Do you have an autoimmune disease? Are you among the 50 million adults in the United States who suffer from it? This article will teach you what causes autoimmune diseases, how to diagnose and treat them, and which natural treatments are best.
What exactly is autoimmune disease
Autoimmune diseases are a group of conditions in which the immune system mistakenly targets healthy tissue. Your immune system “attacks” itself instead of attacking pathogens.
What is autoimmune disease?
It is not known what causes autoimmune diseases. According to one theory, certain microorganisms or drugs (such as viruses or bacteria) can cause changes in the immune system.
The following factors are viewed as important by most scientists:
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Genetics
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Diet
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Infections
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Environmental factors
Westernized countries experienced a significant increase in these diseases over the past few decades, suggesting that autoimmune disease is not simply a result of bad luck or genetics. They may instead be heavily influenced by lifestyle choices. A number of factors, including diet, smoking and environmental toxins as well as the balance of intestinal bacteria, seem to influence autoimmune disease.
In recent years, environmental agents have gained more attention for their role as a cause of autoimmune diseases. There is evidence that mercury and pesticides are linked to an increased risk of autoimmune disease.
List of symptoms and diseases autoimmune
Over 100 autoimmune diseases are known. Some of the more common autoimmune diseases include:
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Lupus
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Rheumatoid arthritis
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Crohn’s disease
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Ulcerative Colitis
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Hypothyroidism
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Hashimoto thyroiditis (overactive Thyroid)
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Multiple Sclerosis
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Rheumatoid arthritis
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Type 1 diabetes
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Graves Disease
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Celiac Disease (Gluten Allergy)
It’s surprising that symptoms don’t vary much, despite the fact that there are so many different conditions. Common autoimmune disease symptoms include:
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Fatigue
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Joint swelling and pain
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Skin problems or rashes
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Abdominal pain or digestive issues
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Frequent Fever
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Swollen glands
Diagnoses can be difficult because symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, such as rosacea or other skin rashes. Fibromyalgia is another common condition that can produce similar symptoms. You’ll also need specific blood markers and possibly a biopsy to confirm that it is autoimmune.
Are autoimmune diseases curable?
There are currently no cures for autoimmune disease. Numerous studies have shown that lifestyle changes and food choices can be key to managing or reversing these conditions. It is important to reduce inflammation, “reset” the controls of the immune system and help tissues and organs heal themselves.
The connection between inflammation and autoimmune diseases
Inflammation is the core of autoimmune disease. Journal of Immunology Research reports that increasing evidence indicates an abnormal inflammatory reaction is closely related to many chronic diseases and autoimmune disease.
Inflammatory conditions are often treated with medication. However, this method fails to address the underlying causes, which include allergens, infections and environmental toxins.
Food can help improve autoimmune symptoms and reduce inflammation because nutrition and immunity are closely linked. Certain foods have anti-inflammatory properties, which help your body maintain a healthy immune response. Vitamin C and E are essential nutrients that promote a healthy gut microbiome and reduce inflammation throughout the body and in the gut.
Other healthy habits, such as exercising and eating well, can also help.
Natural treatment of autoimmune disease symptoms
Exercise
Researchers have found that people with autoimmune disease tend to be less active than the general population. Exercise can help manage your autoimmune symptoms because it has an anti-inflammatory affect on the whole body. Exercise can help you manage your autoimmune symptoms by increasing the production of beneficial T cells. Exercise has been shown to be safe for certain symptoms and can improve overall quality of living.
Regular exercise is important for your health, but doesn’t need to be intense. Walking is a simple and effective way to get started. Walking for 30 minutes five days a weeks is a good goal.
You should only do exercises that you like. You should pay attention to how you feel so that you can stick with what works.
Nutrition – Best foods to treat autoimmune diseases
Leafy greens
Leafy greens such as kale and spinach are rich in Vitamin A, D and E. These vitamins help to reduce inflammation. Alpha-linolenic Acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties, can also be found in many leafy greens. The greens absorb better when eaten with olive oil, a healthy fat. Carotenoids are powerful antioxidants that fight inflammation.
Mushrooms
Fungi has shown a tremendous anti-inflammatory potency. Researchers have found that mushrooms can reverse autoimmune disease, treat allergies, and fight cancer.
Onions
These tasty root vegetables contain quercetin. This antioxidant inhibits inflammatory triggers such as leukotrienes. prostaglandins. and histamines in osteoarthritis.
Squash
Butternut, acorns, zucchini and pumpkins contain fatty acid (like omega 3) and antioxidants such as zeaxanthin lutein and beta-carotene, which are all extremely beneficial in reducing inflammation.
