Dysfunctions of the GI Tract Spur Many Forms of Arthritis
Noel Peterson, N.D.
While it's true that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, it's also true that for both men and women, the stomach may also be the most direct route to their musculoskeletal system.
A major review article highlights the central role of the GI tract in a host of rheumatic disorders, including ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, and colitic arthritis. Many of the rheumatic symptoms associated with these disorders spring from pain and inflammation triggered by gastrointestinal problems. Treatment of the specific offending agents - for example eradication of intestinal pathogens like Shigella, Campylobacter, and Klebsiella - is often a necessary prerequisite for effective treatment.
At the same time, many arthritic diseases can severely impair normal GI function. "Rheumatic disorders, such as scleroderma, may produce significant gastrointestinal effects," note the authors, gastroenterologists Jonathan Katz, M.D., and Gary Lichtenstein, M.D. "And nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)... can have significant morbidity and mortality associated with gastrointestinal tract damage."
Citing over 180 clinical studies, the authors outline the vast network of systemic interactions existing between GI integrity and rheumatic conditions, supporting a holistic functional approach in treating the various arthritides. Another article appearing in the same issue of Gastroenterology Clinics of North America (1998;27(3):533-563;697-711) describes how bowel disease can impact the integrity of the ocular systems - underscoring the importance of GI integrity in all aspects of human health.
For over 100 years, Naturopathic physicians have observed the connection between GI function and arthritis, and have used diet and GI therapies to treat every form of arthritis. It's good to see that the more enlightened members of the conventional medical system finally recognize this arthritis-gut connection.