Nutrition 220 — Management of Autoimmune Disorders: A Look at Rheumatoid Arthritis is a two-hour PACE nutrition CE webinar examining the nutritional and environmental drivers of autoimmune disease, with focused clinical application to rheumatoid arthritis management. The course explores why autoimmune disorders are rising, how gut-barrier dysfunction and toxic burden contribute to immune dysregulation, and how targeted diet and supplementation strategies can reduce disease expression.
Instructor Howard Benedikt, DC, DCBCN — President of the Chiropractic Board of Clinical Nutrition — draws on 46+ years of clinical nutrition practice to equip chiropractors with evidence-based tools for advising patients with autoimmune conditions. Practitioners earn 2 CE hours toward license renewal.
Howard Benedikt, DC, DCBCN is President of the Chiropractic Board of Clinical Nutrition, Board-Certified Chiropractic Clinical Nutritionist, 46+ years in practice, M.S. Human Nutrition CW Post/LIU, and Lead Clinical Nutrition Faculty at CCEDseminars. He delivers PACE- and board-approved curricula via Texas Chiropractic College, holds adjunct positions at New York Chiropractic College and Berkeley College NY, and practices in midtown Manhattan.
How does gut-barrier dysfunction contribute to rheumatoid arthritis?
A compromised intestinal barrier — often called leaky gut — allows incompletely digested proteins, bacterial fragments, and environmental toxins to enter systemic circulation. These antigens trigger chronic immune activation, inflammatory cytokine production, and in genetically susceptible individuals, the molecular mimicry that drives autoimmune attacks on joint tissue. Restoring gut integrity through dietary intervention is a central strategy covered in Nutrition 220.
What is the role of Vitamin D in managing rheumatoid arthritis?
Vitamin D functions as an immune modulator, regulating T-cell differentiation and suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-alpha and IL-6. Low Vitamin D status is consistently associated with higher disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis. Nutrition 220 covers evidence-based supplementation protocols, optimal serum targets for autoimmune patients, and cofactors — including Vitamin K2 and magnesium — required for effective Vitamin D utilization.
How does HPA axis dysfunction affect autoimmune disease activity?
The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis governs the cortisol stress response, which normally suppresses inflammation. Chronic stress and HPA axis dysregulation deplete cortisol output, removing this natural anti-inflammatory brake and allowing immune overactivation. In rheumatoid arthritis patients, HPA dysfunction accelerates flares and undermines therapeutic response. Nutrition 220 addresses nutritional and lifestyle strategies for restoring HPA balance.
Is Nutrition 220 PACE-approved for chiropractic license renewal?
Yes. Nutrition 220 is PACE-approved for chiropractic license renewal in most U.S. states. Visit the CCEDseminars State CE Guidelines page to confirm your state or region's requirements before enrolling.
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