Take Charge of Your Health - The Attack of the Immune System!
Autoimmune Disease is a complex health problem wherein the immune system loses the ability to differentiate between itself and foreign invaders.
-Jennifer Fugo, MS, LDN, CNS
Your immune system is a powerful weapon to defend the body from disease and infections. The immune system produces antibodies which attack harmful viruses and bacteria containing antigens. However with an autoimmune disease, the immune system malfunctions and attacks healthy tissue and organs.
There are over 80 types of autoimmune diseases including Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, Crohns, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Type 1 Diabetes, and Psoriasis. Although we do not know what causes these disorders, it is believed that certain microorganisms, chemicals and/or medications may trigger the autoimmune response and cause the destruction of body tissue, the abnormal growth of an organ, or changes in organ function. Some of the common symptoms of an autoimmune disorder include: fatigue, fever, joint pain, muscle weakness, dizziness, rashes, and digestive issues. These symptoms often come and go and they can be severe in some people and mild in others.
Diagnosing an autoimmune disease can take some time. Generally it involves developing a detailed list of your symptoms, understanding your family’s medical history, and having clinical blood tests, and urinalysis.
Twenty-three million Americans suffer from autoimmune disease and seventy-eight percent of those with an autoimmune disease are women. Some autoimmune diseases are more common in particular ethnic groups such as Lupus in African-Americans and Hispanics, and family members often share a greater susceptibility to MS. It is believed approximately 30% of the autoimmune diseases are attributed to genetics while 70% stem from environmental factors. Unfortunately, a person with one autoimmune disease has a greater chance of developing another autoimmune disease.
Since most autoimmune diseases are chronic, they require customized lifetime treatment for the individual and their specific type of disease. Although there are no cures for autoimmune diseases, proper treatment can reduce inflammation, enable the body to fight disease, and reduce or manage symptoms. Treatments include: prescribed medications to help manage symptoms such as anxiety or skin rashes; replacement drugs to help produce and maintain the right amount of hormones; immunosuppressants; lifestyle changes such as smoking cessation, exercise, and diet; and the avoidance of chemicals, pollutants, and other environmental triggers. In terms of complementary therapies, some doctors may suggest a diet that helps reduce inflammatory triggers such as the removal of dairy, eggs, coffee, alcohol, and processed foods. In terms of supplements, Curcumin (in turmeric) is recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties, as are Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Probiotics, and Vitamin D. Melatonin may be recommended to improve sleep and mindfulness, yoga, and meditation to promote relaxation and positivity.
The more common autoimmune diseases include:
Addison Disease – When the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones to perform important bodily functions, such as turning food into energy, managing blood sugar levels, maintaining normal blood pressure, or managing stress
Celiac Disease - Damages the lining of the small intestine that results from eating gluten, and prevents the absorption of nutrients from food
Graves Disease - Leads to an overactive thyroid gland or hyperthyroidism, which may cause weight problems, irregular menstrual periods, or goiter
Hashimoto Thyroiditis - Reduces thyroid function or hypothyroidism
Multiple Sclerosis - Affects the brain and spinal cord, causing nerve signals to slow down or stop
Myasthenia Gravis - The body produces antibodies that block the muscle cells from receiving messages from the nerve cells and can lead to muscle weakness
Pernicious Anemia – When the intestines cannot properly absorb vitamin B12 leading to decreased red blood cells that provide important oxygen to body tissue
Reactive Arthritis – Predominantly occurs in men between the ages of 20 and 40 following an infection in the urethra after unprotected sex, which may cause inflammation of the eyes, skin, and urinary and genital systems
Rheumatoid Arthritis – Long term inflammation of the joints, surrounding tissue, and other organs
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus - Affects the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs, which may cause joint pain and swelling
Source: MedlinePlus