Joint Pain: What It Might Really Be Telling You – A Functional Perspective

Joint pain can feel like an inevitable part of aging—or something we chalk up to genetics, “wear and tear,” or even weather changes.

But from a functional health perspective, joint pain is often a symptom of a deeper imbalance in the body.

Instead of masking the pain, functional medicine aims to uncover the root cause—and that’s where functional testing like the GI-MAP, HTMA (Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis), and DUTCH hormone panel can offer incredible insight.

Let’s break down what joint pain might mean through this lens.

1. Inflammation in the Gut (GI-MAP)

The gut-joint connection is strong—so much so that researchers have coined the term “gut-joint axis.” If the gut lining is compromised or the microbiome is out of balance, your immune system can become activated, leading to systemic inflammation, including in the joints.

What we look for on a GI-MAP:

• Calprotectin: Elevated levels can signal gut inflammation, which may correlate with joint inflammation.

• Pathogens or overgrowths: Certain bacteria like Klebsiella or Citrobacter have been associated with joint issues, especially in autoimmune conditions like ankylosing spondylitis.

• Leaky gut markers: Zonulin or antigliadin antibodies can point to intestinal permeability—a common contributor to inflammatory joint pain. "Or, even just an imbalance in opportunistic bacteria can point us toward increased intestinal permeability—commonly known as leaky gut."

If your immune system is constantly reacting to food particles or toxins slipping through the gut lining, your joints might feel the effects.

2. Mineral Imbalances (HTMA)

Your joints don’t just need collagen—they need a mineral-rich environment to stay resilient.

On an HTMA, we often see:

• Low magnesium: This anti-inflammatory mineral is crucial for muscle and joint relaxation.

• Calcium shell: High tissue calcium can sometimes indicate that calcium is not getting where it needs to go (like your bones and joints), and may be depositing in soft tissues instead—causing stiffness and discomfort.

• Copper imbalance: Bio-unavailable copper can contribute to systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and connective tissue breakdown.

Addressing mineral imbalances can improve tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and support the enzymes your body uses to protect joint cartilage.

3. Hormonal Influence (DUTCH Test)

Hormones influence everything—including how our joints feel. Estrogen, for instance, helps regulate inflammation and maintain healthy cartilage. This is why many women experience joint pain during perimenopause and menopause when estrogen levels start to decline.

What the DUTCH Test may reveal:

• Low estrogen: Can lead to joint dryness, stiffness, and poor repair.

• Elevated cortisol: Chronic stress = chronic inflammation. If your cortisol rhythm is dysregulated, your body may stay in a low-grade inflammatory state that flares up in your joints.

• Progesterone deficiency: Can leave you more sensitive to pain and inflammation.

• Androgen imbalances: Low DHEA or testosterone may reduce your body's ability to repair tissue and support muscle strength around the joints.

What Can You Do?

The good news is that joint pain doesn't have to be a lifelong sentence. When we dig deeper using tools like the GI-MAP, HTMA, and DUTCH, we can personalize your approach based on your body’s unique data.

Here are some gentle but powerful ways to begin supporting your joints:

• Balance your gut: Remove inflammatory foods, repair the gut lining, and support healthy microbiome diversity.

• Support mineral status: Replenish magnesium, potassium, and zinc through food or targeted supplementation.

• Balance hormones: Through lifestyle shifts, adaptogenic herbs, stress support, and in some cases, bioidentical hormones or nutraceuticals.

Final Thoughts

Joint pain isn’t just about joints. It’s a message from the body—a signal that something is out of balance. Whether it’s inflammation from the gut, a mineral deficiency, or a hormonal shift, your body is always communicating.

Functional lab testing helps us translate those messages into action steps—so you can move through life with more ease, flexibility, and strength.

Here are a couple ways I can help.

1. try our spring cleanse here.

2. consider my 3 month coaching program that incorporates a mineral lab. (highly recommend)

3. try this free anti-inflammatory diet for a week.

4. email ehealthlinda@gmail.com to chat. Or reach out on instagram at @Linda_Ljucovic (we can talk in DMs)