Arthritis and Autoimmune Diseases 

This course reviews the pathophysiological process involved in osteoarthritis and various autoimmune conditions affecting the joints. The program reviews common medical management along with evidence-based complementary nutrition and natural medicine interventions (and other lifestyle factors) shown to help stabilize joint cartilage, reduce the inflammatory process and cytokine release, and influence other factors shown to improve patient outcomes in these conditions.

Learning Objectives:
1. The student will develop an in-depth understanding of the biochemistry and signal transduction pathways involved in joint inflammation, cartilage erosion and immune function implicated in osteoarthritis and autoimmune conditions affecting the joints.

2. The student will be able to provide patients/clients with personalized dietary, natural medicine, exercise and other natural interventions to help improve outcomes for OA and other autoimmune conditions affecting joints, based on a comprehensive physical exam, review of imaging studies and blood lab analysis.

3. The student will have a high-level understanding of the medical management of these conditions, including the major side effects of drug therapy for which the patient should be monitored (i.e. liver damage, kidney damage, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure etc.)