There is an epidemic of autoimmune diseases, a wide range of medical conditions in which the body attacks its own tissues and destroys them. Toxins in the environment, exposure to pollution, and everyday poisons found in food, electronics, clothing, and household products all contribute to an increased risk of autoimmune diseases.
Autoimmune diseases encompass over 100 unique types, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and celiac disease, among others. These are characterized by inflammatory immune responses that cause the body to attack its own organs and tissues.
Understanding Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases are generally the result of communication breakdowns between the body’s cells. Immune cells can no longer tell the difference between healthy tissues and harmful invaders. This causes confusion within the immune system.
Women are three times more likely to develop an autoimmune disease than men. This may be driven in part by higher levels of accumulated toxins, which can bind to estrogen receptors and disrupt vital functions. Certain autoimmune diseases that develop in men, such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis, tend to be more severe.
Both men and women who live in highly polluted environments and are exposed to toxins such as pesticides and heavy metals are more likely to develop autoimmune diseases.
Fighting Autoimmune Diseases
Conventional treatments for autoimmune diseases involve controlling flare-ups with medications. However, this approach does not address the root cause of the problem and can have severe side effects.
As an integrative physician, my approach focuses on restoring balance and regulation to the immune system. My top recommendations include:
- Regulate sleep patterns: Establish a consistent sleep schedule to give your body the rest it needs. This will help regulate other systems in your body, including the immune system.
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Engage in regular exercise: Follow a regular exercise program to maintain proper regulation of immune and other functions. Simple 15-minute walks, yoga, and Qi Gong are excellent forms of exercise that help reduce stress and maintain healthy circulation.
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Follow a whole foods diet: Food allergies to items such as gluten, sugar, and dairy can trigger flare-ups. Strict adherence to a healthy, unprocessed diet has proven successful in reducing the severity and frequency of flare-ups.
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Natural supplements: Choose nutritional supplements that focus on regulation and balance of the immune system. Medicinal mushrooms and botanicals that regulate inflammation are critical in managing autoimmune diseases. Antioxidants can help scavenge free radicals and soothe inflammatory responses.
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Detoxification: Gentle detoxification through the removal of heavy metals and toxins is essential for managing autoimmune diseases. Modified citrus pectin and modified alginates can safely remove these substances from the body. Choose natural, organic alternatives to conventional food and household products to avoid further exposure to harmful chemicals.
Autoimmune diseases can often be successfully controlled through proper regulation of the body’s response systems using diet, healthy lifestyle patterns, and nutritional supplements. It is essential to take proactive steps to promote a well-regulated immune system that can fight against diseases rather than cause them.