Rutabaga and Turnips
These roots are rich in antioxidants such as glucosinolates, carotenoids and vitamin C. They also contain potassium, magnesium and zinc as well as iron and other vitamins which fight inflammation.
Berries
Strawberries, blueberries, and fiber are all anti-inflammatory. Berries contain antioxidant phytochemicals that fight cancer, such as ellagic acids. This boosts their health benefits. Increased berry consumption has also been linked to lower risk of diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and heart disease.
Fatty Fish
Salmon, mackerel and tuna are all fatty fish rich in polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation. Fish can also help reduce your risk of heart disease, arthritis, and cancer. Include fatty salmon in your diet twice a weekly.
Avoid foods with autoimmune diseases
Avoid these foods for autoimmune disease:
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Meats that have been processed, such as hot dogs, lunchmeats, and cured or smoked meats
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Refined grains such as white pasta, bread, and breakfast cereals
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Packaged snacks, including cookies and chips, as well as pastries
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Sugary drinks and sodas
- Trans fats are a major cause of inflammation
An autoimmune disorder can be a very challenging condition. By exercising regularly, eating healthy food, and avoiding certain triggers, it is possible to improve your health overall and balance your immune system, so that it will protect you for many years.
References:
https://autoimmune.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/1-in-5-Brochure.pdf
https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/conditions/autoimmune/index.cfm
https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/autoimmune-diseases
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4034518/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6970196/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6421792/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8620243/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8389205/#:~:text=High%2Ddose%20vitamin%20C%20supplementation,strongly%20associate%20with%20gut%20health.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29108826/
https://www.pennmedicine.org/departments-and-centers/ophthalmology/about-us/news/department-news/diet-and-chronic-inflammation
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15277161/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1160565/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7919894/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7760705/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30561035/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/rutabaga
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8125642/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8747047/
https://ard.bmj.com/content/73/11/1949.abstract
The article What is Autoimmune Disease? A Complete Guide first appeared on Alternative Medicine Magazine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a holistic doctor write prescriptions?
Holistic medicine is founded on the principle that all diseases can be caused or exacerbated by a variety of factors.
When prescribing medication, a holistic approach is required to treat patients.
Physicians must know both modern science and traditional methods, such as homeopathy and herbs, to fully understand the impact of each factor on patients.
Many doctors have been certified in complementary or alternative medicine (C&A). This allows them offer a wide range of services to patients.
Is holistic healthcare the same thing as alternative medicine?
Holistic Health Care distinguishes itself from Alternative Medicine because Holistic Health Care focuses on the whole person instead of just treating symptoms.
Holistic Health Care examines all aspects a person’s health including the mental, emotional, spiritual and occupational factors as well as family factors.
Alternative Medicine doesn’t address these issues. It is solely concerned with the body, mind, and emotions.
Why is holistic medicine more effective?
Holistic health care focuses on treating the whole person rather than on individual symptoms. Holistic health care focuses on how people feel, how they eat, where they live and how stressed they are.
Holistic medicine treats patients as an integrated whole. While it sounds simple, it can be very challenging to implement in practice because doctors often focus on the patient’s physical health.
Is holistic medicine safe to use?
Holistic Medicine is not as dangerous as you may think, but several risks are involved when using this treatment. Side effects most commonly include headaches and nausea. These side effects must be understood and weighed against the potential benefits of alternative treatments like acupuncture.
There have never been any cases of death related to holistic medicine.
As always, talk to your doctor before starting any new treatment plan.
Statistics
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine – A systematic review of randomized controlled trials involving acupuncture for insomnia treatment
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- The rise and rise of complementary and alternative medicine: a sociological perspective – PubMed
- PubMed: Holistic Medicine – PubMed
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING and TENSION-TYPE HeADACHE – PubMed
- PubMed: A Randomized Controlled Trial to Determine the Effects of Foot Reflexology on Depression and Hospital Anxiety in Older Females: A Randomized Controlled Study – PubMed
nccih.nih.gov
- Statistics on Complementary and Integrative Health Approaches
- How do you name complementary, alternative, or integrative health? NCCIH
How To
How to get a job in Holistic Medicine
The field, known as holistic medicine, is growing at an unparalleled rate. There are many paths you can take to this career. If you want to be a part of this profession, however, returning to school may be the best option.
A number of schools offer holistic medicine programs. One of these schools is the National College for Complementary Medicines, which offers both undergraduate degrees and postgraduate programs. A number of programs are offered specifically for medical professionals interested in entering the field.
