The immune system is a tool our body utilizes to fight off diseases and foreign invaders. These usually include bacteria, viruses, and other irritants. In someone with an autoimmune disease, the immune system will actually attack healthy cells and organs in the body as if they were invader, causing all sorts of problems. Autoimmune disease affects somewhere around 23.5 million people in the US. This is more than double the number of people affected by cancer (9 million) and slightly more than those affected by heart disease (22 million). The official cause for autoimmune diseases is unknown, although the largest speculation is that genetic susceptibility has a huge impact. Trends show that autoimmune diseases usually follow an irritant entering the body, then the body continues to produce antibodies even after the irritant has gone. This is more likely to occur in those with family who have autoimmune diseases.
There are more than 80 different types of autoimmune diseases. While there is no official cure, once they are diagnosed it is easy to begin to eliminate symptoms. An extreme treatment is immunosuppresants, to reduce the harm the immune system is doing to the body, but this can leave you less prepared to fight disease and other invaders. More commonly recommended is lifestyle changes based on your specific auto immune condition. For example, in those who struggle with Celiac Disease, an autoimmune response to gluten where the body gets caught in the crossfire, all you need to do is eliminate gluten and you will feel great.
Autoimmune diseases present themselves in many different ways, but the common things to look out for are fatigue, fevers, and generally just feeling ill. Symptoms generally go through two stages – flare-ups and remission. If this sounds familiar, you might have an autoimmune disease, especially if you have family that has been diagnosed. We recommend Cyrex Labs auto immune panel to show if your body is making antibodies against a particular organ or tissue. If we identify an autoimmune attack, we will give you a comprehensive protocol aimed at creating a healthier and happier you. The other tests we suggest are complete IgG and IgE food panels to identify exactly what your diet should be.
If you would like more information on these tests just contact our office – we are here to help you! If you are local consider making an in office appointment; if you are not local consider a 1 hour phone consult with our head practitioner or just order some test kits from us.
There are natural ways to calm down autoimmunity. Some require dietary adjustments and others require specific supplementation. Either way we are here to help you feel fantastic and keep those auto immune attacks to a minimal.
Nutritionally Yours has a Naturopath, Holistic Minded Nutritionist, Medical Doctor, Life Counselor and a great customer service staff. We are here to help you feel your best and stay that way. We offer consultations in office, over the phone or via facetime for people not able to visit our clinic. We are located in Roswell GA, just 45 minutes north of Atlanta, GA.
Email: alanepnd@gmail.com
Website: Nutritionallyyours.net
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Alane Palmer, Naturopath, CNC
Medical disclaimer: Testing cannot be used to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. All test results are to be used as educational materials and as a guide to help support your overall health and wellness. Always discuss health concerns with your medical doctor.
References
AARDA,. “Autoimmune Statistics – AARDA”. N.p., 2016. Web. 29 Feb. 2016.McCoy, Krisha, and Cynthia Haines. “Understanding Autoimmunity”.EverydayHealth.com. N.p., 2016. Web. 29 Feb. 2016.Robinson, Jennifer. “Autoimmune Diseases”.WebMD. N.p., 2016. Web. 29 Feb. 2016.
Roddick, Julie, and Steven Kim. “Autoimmune Disease”.Healthline. N.p., 2016. Web. 29 Feb. 2016.
By Alane Palmer, Naturopath, CNC
