journey to recovery, focusing on the incredible power of natural nutrients.

I've gone from hobbling around with a cane, wincing with every step on the tiniest pebble, to walking relatively pain-free, albeit with a bit of a hunchback gait. So, what's the secret? Is there a magic pill that erased my RA? Unfortunately, no. If I had such a miracle cure, I'd be sharing it with the world, and we'd all be doing the conga line, free from aches and inflammation!

The truth is, my recovery isn't about a quick fix or a secret formula. It's about rediscovering something ancient and often overlooked: the healing power of Mother Nature.

A Look Back to the Past (and the Aspen Tree)

Think about it: our ancestors, the cavemen and early humans, didn't have access to modern medicine or synthetic supplements. They relied on nature's bounty for their health and well-being. Nutrients free from synthetic manipulation, free from genetic modification, free from pesticides, the list goes on. And believe it or not, many of today's pharmaceuticals have roots in natural sources. Take aspirin, for example. While not directly derived from the aspen tree, its origins can be traced back to the bark of this tree, which contains salicylic acid, the precursor to aspirin.

Somewhere along the way, we shifted from utilizing whole-food ingredients to relying on modified, chemically-based substances. Why? Perhaps for faster absorption, greater potency, or even economic and regulatory reasons. Whatever the cause, the result is a society increasingly dependent on synthetic medications and supplements.

Whole Foods vs. Synthetics: A Balancing Act

I could write a whole other post (and probably will!) about the pros and cons of whole-food versus synthetic approaches to health. But for now, I'll focus on the nutrient-based supplements that have played a pivotal role in my RA journey. Interestingly, when I compare the effects of whole-food nutrients to those of pharmaceutical drugs, I find them to be surprisingly comparable in terms of pain reduction, inflammation control, and restoring my physical function, but not the same. There is a big difference in the results from both.

The Medication Rollercoaster

When I first received my RA diagnosis, my rheumatologist prescribed a combination of prednisone (a steroid) and methotrexate (an immunosuppressant). I won't deny that this combination provided significant relief. I gained weight, regained some mobility, and no longer felt like I was teetering on the brink.

But the side effects were undeniable. Methotrexate, in particular, came with a long list of cautions, including liver damage and a weakened immune system. Monthly blood tests were mandatory to monitor my liver function and inflammation levels. I was constantly on edge, worried about getting sick, as even a common cold could pose a serious threat.

The impact on my family planning was another major drawback. My wife and I were hoping to start a family, but methotrexate can cause birth defects. This meant I had to discontinue its use for a period before we could try to conceive, which inevitably led to a resurgence of pain and inflammation.

The Search for Alternatives

The more I weighed the pros and cons, the less appealing long-term medication use became. I longed for a way to manage my RA without compromising my overall health or future family plans. This led me to explore the world of holistic healing and alternative medicine.

I tried everything from basic vitamins and topical creams to lidocaine patches and even a rather unconventional mud bath (courtesy of my brother, who swore by its mineral-rich properties!). At that point, I was desperate for relief and willing to try anything.

One supplement that stood out was pantothenic acid (vitamin B5). While research on its specific effects on RA is still somewhat limited, it's known to have anti-inflammatory properties and play a role in stress reduction. Looking back, I realize that stress significantly exacerbated my RA symptoms, and managing stress through pantothenic acid likely contributed to my overall improvement. I've come to realize that fear is the biggest enemy when it comes to disease and other critical health conditions. Fearing what may become of me, what would happen to me, how long would I live for... these are things that I feared and fear eats away at your health like maggots on rotting meat. Overcoming fear and anxiety made a impact on my health for the better.

The Turning Point: Optimal Health Systems

Despite some relief from various supplements, I still relied heavily on over-the-counter pain medications, which, while effective, took a toll on my liver. I was determined to find a sustainable, natural solution.

A friend, witnessing my struggles, recommended a local company called Optimal Health Systems (OHS), specializing in whole-food supplements. Initially skeptical, I decided to give it a try. I was impressed by their focus on natural ingredients and their commitment to replicating nature's own healing methods.

One of their products, Acute, contained protease, a plant-based enzyme that helps break down proteins. Since excess protein can contribute to inflammation in RA, this made perfect sense to me. I also started taking their Fruit and Veggie powder, a blend of over 20 raw, freeze-dried fruits and vegetables packed with antioxidants. While the taste took some getting used to, I committed to incorporating it into my daily routine.

After a couple of months on this regimen, I noticed a significant decrease in my pain and inflammation. Intrigued, I decided to apply for a job at OHS, eager to learn more about their approach and benefit from employee discounts. I was excited to hear I was hired after an interview that I had with them.

The Power of Whole Foods and Consistency

Working at OHS was a revelation. I gained a deeper understanding of the difference between whole-food and synthetic supplements. I learned how processing methods can damage delicate nutrients, rendering them less effective. For example, many commercially available fish oils are heavily processed to remove mercury, but this processing can also destroy beneficial fatty acids. OHS, on the other hand, uses whole-food ingredients and focuses on natural absorption and delivery methods by using flax seed, borage and algae for thier essential fatty acids (ingredient of fish oil). Why use fish for fatty acids when you could bypass the fish and go straight to the source of where fish get it, which is algae, and incorporate other fatty acid rich ingredients. 

The owner of OHS emphasized the importance of consistency and setting goals. He encouraged me to commit to a long-term regimen of their supplements, including Fruit and Veggie, Acute, and Chronic (which, interestingly, contained glucosamine chondroitin, a supplement I had tried previously with little success but success struck with OHS's version). 

What is the difference on competitors vs ours, one may ask? The form, the added nutrients that work synergestically for maximum absorption and utilization. 

The results speak for themselves. After six years of consistently taking these whole-food supplements, I am medication-free and largely pain-free. I can walk, move, and live a much fuller life than I thought possible during those early days of my RA journey.

The Takeaway: Nature Holds the Key

I understand that some might view my story as a biased endorsement of OHS products. However, my intention is to share my genuine experience and highlight the power of natural healing. This isn't about promoting a specific brand; it's about recognizing the potential of whole-food nutrients to support our bodies' innate healing abilities.

Medications certainly have their place, and I'm not advocating for abandoning conventional treatment altogether. But I believe there is immense value in exploring natural alternatives and working with our bodies, not against them.

My goal is to inspire hope and empower others to take control of their health. Through these blog posts, I'll continue to share my experiences and insights into specific nutrients and natural approaches that have helped me along the way. I believe that nature holds the key to unlocking a healthier, more vibrant future for all of us.

Remember: Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your treatment plan. This blog is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.