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Autoimmune Conditions
We all sometimes can get into the mood of not feeling quite like ourselves, and having Autoimmune disease is kind of like a case of mistaken identity. Instead of defending against foreign invaders like viruses and bacteria, your immune system begins to attack healthy cells of your own body. This results in damage to those cells, and pain, disability, fatigue, and digestive troubles can all be a result.
What Causes Autoimmune Disease?
There are well over 100 different diseases classified as autoimmune conditions. If there is a cell type in your body, there is probably an autoimmune disease to go with it. Most autoimmune diseases have a genetic component, and sometimes the onset of symptoms is triggered by a stressful event or a viral infection. Women are more prone to autoimmune disease than men. The more common conditions are described below.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Your bones have cartilage at the ends to help them slide over each other easier. When you extend your knee, cartilage helps the bones not scrape against each other. With osteoarthritis, there is a breakdown of this cartilage which means your bones have less protection, and the inflammation is the body’s attempt to repair this cartilage. Your bones themselves can change shape, and the whole joint can become more stiff and painful.
Osteoarthritis may develop as a result of repeated movements, old injuries, weak muscles, and excess body weight, all of which can affect the joint movement. Over time, improper movements lead to inflammation. There is a genetic component to OA: it seems some people are more prone to inflammation in their joints than others.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a progressive autoimmune condition that affects the joints- especially in the hands and feet. Joints typically swell in a symmetrical pattern, and the disease usually isn’t seen in people under 40. People with active RA are usually in a lot of pain; some can’t even use their hands because the swelling is so bad. Left untreated, the joints of your hands, feet, and knees can become deformed due to joint damage. Prescriptions for RA tend to be harsh on the body, and side effects can be severe.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. In patients with MS, their immune system attacks the lining of their nerve cells with two primary subtypes of MS:
- Relapse Remitting – This type is more prevalent, and patients have episodes of symptoms followed by years without any. It’s unpredictable, and preventing future episodes becomes an achievable goal.
- Primary Progressive – This type of MS is a progressing disease, where once the first symptoms come on, they get gradually worse instead of going into remission.
Thyroid Conditions
There are two main autoimmune thyroid conditions, Graves’ disease which causes an overproduction of thyroid hormones and results in hyperthyroid symptoms, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis which causes underproduction of thyroid hormones and results in hypothyroid symptoms. Both of these conditions are more common in women than men. You can find much more detailed information in the full article.
Celiac Disease
We’ve all heard about gluten and how it’s not good for the body but for people with celiac disease, eating gluten can be devastating.Celiac disease is one type of gluten sensitivity where the body mistakenly attacks itself when a person eats gluten, one of the main proteins found in wheat. Usually, celiac disease symptoms include diarrhea and frequent infections, but there are uncommon versions of the disease too. Sometimes people experience constipation, other times people don’t have any digestive symptoms, and instead get rashes or have nervous system dysfunction.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a common condition where red, itchy, scaly patches develop on the skin. They can appear anywhere on the body, but are usually found on knees and elbows. Psoriasis can also affect the fingernails and cause joint swelling known as psoriatic arthritis.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Crohn’s Disease – This type of IBD can happen anywhere in your digestive tract
- Ulcerative Colitis – This type affects only the colon
Sufferers of IBD often experience very uncomfortable symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, severe nutrient deficiencies, and intestinal pain. IBD significantly impacts quality of life, as well as mental and physical well-being.
How Can Naturopathic Medicine Help?
Autoimmune disease is one of the areas where naturopathic medicine shines. The conventional medical approach to autoimmune disease is to suppress it. Conventional treatment often includes high doses of corticosteroids and other prescription drugs like methotrexate that tend to come with extreme side effects. Naturopathic doctors know that a lot more can be done than suppressing the immune system and offering palliative care. Sometimes, foods in your diet might be contributing to autoimmune flare-ups, and this isn’t just limited to celiac disease. Supplements like curcumin, a strong anti-inflammatory without the same side effects as prescription drugs, can help. IV therapy can help replenish your body with the nutrients it’s lacking. Reducing stress and using herbal medicine can assist in resolving your symptoms.
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