Case Study: Rheumatoid arthritis, fatigue and pre-pregnancy care

Laura, a 32-year-old mum of an energetic toddler, wanted to explore the potential of nutritional therapy to help her manage the painful symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

She was experiencing daily pain and stiffness in her hands, wrists, arms and heels, which was interfering with life and stopping her from getting down on the floor to play with her daughter.

Furthermore, the busy primary school teacher was constantly fatigued, which again was impacting her ability to spend quality time with her little one.

As Laura and her partner wished to start trying for their second baby, she had recently stopped taking methotrexate (an immunosuppressant drug commonly prescribed for autoimmune conditions) as it is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

During her first pregnancy, this had resulted in a ‘dramatic’ worsening of symptoms with extreme pain and stiffness at the slightest movement, requiring Laura to seek support in doing most tasks.

Two months following a lifestyle and eating plan focused on fresh, nutritious, whole foods with plenty of colour, symptoms improved. Laura reported that her energy levels had increased, and fatigue had decreased. 

She also experienced a significant improvement in mental sharpness, and importantly, the stiffness in her heels and wrists occurred only twice a week.

Impressively, her RA nurse informed her that her inflammatory markers had reduced by more than 50 per cent, and she was happy to extend the period between monitoring from three to six months.

“My food intake and attitude towards food have massively changed for the better. The fatigue has also eased massively, so that’s a big difference. I am way more active, and not everything is a chore, so seeing a big impact. [Lise] has educated me so much, and I’m forever grateful. I cannot thank her enough.