Normally your immune system is responsible for guarding the body against foreign invaders by means of sending out an army of fighter cells to attack them. Auto-immune diseases are conditions in which your natural defence system cannot distinguish the difference between your own cells & foreign cells.
Therefore, your immune system attacks your body’s normal and healthy cells, like your joints or skin, as foreign, and releases proteins called auto-antibodies that attack healthy cells. There are more than 80 different types of autoimmune diseases that affect a wide range of body parts. Some auto-immune diseases target only one organ.
For example, Type 1 diabetes damages the pancreas. Other diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), impact the whole body. According to the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA), autoimmune diseases collectively affect approximately 50 million Americans, which is around 20% of the population. Autoimmune diseases are also a leading cause of chronic illness and disability, and they are more common in women than in men.
This is a chronic autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and swelling. Over time, it can lead to joint damage and deformity. Rheumatoid arthritis can also cause fatigue, fever, & weight loss. It typically affects women more than men & can occur at any age, but is more common in middle-aged and older people.
SLE is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect any part of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, and nervous system. Symptoms can include fatigue, fever, joint pain, skin rashes, and kidney problems. SLE is more common in women than men, and it often begins in young adulthood.
MS is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, causing a wide range of symptoms including fatigue, numbness, tingling, weakness, and difficulty with coordination and balance. MS can be unpredictable in its progression and severity, and it is typically diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40.
This is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leading to high blood sugar levels. Symptoms can include frequent urination, thirst, hunger, weight loss, and fatigue. Type 1 diabetes is typically diagnosed in children and young adults, but it can occur at any age.
IBD is a group of disorders that cause inflammation in the digestive tract, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss. The two main types of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Both conditions can cause complications such as bowel obstruction, ulcers, and malnutrition.
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition where the immune system attacks the skin, causing red, scaly patches. The condition can be mild or severe, and it can affect any part of the body, including the scalp, face, and nails. In addition to skin symptoms, psoriasis can also cause joint pain and stiffness in a condition called psoriatic arthritis.
This is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to an underactive thyroid. Symptoms can include fatigue, weight gain, sensitivity to cold, and depression. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is more common in women than men, and it typically occurs in middle-aged and older people.
This is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the glands that produce tears and saliva, leading to dry eyes and mouth. Other symptoms can include joint pain, fatigue, and skin rashes. Sjogren’s syndrome is more common in women than men, and it typically occurs in people over the age of 40.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the lining of the small intestine in response to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and malnutrition. Celiac disease is more common in women than men, and it can occur at any age.
Myasthenia gravis is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease that causes weakness in the skeletal muscles. Symptoms can include drooping eyelids, double vision, difficulty swallowing, and weakness in the arms and legs. Myasthenia gravis is more common in women than men, and it typically occurs in young adult women and older men.
This autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system attacks the adrenal glands, which produce hormones that help regulate metabolism, blood pressure, and other bodily functions. Symptoms of Addison’s disease can include fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, dizziness, and darkening of the skin. The condition can be life-threatening if left untreated.
This autoimmune disorder causes the immune system to produce antibodies that attack certain proteins in the blood, leading to blood clots in the arteries and veins. This can result in a variety of complications, including stroke, heart attack, and pulmonary embolism. Other symptoms can include skin rashes, joint pain, and recurrent miscarriage.
This autoimmune disorder causes inflammation in the liver, leading to liver damage and potentially life-threatening complications such as cirrhosis and liver failure. Symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis can include fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, and joint pain.
This autoimmune disease causes inflammation in blood vessels throughout the body, leading to a variety of symptoms such as mouth sores, genital sores, skin rashes, and eye inflammation. Other symptoms can include joint pain, gastrointestinal problems, and neurological symptoms such as memory loss and headaches.
This autoimmune disorder attacks the lungs and kidneys, causing lung disease and kidney failure. Symptoms can include coughing up blood, shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs
This autoimmune disease affects the thyroid gland, leading to an overactive thyroid and a variety of symptoms such as weight loss, irritability, and muscle weakness. Other symptoms can include a rapid heartbeat, bulging eyes, and hand tremors.
This autoimmune disorder causes muscle weakness and paralysis, often beginning in the legs and moving upward. Symptoms can include tingling, numbness, and pain in the limbs, as well as difficulty breathing and swallowing.
This autoimmune disorder affects the stomach, leading to anemia and potentially neurological problems. It occurs when the immune system attacks cells in the stomach that produce a protein called intrinsic factor, which is necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12. Symptoms can include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and neurological symptoms such as numbness and tingling in the hands and feet.
This autoimmune disorder causes muscle weakness and inflammation, particularly in the shoulders, hips, and neck. Symptoms can include difficulty rising from a seated position, difficulty swallowing, and shortness of breath.
