Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes the deterioration of cartilage and bone tissue in the joints. Autoimmunity occurs when an overactive immune system starts attacking healthy cells as part of an inflammatory response. For many years, scientists believed that in the case of autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system simply malfunctions by engaging without the presence of foreign invaders. However, today we know that the immune system might be (over)reacting to environmental toxins and certain compounds in the food we eat. Specifically, nutrition plays a critical role in the development of a leaky gut that, if left untreated, causes systematic inflammation that can lead to autoimmune issues, including rheumatoid arthritis.