What Is Autoimmune Disease?
While your immune system’s primary responsibility is to protect your body from infection and other forms of illness, sometimes this system turns on itself. When this translation occurs, your immune system begins attacking your healthy cells because it identifies them as foreign materials.
The symptoms of autoimmune disease vary greatly because of the range of different conditions. Nonetheless, most of these diseases cause fatigue, fever, and a general ill feeling. Many autoimmune conditions also cause “flare-ups” during which symptoms worsen and “remission” as symptoms lessen.
These conditions affect many parts of the body including different organs and tissues. The areas which are most affected include your joints, muscles, skin, red blood cells, blood vessels, connective tissue, and endocrine glands.
What Are the Most Common Autoimmune Diseases?
As diverse as autoimmune conditions are, the types of disease vary greatly.
Some of the most common forms include:
- rheumatoid arthritis
- systemic lupus
- multiple sclerosis
- celiac disease
- pernicious anemia
- psoriasis
What Causes a Rogue Immune Response?
While the exact cause of autoimmune disease is unknown, we do know a few factors that seem to contribute to the issue.
Genetics seems to be an important factor – if a member of your family has an autoimmune disease, you are more susceptible.
Additionally, many theories exist as to the triggers of autoimmune conditions including bacteria or virus, drugs, chemical irritants, and environmental irritants.
How Can I Treat Autoimmune Disorders?
Traditional medicine has found few treatment options for autoimmune disorders except for managing the symptoms.
Nonetheless, I will suggest a plan of addressing your condition based on the severity of the disease.
Some of the best options for treating autoimmune issues are natural, though, as these options function to heal the body and relieve inflammation in the system. Supplements such as fish oil, vitamin C, vitamin D, and probiotics help restore the natural function of the body and reduce inflammatory responses. Additionally, you should be sure to eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get plenty of rest.
Contact me for more information on how we can work together.