A-Z holistic health 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.

A person is said to become addicted to a substance when its withdrawal prevents the body from functioning normally. Substance abusers become physically and psychologically dependent on a drug.  Successful treatment of drug addiction depends upon treating the physical, mental and emotional aspects of addiction. One must not forget that drug abuse also affects other family members.

Some studies have found that they are at an increased risk of addiction. They may also be in need of physical and emotional support.

What is Drug Addiction?

It is not only the drug addiction itself that causes suffering for the addict, but also their lifestyle that affects overall health. Drug addicts are often at a higher risk for other diseases and are more at risk than someone who isn’t a drug user. Many drugs drain the body of essential nutrients, and in addition to this, drug users might miss meals entirely due to the drug’s effects. This group of people are also at a higher risk for infectious diseases. Being addicted to drugs can drastically shorten one's lifespan and greatly lower one's quality of life. Recovery from drug addiction is complex.

How Do Drugs Effect The Brain?

Drugs affect the neurochemical balance of the brain. One such neurochemical is dopamine.  It is responsible for giving us satisfaction and pleasurable feelings.  Alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, cocaine and most other drugs increase dopamine levels in the brain.  The more they are used, the less often the body must use its own mechanisms to release dopamine. Over time, the body becomes depleted of neurochemicals and is less able to react to pleasurable stimuli.

Symptoms & Signs of Drug Abuse

Symptoms of drug abuse start slowly and tend to manifest with problems at work or home.  They may include depression, mood swings, a change in daily patterns and altered behaviour and personality.  Addicts tend to have poor nutritional status because drug use decreases the sensation of hunger.  Drug addicts may suffer from impaired resistance to colds and flu.

Treatment Options For Drug Addiction

Conventional treatment of substance abuse includes support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous for psychological dependence.

Treatment with medications is dependent on the type of drug that is used. For example, there are drugs to prevent the narcotic “high, " such as naloxone, and drugs that give the same effect as narcotics but to a lesser extent, buprenorphine and methadone.

Natural therapies can help to decrease withdrawal symptoms, recover proper nutritional status and repair damage to organs.

Dietary changes for several weeks of detoxification are aimed at stabilizing blood sugar and rebuilding the body’s nutritional stores. Avoid simple sugars, processed foods, fried foods, dairy products, soft drinks, and candy.  Eat small meals that are high in fibre, including whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Nutritional yeast is a good addition to the diet by providing a source of B vitamins that support the nervous system.

Sometimes, to recover completely, we need a period of feeling a little worse. Natural healthcare practitioners often call this period of turmoil a “healing crisis”. It is caused by the body dramatically returning to homeostasis from a state of illness or even just imbalance.

Your Body's Natural Balance - Homeostasis

This is the scientific word used to describe balance within all of the systems of an organism. This is the natural state of our bodies and minds. In fact, illness and disease are simply shifts away from homeostasis. Symptoms often arise when the body works to restore homeostasis. For example, a runny nose during a cold reflects the body's immune repsonse, not direct viral damage. More intense symptoms may indicate an active immune response. This response can support faster clearing of illness and restoration of balance. Homeostasis is our natural condition, and it is only with external obstacles that we become ill.

What Is The Healing Crisis?

When the body is returning to homeostasis following some sort of physical, emotional, mental or spiritual cleansing, it goes through an unstable process called a “healing crisis”. A healing crisis is not a formally recognized scientific term. However, it describes symptoms that appear as the body restores balance and natural function. To actually heal the root cause of the problem, it’s important to allow the body to experience the full range of symptoms, as suppression will only distract the body from achieving homeostasis. Suppression might make us feel better in the present, but it could not only prolong the issue, it can also make our current situation more uncomfortable.

When Does The Healing Crisis Happen?

Healing crises most commonly occur during periods of cleansing and recovery. The body often behaves like a murky sink with a partially clogged drain. As long as the tap runs, the sink fills with dirty water. When you stop the inflow of toxins, the system can begin to function more effectively. Adding a drain cleaning product clears the blockage, and water flows out quickly, creating a strong vortex. As healing progresses, clarity increases as the murky water clears. Hidden issues, like unwashed dishes, become visible and can be addressed for better internal balance. This flushing process represents a healing crisis. It often occurs during detoxification, candida cleanses, fasting, or constitutional homeopathic treatment. In this metaphor, the drain cleaner supports the clearing process.

What Does a Healing Crisis Look Like?

Healing crisis symptoms vary for each person. Clinicians often observe two common types. First, the body may undergo sudden physical cleansing that resembles a common cold. The symptoms commonly experienced with this are: headache, fatigue, joint and body aches, runny nose, rash, and diarrhea. The second most common type of healing crisis appears as a return of old symptoms. The body may resurface unresolved physical or emotional symptoms. It often releases previously suppressed patterns to resolve root causes. Mental-emotional healing crises can feel intense because they surface buried thoughts and feelings. It is important to seek help in these times to discover proper coping techniques. Journaling can be extremely helpful in getting those thoughts and feelings out onto paper so we can reflect on them and incorporate their lessons into our lives.

How Can I Detoxify My Body?

If you plan a cleanse, detoxification, or constitutional homeopathic treatment, you can take steps to prepare for a possible healing crisis. First off, it is important to remember that the healing crisis is a natural step towards a state of even better health. It is your body’s (mind’s, and soul’s) natural way of restoring homeostasis. Always try to start your detoxification or cleanse program slowly to help ease your way through the transition, and prevent our aforementioned metaphorical vortex effect. Be prepared to deal with things from your past, and have strategies for coping with physical and mental-emotional ramifications. Journaling is an excellent strategy to have on hand, and it is often beneficial to explain to those around you what may occur to avoid any interpersonal issues from developing. Be sure to support your body with healthy, unprocessed foods and support detoxification pathways. Drink plenty of water and take the time to rest and assimilate all the new information that your body is providing. The lessons learned during a healing crisis can last a lifetime.