This autoimmune disorder affects the blood vessels in the fingers and toes, causing them to constrict and turn white or blue in response to cold or stress. Other symptoms can include tingling or numbness in the affected areas, as well as pain and swelling.
These disorders can affect various organs and tissues in the body and can cause a wide range of symptoms. It is important to note that autoimmune disorders can be difficult to diagnose and treat, and many people may experience different levels of severity and progression of their condition.
The symptoms and severity of autoimmune conditions can vary widely depending on the specific condition and the individual affected. However, some common symptoms of autoimmune conditions include:
Autoimmune conditions can cause a feeling of constant fatigue and weakness, even after getting adequate rest.
Many autoimmune conditions can cause inflammation in the joints, resulting in pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
Some autoimmune conditions can cause rashes, blisters, and other skin irritations, often accompanied by redness and inflammation.
Autoimmune conditions can cause swelling and redness in various parts of the body, including the joints, hands, feet, and other areas.
Some autoimmune conditions can cause digestive issues such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and other digestive discomforts.
Autoimmune conditions can affect the nervous system, causing symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and other sensory disturbances.
Many autoimmune conditions can affect cognitive function, leading to difficulties with concentration, memory, and other mental processes.
Some autoimmune conditions can cause hair loss or thinning, especially on the scalp.
Some autoimmune conditions can cause sensitivity to temperature changes, resulting in discomfort and other symptoms.
Autoimmune conditions can weaken the immune system, making it easier for infections to take hold and recur.
Some autoimmune conditions can cause unexplained weight loss or gain, often accompanied by other symptoms.
Some autoimmune conditions can affect appetite and thirst, leading to changes in eating and drinking habits.
Many autoimmune conditions can cause sleep disturbances, making it difficult to fall or stay asleep.
Some autoimmune conditions can cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, and muscle aches.
It’s important to note that not everyone with an autoimmune diseases will experience all of these symptoms, and some may have symptoms that are not listed here. Additionally, the severity of symptoms can vary widely depending on the individual and the specific condition.
The conventional approach to autoimmune diseases involves the use of medications to suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation including Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), immunomodulators and immunosuppressants (both used to suppress the immune response in autoimmune diseases).
While these conventional treatments can be effective for managing autoimmune diseases, they may also have side effects and may not always be effective for all individuals with autoimmune diseases.
Therefore, it is recommended to work closely with a healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan that takes into account the individual's specific symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle.
We take a personalized approach to autoimmune diseases by addressing the underlying root causes of the condition, rather than just managing the symptoms with medications.
We conduct a thorough evaluation of your medical history, genetic factors, and environmental exposures to identify potential triggers or underlying causes of the autoimmune disease.
We also work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan, based on your unique needs and underlying causes of your autoimmune disease, that may involve a combination of dietary and lifestyle modifications, nutritional supplements, detoxification support, stress management techniques, and other therapies aimed at improving overall health and reducing the risk of autoimmune disease.
The exact causes of autoimmune conditions are not fully understood, but there are several contributing factors that are believed to play a role in their development. Here are some factors that we usually consider as possible contributors:
There is evidence that certain genetic factors can increase a person’s susceptibility to developing autoimmune conditions. Some autoimmune conditions, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, tend to run in families. Researchers have identified several genes that are associated with an increased risk of developing autoimmune conditions.
: Exposure to certain environmental factors such as toxins, pollutants, and infections can trigger autoimmune responses in some individuals. For example, exposure to certain chemicals, such as solvents and pesticides, has been linked to an increased risk of developing autoimmune conditions. Additionally, viral infections, such as Epstein-Barr virus and hepatitis C, have been linked to the development of autoimmune conditions.
Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, may trigger autoimmune responses in some individuals. Autoimmune conditions tend to affect women more often than men, suggesting that hormones may play a role in their development.
Chronic stress can disrupt the immune system and increase the risk of autoimmune conditions. Stress can cause the body to produce higher levels of stress hormones, which can impair immune function and increase inflammation.
Some dietary factors, such as gluten, dairy, and sugar, have been linked to the development of autoimmune conditions in some individuals. Certain foods can trigger immune responses in some people, leading to inflammation and damage to healthy tissues.
Certain medications, such as antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, have been linked to an increased risk of autoimmune conditions. Antibiotics can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut, which can lead to immune system dysfunction. Anti-inflammatory drugs can suppress the immune system, which can increase the risk of developing autoimmune conditions.
In some cases, an autoimmune response can be triggered by an infection, as the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells along with the invading pathogens. For example, streptococcal infections can trigger an autoimmune response that leads to rheumatic fever, which can cause joint pain, heart damage, and other complications.
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