Autoimmune diseases affect more than 50 million Americans. With symptoms that range from stomach pain to joint pain to itchy skin and fatigue, autoimmune diseases are often underdiagnosed as they mimic those of so many other conditions. There are more than 80 types of autoimmune disease, which include rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, thyroid disease, lupus, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis and celiac disease.
What We Know about Autoimmune Disease
The immune system is designed to fight anything that invades the body, from an infection to everyday stress. Autoimmune disease happens when the body’s tissues are mistaken for foreign invaders and the immune systems begins attacking. Yet, if our bodies are innately intelligent, why does this happen?
Here we have identified some of the most common and overlooked causes:
- Chronic Stress. Stress is a normal part of life and is designed to protect us from danger and help us through difficult situations. Chronic stress, however, often leads to long-term health problems. It manifests in many ways, including accumulating excess fat around the abdomen; waking up in the middle of the night; craving sugar, salt and fatty foods; feeling tired after a full night of sleep; being excessively tired or wired; and experiencing anxiety and depression.
- Poor Nutrition Status. A diet high in processed foods, sodium, “bad” fats (saturated and trans fats), and sugar will increase inflammation in your body. A diet low in whole foods, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and “good” fats (essential fatty acids) creates vitamin and mineral deficiencies. A poor diet can lead to obesity, high cholesterol and high blood pressure, as well as fatigue, joint pain and gut problems.
- Toxins. They are everywhere: in our skincare and beauty products, the water we drink, and the food we eat. The environment is full of pollutants and toxins from heavy metals like mercury.
- Infections. Increasing research supports a connection between certain infections and autoimmune disease, including Epstein-Barr And HSV 1 and 2.
- Food Intolerances/Sensitivities. Many healthcare practitioners associate autoimmune diseases with gluten intolerance, yet chronic inflammation from any food sensitivity can be a factor.
- Leaky Gut. A leaky gut refers to a loosening within the gut lining that allows undigested food particles and toxins to enter your bloodstream, which triggers inflammation. Your immune system is designed to differentiate between what belongs in the body and what does not. When your gut “leaks,” your immune system gets confused by what it perceives as a foreign substance and attacks your tissues.
What Can You Do to Feel Better?
Discuss your symptoms with your healthcare practitioner. It’s important that you review not only your physical symptoms, such as joint pain, fatigue, recurrent skin problems and difficulty concentrating, but also any emotional changes.
A functional medicine practitioner focuses on your complete medical story to uncover the root causes of disease. At PIH, we look for hidden stressors, identify infections, test for food allergies and sensitivities, check for heavy metal toxins, and offer suggestions to help heal your gut.
Other helpful tips include:
- Using nutrients. Supplements such as fish oil, curcumin, vitamin D and probiotics can help to calm your immune response, naturally.
- Staying active. Movement is a natural anti-inflammatory.
- Stressing less. Healing therapies such as yoga, mindful breathing, biofeedback and massage will release tension in your body.
Once you are able to identify the cause of your symptoms, you can take steps to boost your immunity.
To schedule a consultation, call 609.512.1468.
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