A-Z autoimmune disease Articles

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.

Primarily affecting women, lupus occurs when the body’s own immune system attacks its own organs and tissues, causing chronic inflammation. While scarring of these tissues is often a long-term consequence, fatigue and painful, swollen joints are the immediate and primary symptoms affecting those with lupus. Let's explore the types, causes, symptoms and conventional and natural lupus support options available. 

What is Lupus?

Lupus is an autoimmune condition, which means that the body attacks its own tissue. Its cause is unknown, but viral infection is suspected to play a role. Many people with lupus go for periods of time without symptoms and then have a flare-up, or “exacerbation”. Lupus alternates between symptom flare-ups and periods of remission. Certain medications can trigger or worsen lupus symptoms. These medications include oral contraceptives, sulfa drugs, and some blood pressure medications. Fatigue, stress, other viral infections and vaccinations can also precipitate attacks. Eliminating or controlling these external factors that aggravate lupus is crucial to dealing with it effectively.

Types of Lupus

There are two main forms of lupus. Discoid lupus (DLE) affects only the skin and causes rashes and small yellow lumps to form. Outbreaks disappear but leave scars. Systemic lupus (SLE) affects the whole body. It is life-threatening when organs like the heart, lungs and kidneys are involved. Symptoms of SLE are: arthritis, fever, weakness, weight loss, mouth sores, butterfly face, rash and sun sensitivity. Other less common forms of lupus are: drug-induced lupus, neonatal lupus, and lupus aggravated by other autoimmune conditions.

Causes of Lupus

An abnormal immune response contributes to lupus. Antibodies that target viruses may also attack healthy tissues. Essential fats like Gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) are crucial to reducing this abnormal, heightened immune reaction and its subsequent inflammation. Both EFA supplements, primrose oil and borage oil, contain high levels of GLA. GLA is used by the body to make hormones called prostaglandins. One of these is responsible for regulating inflammatory processes and also plays a role in modulating immune system activity. GLA from primrose or borage oil helps optimize the body’s production of this specific prostaglandin and is particularly useful for helping to reduce the inflammation associated with lupus. Please see the table below for the therapeutic dosage of primrose and borage oil.

The health of the intestinal lining also plays a role in the exacerbation of autoimmune disorders, and lupus is no exception. A weakened intestinal lining can develop small openings. These openings may allow food particles and toxins to enter the bloodstream. This condition is known as leaky gut. When these particles leak out, the immune system attacks them.

In a healthy person, this may lead to a mild food allergy or intolerance, but in a person with a serious autoimmune condition, it is a completely different story. As the immune system is alerted to neutralize the leaked particles, it may also attack other organs and tissues, potentially causing an exacerbation.

Therefore, it is crucial that when you have an autoimmune condition that maintain G.I. health, especially considering that many of the medications usually prescribed for lupus are particularly hard on the digestive system.

To maintain the health of your intestinal lining, use a therapeutic strength acidophilus supplement containing FOS. Glutamine, DGL and Aloe are also useful for helping the body repair damage to the intestinal lining and reducing leaky gut.

Symptoms Associated With Lupus

Several nutritional supplements may help reduce lupus symptoms. Glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin support joint cartilage repair. These nutrients may also reduce joint irritation and soft tissue damage. They can help protect joints during immune system attacks. While this combination works for many, an alternative for others is collagen. Collagen is also effective in relieving joint pain and inflammation, but offers a different route that may be more effective than standard glucosamine and chondroitin. You might also consider the anti-inflammatory supplements devil’s claw, curcumin, Bromelain or yucca - they have all been clinically proven to reduce inflammation of the joints.

Fatigue is also a major concern for most people with lupus. Supporting the adrenal glands can make a substantial difference in relieving both fatigue and stress. Use an adrenal support formula with the herbs licorice, Siberian ginseng, ashwagandha, and suma - they are all effective in helping optimize the functioning of the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands produce hormones that help us deal with stress effectively. When we are under consistent stress (as people with lupus often are), the adrenal glands can become exhausted, and fatigue results. You can also use adrenal gland extract along with these herbs for optimum therapeutic results. The herb St. John’s wort can help to relieve both stress and elevate mood at the same time. The stress of dealing with a chronic illness can often leave people with lupus prone to depression. You can support a healthy mood with St. John’s wort along with the amino acid 5-HTP. 5-hydroxy-tryptophan has been shown to elevate serotonin levels. Doing exercises like yoga and tai chi in combination with these supplements can help to further relieve stress.

Lupus Support & Treatment Options

Conventional Therapies

Conventional treatment of lupus involves many powerful drugs and has a variety of side effects. Some drugs are known to deplete vitamins and minerals. Prednisone, for example, is known to deplete minerals from your bones and often results in osteoporosis if used long-term. Individuals taking medication for this condition should consult their health professional about these interactions.

Natural Supplement Support

Natural therapies, including diet and supplements, have been shown to lessen lupus symptoms and decrease the frequency of exacerbations, but rarely cure the illness. A complete regimen of nutritional supplements that may help decrease the severity and frequency of symptoms associated with lupus should address each of the following: reducing the autoimmune reaction that causes lupus, reducing its symptoms (especially stress), optimizing the intake of nutrients that lupus and its conventional treatments deplete, and detoxification.

Detoxification

Detoxification is important for every autoimmune condition. Toxins that accumulate in the body over time cause stress on our immune system and other bodily functions as our body tries to eliminate and deal with them. Toxic accumulation can aggravate an exacerbation. Follow the recommendations for maintaining the health of your intestinal lining to prevent leaky gut. In addition, do periodic colon cleanses with fibre powders that contain accompanying herbs like slippery elm, marshmallow and licorice. This will help eliminate the re-absorption of toxins from encrusted waste matter in the intestines that would normally burden the immune system. Detoxify your liver with the herbs milk thistle, curcumin, and dandelion. Also support liver function with the amino acid NAC, alpha lipoic acid, and lecithin. Optimum liver function is crucial for your body to break down and eliminate toxins.

Dietary Approaches

Dietary approaches to lupus are based on a low-calorie, low-fat diet. Consume lots of fresh vegetables and choose plant source proteins like legumes, seeds and nuts. Avoid the amino acid phenylalanine in meats and dairy products because it can worsen lupus symptoms. Essential fatty acids from fish and unrefined vegetable oils help with lupus symptoms. Consume foods rich in vitamin C and zinc to boost the immune system. These foods include green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits and pumpkin seeds. Avoid alfalfa sprouts because they contain a toxin that produces lupus-like symptoms and can worsen existing lupus.