The Office of Dr. Brad Shook

The Office of Dr. Brad Shook We are dedicated to helping people with chronic health problems regain quality of life. Dr. Brad Shook, DC, BCIM.

We are dedicated to helping sick people with chronic health problems improve their quality of life and health naturally.

10/18/2025

Even without leaky gut, bacterial fragments like LPS can keep your immune system inflamed.

These ‘danger molecules’ trigger receptors in your gut that send constant alarm signals to your immune system, the same pathways that drive rheumatoid arthritis.

Learn how to calm these signals naturally. 🔗 Link in bio.

10/17/2025

Even if your gut isn’t leaky, it can still drive inflammation.

When you lose the bacteria that make butyrate, your immune system loses its peace signal.

That can keep your immune system ‘on’ and fuel autoimmune flare-ups.

Learn how to calm inflammation and rebuild immune balance.

10/16/2025

Leaky gut isn’t one thing it’s a spectrum.

1️⃣ Functional (zonulin-driven, reversible)
2️⃣ Inflammatory (cytokine & LPS-driven)
3️⃣ Autoimmune (when your body attacks your gut wall)

Knowing which stage you’re in can change how you heal.

Testing antibodies to occludin and actomyosin can reveal whether your immune system is targeting your intestinal lining itself.

👉 Learn more about restoring barrier health & my RA Reset Program at drbradshook.com/resources.

10/15/2025

Zonulin: The Molecule That Opens the Gut (and How It Can Drive Autoimmunity)

Part 1 of my Leaky Gut mini-series 🔬
Meet zonulin, the molecule that opens your gut barrier.
When it’s released too often, by gluten, infections, or stress, it can let bacteria and food proteins slip into the bloodstream, triggering inflammation and even autoimmunity.

The good news? It’s reversible.

👉 Learn more about restoring your gut-immune balance and my RA Reset Program at [drbradshook.com/resources].


10/14/2025

The vagus nerve connects your brain, gut, and immune system and it plays a critical role in calming inflammation.
In RA, this pathway can go quiet. Low vagal tone = higher inflammation.
The good news? You can retrain it naturally.

Join my free RA Reset Program → drbradshook.com/resources

10/13/2025

Did you know a common yeast in your gut could be driving your rheumatoid arthritis flares? 🦠

When Candida overgrows, it can damage your gut barrier, leak toxins, and trigger powerful immune pathways (Th17 / IL-17) that worsen inflammation and bone loss.
Learn how gut health impacts joint health, and how to start calming your immune system.

👉 Join my free RA Reset or learn about telemedicine support at drbradshook.com/resources

10/11/2025

Dry mouth isn’t just uncomfortable it can reshape your oral microbiome. Less saliva means less buffering, fewer natural antimicrobials, and thicker plaque ⇒ higher risk of gingivitis/periodontitis.

For people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), that matters: oral dysbiosis lets pathogens like P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans flourish, both linked to citrullination and joint inflammation.

What to try (2–4 weeks):
• Prioritize nasal breathing (screen snoring/OSA if morning dry mouth).
• Hydrate; consider xylitol gum/lozenges to stimulate saliva.
• Tighten oral hygiene
• Ask for a periodontal exam if gums bleed.
• Review dry-mouth meds with your clinician; use saliva substitutes if needed.

Need help?

👉 Join my free RA Reset or learn about telemedicine support, link in profile → drbradshook.com/resources.


*(Education only; partner with your rheumatologist.)*

10/09/2025

Part 2

RA care shouldn’t be either/or.
Conventional = put out the fire.
Functional immunology = remove the fuel.

Today’s videos: Part 1 (framework) + Part 2 (how: antioxidants, targeted nutrients, regenerative & “biohacks”).
Want a plan that blends both? Free RA Reset → drbradshook.com/resources (link in bio).

10/07/2025

If your rheumatoid arthritis (RA) flares keep coming back, these 2 simple nutrients can help your immune system chill out.

🧠 Vitamin D helps your T-reg cells, the ones that tell your immune system to stand down.

🐟 Omega-3s (EPA/DHA) activate pro-resolving mediators that turn off inflammation once it’s done its job.

Low levels of either can tilt your immune balance toward chronic inflammation and harder-to-manage RA flares.

💡What you can do:
• Get your Vitamin D (25-OH) checked
• Eat 2 fatty-fish meals/week or consider fish oil (EPA/DHA)
• Track your morning stiffness + swelling over 2–4 weeks

When you focus on restoring balance, not just blocking symptoms, you help your body regulate inflammation naturally.

👉 Want to learn how to reset inflammation and calm flares?

Join my free RA Reset Program at drbradshook.com/resources (link in bio)

10/06/2025

Most people watch glucose spikes, but for rheumatoid arthritis, the average glucose/insulin load (your area-under-the-curve) can be more important for inflammation. Higher HOMA-IR (insulin resistance) = more oxidative stress → NF-κB → IL-6/TNF, the same pathways that can amplify joint pain and swelling.

How to assess (with your clinician):
• Fasting insulin + fasting glucose → calculate HOMA-IR
• Consider a CGM (e.g., Stelo) for a month: watch average, time-in-range, and overnight glucose—not just peaks

Lower the load (2–4 week test):

1. Protein + fiber first, carbs last

2. 10–15 min walk after meals

3. Swap sugary drinks for water/tea

4. Try 1–2 tsp vinegar in water with meals (if tolerated)

5. Prioritize sleep & stress basics (they raise glucose!)

Want a step-by-step plan to reduce triggers and calm flares? Free RA Reset → drbradshook.com/resources (link in bio).

10/05/2025

If rheumatoid arthritis pain and fatigue keep sneaking back, check your night breathing. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) creates intermittent hypoxia (oxygen dips) and micro-arousals that drive oxidative stress → NF-κB → IL-6/TNF, amplifying systemic inflammation and joint symptoms.

Quick screen (STOP-Bang): Snoring, Tiredness, Observed apneas, high blood Pressure, BMI over35, Age over 50, large Neck, Gender (male). Score greater or equal to 3? Ask your clinician about a home sleep test.

What helps:

CPAP (when indicated) or oral appliance

Side-sleeping, nasal care, treat congestion/reflux

Avoid alcohol 3+ hrs before bed; keep a consistent sleep window

Track morning stiffness, swelling, fatigue

Want a step-by-step plan to reduce triggers and calm flares? Free RA Reset → https://drbradshook.com/resources (link in bio).

10/04/2025

If you have rheumatoid arthritis, everyday endocrine disruptors (EDCs) in plastics & fragrances can nudge immunity toward more inflammation (Th17↑, T-reg↓). You don’t need perfection—just lower the background exposure.

Try this 2–4 week experiment:

Go fragrance-free (avoid “parfum/fragrance” on labels).

Use glass/stainless for hot foods; don’t microwave plastic.

Limit canned foods (choose fresh/frozen or BPA-free).

Skip thermal receipts when possible; wash hands before eating.

Ventilate while cleaning/cooking.

Helpful apps:

EWG Healthy Living (Environmental Working Group)

Think Dirty (scan personal-care products)

Want a step-by-step plan to reduce triggers and calm flares? Free RA Reset → drbradshook.com/resources (link in bio).

Address

901 US-321 NW
Hickory, NC
28601

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+18283240800

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