There are many online universities that offer holistic health courses. One such program is called the Institute of Integrative Nutrition (IIN). This college provides students with many holistic health education tools.
Another option is to go to a traditional four-year college. Many colleges offer holistic health courses. For example, the University of California has a Bachelor’s Degree in Holistic Health Sciences.
A course in nutrition is a good option if you are interested in pursuing a career as a holistic physician. NCCM recommends to students that they study nutrition before embarking upon any professional training. According to them, integrative medicine practitioners need to have a solid understanding of nutrition science.
Holistic medicine is more holistic than traditional medicine because it focuses on the whole person and not just symptoms. It requires more skill and knowledge. Holistic medicine also requires understanding of how to evaluate different types and illnesses from a nutritional standpoint.
The NCCM states that nutritionists often work in conjunction with doctors to provide advice on diet to their patients. Some even go so far as to suggest specific diets or supplements based on their assessment of the patient’s condition.
The fundamental principles of nutrition are essential for holistic practitioners. This includes knowing what foods are healthy and what ones aren’t. It also means identifying nutrient deficiencies and other problems that may be causing them.
It is important to remember that holistic practitioners do not specialize in nutrition. Some focus exclusively on herbal treatments, others only on acupuncture. Still, others combine these two approaches into one treatment method.
However, most holistic practitioners recommend a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and grains. They encourage eating plenty of seafood and fish. They suggest avoiding processed foods and fast food restaurants. They recommend that people eat as much organic produce as possible.
Holistic practitioners agree that a healthy diet can prevent illness. However, there are some points they disagree with. For example, they do not believe that gluten causes celiac. They believe that the disorder is caused by a deficiency of nutrients.
However, they are all in agreement that allergic reactions can occur with certain foods. For example, they say that shellfish and peanuts cause anaphylaxis. They warn against too much caffeine.
Although many holistic practitioners may use herbs to treat various ailments, they prefer not to use pharmaceutical drugs. Because such drugs are not effective in solving the problem but only mask it, holistic practitioners avoid using them. Therefore, natural remedies are preferred.
Holistic practitioners offer a range of alternative therapies and often employ complementary methods. These include:
- Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine that involves strategically placing needles in the skin. This stimulates the body’s healing process.
- Herbal therapy – Holistic practitioners often use herbs to treat a variety of disorders. Ginseng, a popular herb for this purpose, is one of the most common.
- Homeopathy – A form of traditional Chinese medicine, also known as homeopathy, is based around the principle that like cures. Imagine that you have a similar symptom to someone who has the same ailment. You should seek the same ingredients in the original remedy.
- Massage Therapy – Many holistic professionals offer massage therapy to help you relax and reduce stress. It is also claimed to improve blood circulation, increase energy levels, and reduce muscle tension.
You need to ensure that your needs are met when selecting a practitioner. Look for someone who is trained in nutrition counseling if you are looking for someone who is certified in that area. A practitioner who has been certified by American Association of Oriental Medicine will also be able to teach you more about acupuncture.
Ask your doctor if you have questions about holistic health care before making any decision. Check with your insurance provider to see if you are eligible for certain services.
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This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: Dick Benson
Title: What is Autoimmune Disease: A Complete Guide
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/conditions/autoimmune-conditions/what-causes-autoimmune-diseases/
Published Date: Fri, 14 Jul 2023 17:24:01 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a holistic doctor write prescriptions?
Holistic medicine is founded on the principle that all diseases can be caused or exacerbated by a variety of factors.
When prescribing medication, a holistic approach is required to treat patients.
Physicians must know both modern science and traditional methods, such as homeopathy and herbs, to fully understand the impact of each factor on patients.
Many doctors have been certified in complementary or alternative medicine (C&A). This allows them offer a wide range of services to patients.
Is holistic healthcare the same thing as alternative medicine?
Holistic Health Care distinguishes itself from Alternative Medicine because Holistic Health Care focuses on the whole person instead of just treating symptoms.
Holistic Health Care examines all aspects a person’s health including the mental, emotional, spiritual and occupational factors as well as family factors.
Alternative Medicine doesn’t address these issues. It is solely concerned with the body, mind, and emotions.
Why is holistic medicine more effective?
Holistic health care focuses on treating the whole person rather than on individual symptoms. Holistic health care focuses on how people feel, how they eat, where they live and how stressed they are.
Holistic medicine treats patients as an integrated whole. While it sounds simple, it can be very challenging to implement in practice because doctors often focus on the patient’s physical health.
