ModerateGBS: 79 (Moderate-High Risk)nutrition

Joint Recovery Protocol (RA/OA)

Developer: Jason Theodosakis, integrative rheumatology

3-6 months for OA improvement, RA variable (may need DMARDs)

Protocol Overview

Comprehensive protocol for joint health using anti-inflammatory diet, targeted supplements, and regenerative therapies. Addresses both RA (autoimmune) and OA (degenerative).

Conditions Treated

Rheumatoid arthritis

osteoarthritis

joint pain

inflammatory arthritis

Protocol Steps

Identify type: Rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune, symmetric, morning stiffness >1 hour, positive RF/anti-CCP) vs Osteoarthritis (degenerative, asymmetric, age-related, worse with use) - treatment overlaps but RA needs autoimmune addressing

Anti-inflammatory diet: For both RA and OA - eliminate gluten (molecular mimicry in RA, inflammatory in both), dairy trial elimination, sugar, processed foods, nightshades trial (some RA patients react to tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, potatoes), emphasize omega-3 fish, colorful vegetables, berries, turmeric, ginger

Omega-3: 3-4g EPA/DHA daily (anti-inflammatory, reduces RA disease activity, pain in OA) - multiple RCTs

Glucosamine + Chondroitin: 1500mg glucosamine sulfate + 1200mg chondroitin daily (cartilage building blocks, modest benefit in OA, controversial - GAIT trial mixed results, European trials more positive)

Curcumin: 1-2g daily with black pepper (potent anti-inflammatory, comparable to NSAIDs for OA pain in some trials, reduces RA inflammation)

Boswellia: 1200mg 3x/day (5-LOX inhibitor, reduces RA and OA pain)

Ginger: 2-3g daily (anti-inflammatory, pain reduction comparable to ibuprofen in some studies)

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): 3-6g daily (sulfur for cartilage, reduces OA pain)

SAMe: 400-800mg daily (anti-inflammatory, cartilage support, also helps depression common in chronic pain)

Hyaluronic acid: 200mg oral daily (joint fluid component, modest OA benefit) OR intra-articular injections (viscosupplementation - Synvisc, Euflexxa)

Collagen: Type II undenatured collagen (UC-II) 40mg daily (oral tolerance induction, studied in RA and OA with benefit)

Vitamin D: Optimize 50-80 ng/ml (low D associated with RA and OA pain)

LDN (Low-Dose Naltrexone): 3-4.5mg nightly (immune modulation for RA, pain reduction for OA)

AIP diet: For RA specifically - see AI-002 protocol (autoimmune elimination diet for 60-90 days)

Gut healing: RA is autoimmune (gut connection) - probiotics, address leaky gut, SIBO testing/treatment

Topical: Capsaicin cream 0.075% (depletes substance P, pain relief), arnica gel, CBD cream, compounded ketamine/gabapentin cream

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma): Autologous platelet injection into joint (growth factors stimulate healing) - emerging for OA, 1-3 injections

Stem cells: Bone marrow or adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells injected into joint - controversial, expensive, some studies show OA benefit

Prolotherapy: Injection of dextrose/irritant into ligaments around joint (stimulates repair) - multiple sessions

Physical therapy: Range of motion, strengthening, joint protection techniques

Exercise: Regular low-impact (swimming, cycling, walking) - maintains joint mobility, strengthens supporting muscles (don't avoid movement)

Weight loss: If overweight - every pound lost reduces 4 pounds of pressure on knees

Avoid: NSAIDs long-term (gut damage, CV risk, may impair cartilage healing - use short-term only), steroids if possible (bone loss, multiple side effects)

DMARDs: For RA, may need methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, or biologics - natural approach complements but may not replace in severe RA

Key Resources

The Arthritis Cure by Jason Theodosakis, omega-3 and RA research, integrative rheumatology literature, PRP and regenerative medicine

Contraindications & Risks

Glucosamine contraindicated in shellfish allergy, high-dose curcumin can thin blood, RA may need conventional DMARDs (don't delay treatment - joint damage irreversible)

Important Notes

Arthritis affects 54 million Americans. Two main types: Osteoarthritis (OA): Degenerative "wear and tear," cartilage breakdown, age-related, asymmetric (one knee worse than other), pain worse with use, improves with rest. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): Autoimmune, immune system attacks joint synovium, symmetric (both hands), morning stiffness >1 hour, systemic (fatigue, fever), can cause joint destruction. Overlap: Both benefit from anti-inflammatory approaches, but RA requires autoimmune addressing. OA treatment: Omega-3: Anti-inflammatory, reduces pain. Glucosamine/chondroitin: Controversial - European studies positive, GAIT trial mixed. May help subset. Curcumin: Comparable to NSAIDs for pain in some OA studies, no side effects. UC-II collagen: Oral tolerance induction, studied in OA with benefit. Regenerative: PRP, stem cells, prolotherapy - emerging, expensive, variable results but promising. RA treatment: Omega-3: Reduces disease activity, allows lower NSAID/DMARD doses. AIP diet: Autoimmune protocol eliminates triggers (gluten molecular mimicry). LDN: Immune modulation. Gut healing: Leaky gut/dysbiosis in RA - address. DMARDs: Methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, biologics (Humira, Enbrel) - may need in moderate-severe RA. Natural approach complements but doesn't replace if aggressive disease (early treatment prevents irreversible joint damage). Both: NSAIDs short-term OK, long-term problematic (gut damage, CV risk, may impair cartilage repair). Weight loss crucial for knee OA. Exercise maintains joint health (movement is medicine, not harmful - avoid high-impact). Topicals helpful for localized pain. Surgery (joint replacement) last resort for severe OA - exhaust conservative approaches first but don't suffer needlessly if quality of life destroyed.

Also Effective For

Rheumatoid Arthritis Osteoarthritis

Key Supplements & Herbs in This Protocol

Herbs

Ginger

Zingiber officinale

Turmeric

Curcuma longa

Boswellia

Boswellia serrata

Black Pepper

Piper nigrum

Arnica

Arnica montana

Critical Safety Warning

This protocol is documented for educational purposes only. The Gabriel Bullshit Score (GBS) of 79 reflects significant institutional response and controversy. Some alternative health protocols have resulted in serious harm or death.

Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before beginning any treatment. Do not delay or forego proven medical care.

Quick Overview

Evidence LevelModerate

GBS Score79 / 100

Categorynutrition

DeveloperJason Theodosakis, integrative rheumatology

Duration3-6 months for OA improvement, RA variable (may need DMARDs)

About GBS Score

The Gabriel Bullshit Score reflects the magnitude of institutional response, controversy, and documented concerns. Higher scores indicate greater institutional pushback, not necessarily inefficacy. This is a research tool, not medical advice.