The immune system is a powerful component of our bodies and is responsible for regulating our internal cellular replication and for protecting us from insult from the outside world. It fights infections, clears out debris, and kills improperly replicating (precancerous) cells in our bodies. Unfortunately, sometimes this incredible power can be misdirected at our own healthy cells, in a process known as autoimmune disease.

How Does The Immune System Develop?

Interestingly, humans are born without a fully functioning immune system. We initially receive antibodies and other immune proteins through our mother’s milk, thus making her immunity our own for the first few months. As we develop, our natural immunity grows, and our immune cells are trained to recognize “self” proteins and to become tolerant to them. Thus, in healthy individuals, the immune cells will not react to the body’s cells, but only to those foreign particles that are “non-self”.

Immune Malfunction

When the cells of the immune system do not properly achieve tolerance to the body’s cells, or if that tolerance is lost along the way, a number of autoimmune conditions result. Ultimately, the type of autoimmune condition is determined by the cell type or body protein that the immune system begins to target.

Why Does Autoimmunity Occur?

To this date, there has been no definitive theory on the cause of autoimmune reactions and disorders. There have been some instances of medications causing an autoimmune response, however. Many of the other theories emphasize a disruption in the immune system's response to stimuli. For example, one theory suggests that infections can cause the immune system to attack itself as if it were an invader, and another theory is that certain foods cause similar defects in immune recognition. Energetic healers believe that autoimmunity is a manifestation of anger and conflict directed inward on the individual (self-hate). In this theory, the emotional energy from the conflict prompts the body’s immune system to attack cells.

What Are Symptoms of Autoimmune Disease?

The unique symptom set of each autoimmune condition is caused by the particular tissue or tissues under attack, but there are some symptoms that are common across the board. Because the immune system is mounting such a large attack, there are a number of symptoms that we would commonly associate with “feeling sick” and “run down”. Common experiences are: headache, fatigue, body aches, lightheadedness, nausea, fever, and malaise. Any combination of these symptoms may be present.

Tips To Prevent Autoimmune Disease

Unfortunately, because we do not yet understand the causes of autoimmune reactions, it is difficult to ensure prevention. We do, however, understand how to help reduce the risk of inflammation. Many things have been shown to help reduce the risk of autoimmune flare-ups. Maintaining healthy liver function is an excellent way to help ensure the smooth functioning of the immune system and to prevent future flares of autoimmunity. Avoiding allergenic foods and protecting the gut can also help to reduce autoimmunity, as over 70% of our immune system is actually located in our gut. It is of paramount importance to regulate the immune system by supporting its healthy function and preventing improper responses.

What Are Common Autoimmune Conditions?

Celiac Disease

Interestingly, the cause of Celiac Disease has actually been established. When the intestinal lining is exposed to gluten, it causes an autoimmune cascade that quickly destroys the absorptive surface. This leaves the body unable to properly absorb nutrients, resulting in malabsorption and multiple nutrient deficiencies.

Lupus (SLE)

When the autoimmune attack is directed at the skin, organs, and joints, it causes a condition called systemic lupus erythematosus. This can lead to arthritis-like symptoms, scarring of the skin, and eventually organ damage. The most common diagnostic sign of Lupus is a “butterfly rash” across the cheeks and nose.

Psoriasis

A silvery-scaled rash is the characteristic sign of psoriasis. It is caused by an immune attack against the skin cells. This condition is not life-threatening but can have a significant impact on social interaction and self-esteem.

Addison’s Disease

Autoimmunity against the adrenal glands results in a reduced ability of the body to produce a number of steroid hormones. This results in a group of ambiguous symptoms, such as fatigue, fever, weight loss, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and joint pain.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Like most autoimmune conditions, the cause of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is not completely understood. It consists of an autoimmune response against the joints and joint cartilage that causes redness, swelling, and stiffness. This can eventually lead to degeneration of the joints and loss of joint function.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

When the autoimmune response is directed against the myelin sheath surrounding our nerves, it can cause a number of problems. Without a protective nerve sheath, nerve transmissions can be lost, or “crossed wires” can occur. This results in episodes of blindness, dizziness, muscle weakness, numbness, stiffness, and pain. Eventually, complete loss of function can occur.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Two conditions fit under the umbrella term known as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD); these conditions are Crohn’s Disease and Colitis. The symptoms of both conditions are caused by an autoimmune attack against the intestinal lining. It is unclear whether this is an overzealous response against a pathogen or if it is a frank autoimmune attack against the body’s cells.

Autoimmune Thyroiditis

There are two major autoimmune attacks against the thyroid, one causes Graves’ disease, and the other results in Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. In each case, the function of the thyroid becomes compromised, which results in a number of metabolic disturbances. For more information, please see our articles on Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and Graves’ Disease.