Is holistic medicine safe to use?
Holistic Medicine is not as dangerous as you may think, but several risks are involved when using this treatment. Side effects most commonly include headaches and nausea. These side effects must be understood and weighed against the potential benefits of alternative treatments like acupuncture.
There have never been any cases of death related to holistic medicine.
As always, talk to your doctor before starting any new treatment plan.
Statistics
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine – A systematic review of randomized controlled trials involving acupuncture for insomnia treatment
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- The rise and rise of complementary and alternative medicine: a sociological perspective – PubMed
- PubMed: Holistic Medicine – PubMed
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING and TENSION-TYPE HeADACHE – PubMed
- PubMed: A Randomized Controlled Trial to Determine the Effects of Foot Reflexology on Depression and Hospital Anxiety in Older Females: A Randomized Controlled Study – PubMed
nccih.nih.gov
- Statistics on Complementary and Integrative Health Approaches
- How do you name complementary, alternative, or integrative health? NCCIH
How To
How to get a job in Holistic Medicine
The field, known as holistic medicine, is growing at an unparalleled rate. There are many paths you can take to this career. If you want to be a part of this profession, however, returning to school may be the best option.
A number of schools offer holistic medicine programs. One of these schools is the National College for Complementary Medicines, which offers both undergraduate degrees and postgraduate programs. A number of programs are offered specifically for medical professionals interested in entering the field.
There are many online universities that offer holistic health courses. One such program is called the Institute of Integrative Nutrition (IIN). This college provides students with many holistic health education tools.
Another option is to go to a traditional four-year college. Many colleges offer holistic health courses. For example, the University of California has a Bachelor’s Degree in Holistic Health Sciences.
A course in nutrition is a good option if you are interested in pursuing a career as a holistic physician. NCCM recommends to students that they study nutrition before embarking upon any professional training. According to them, integrative medicine practitioners need to have a solid understanding of nutrition science.
Holistic medicine is more holistic than traditional medicine because it focuses on the whole person and not just symptoms. It requires more skill and knowledge. Holistic medicine also requires understanding of how to evaluate different types and illnesses from a nutritional standpoint.
The NCCM states that nutritionists often work in conjunction with doctors to provide advice on diet to their patients. Some even go so far as to suggest specific diets or supplements based on their assessment of the patient’s condition.
The fundamental principles of nutrition are essential for holistic practitioners. This includes knowing what foods are healthy and what ones aren’t. It also means identifying nutrient deficiencies and other problems that may be causing them.
It is important to remember that holistic practitioners do not specialize in nutrition. Some focus exclusively on herbal treatments, others only on acupuncture. Still, others combine these two approaches into one treatment method.
However, most holistic practitioners recommend a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and grains. They encourage eating plenty of seafood and fish. They suggest avoiding processed foods and fast food restaurants. They recommend that people eat as much organic produce as possible.
Holistic practitioners agree that a healthy diet can prevent illness. However, there are some points they disagree with. For example, they do not believe that gluten causes celiac. They believe that the disorder is caused by a deficiency of nutrients.
However, they are all in agreement that allergic reactions can occur with certain foods. For example, they say that shellfish and peanuts cause anaphylaxis. They warn against too much caffeine.
Although many holistic practitioners may use herbs to treat various ailments, they prefer not to use pharmaceutical drugs. Because such drugs are not effective in solving the problem but only mask it, holistic practitioners avoid using them. Therefore, natural remedies are preferred.
Holistic practitioners offer a range of alternative therapies and often employ complementary methods. These include:
- Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine that involves strategically placing needles in the skin. This stimulates the body’s healing process.
- Herbal therapy – Holistic practitioners often use herbs to treat a variety of disorders. Ginseng, a popular herb for this purpose, is one of the most common.
- Homeopathy – A form of traditional Chinese medicine, also known as homeopathy, is based around the principle that like cures. Imagine that you have a similar symptom to someone who has the same ailment. You should seek the same ingredients in the original remedy.
- Massage Therapy – Many holistic professionals offer massage therapy to help you relax and reduce stress. It is also claimed to improve blood circulation, increase energy levels, and reduce muscle tension.
You need to ensure that your needs are met when selecting a practitioner. Look for someone who is trained in nutrition counseling if you are looking for someone who is certified in that area. A practitioner who has been certified by American Association of Oriental Medicine will also be able to teach you more about acupuncture.
Ask your doctor if you have questions about holistic health care before making any decision. Check with your insurance provider to see if you are eligible for certain services.
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