Our bodies are exposed to countless assaults from our modern environment, including poor diets, fast-paced lifestyles, and widespread exposure to toxins. These factors have contributed to an increase in “Western diseases,” with autoimmune disorders quickly rising to the top of the list.
Autoimmune diseases (AI) are characterized by overactive, inflammatory, and self-destructive immune responses. In essence, the immune system turns against the body and attacks its organs and tissues. While there is no known cure for AI, conventional treatment options generally focus on suppressing immunity and inflammation with powerful drugs. However, AI diseases such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, and many others are increasingly being linked to environmental pollution and everyday toxins commonly found in conventional foods, household items, and body products.
Genetic Predispositions and the Role of Toxins and Allergens
For years, it was widely believed that a genetic predisposition was the primary cause of AI diseases. However, immunotoxicology, the study of how toxins affect our immune systems, has proven this assumption to be incorrect. Although experts still believe that a genetic predisposition may elevate some individual’s risk, data from immunotoxicology studies indicate that the ongoing AI epidemic is being influenced by more widespread factors. We live in a heavily polluted world and need to actively protect ourselves from these toxins.
AI diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes-1, multiple sclerosis, and celiac disease occur when the immune system can no longer distinguish between healthy tissue and harmful invaders. Generally, T-1 cells direct and orchestrate immune responses, while T-2 cells are responsible for targeting harmful invaders. AI diseases result from a breakdown in communication between these cells, leading to a misdirected immune response and inflammation.
A Holistic Perspective: Why are Women More Susceptible to AI Diseases?
Women are three times more likely to develop AI diseases than men, a complex issue that is still not fully understood. One possible reason is that women may accumulate more toxins in their bodies, which disrupt cellular functions and lead to immune system imbalances. Individuals regularly exposed to pesticides, dioxins, hydrocarbons, and heavy metals are up to four times more likely to suffer from AI diseases.
Research indicates that even small doses of toxins can adversely affect immune cell function at every stage of the complex cellular signaling process, including increasing the likelihood of chronic inflammation flare-ups, which are characteristic of many AI diseases.
Natural Treatments for AI Diseases
Conventional AI treatments primarily involve symptom management and do not address the root causes of the autoimmune disorder. One possible alternative is dietary management, since food allergies can play a significant role in AI flare-ups. Adhering to a healthy, unprocessed diet has been proven to reduce the severity and frequency of AI-related symptoms.
The primary goal of integrative management of AI diseases is to re-establish critical biological cycles by regulating diet, exercise, rest, and sleep patterns. Nutritional supplements can be used to help regulate immune system responses. Medicinal mushrooms, for example, help “educate” immune cells and promote appropriate immune responses. Botanicals that regulate inflammation can also be helpful, as well as high-powered antioxidants that scavenge free radicals and help soothe inflammation. Chelation, the gentle removal of heavy metals and environmental toxins from the body, is another essential protocol consideration for managing AI diseases.
In conclusion, while there is no known cure for AI diseases, they can often be successfully managed through proper regulation of the body’s response systems by using diet, healthy lifestyle patterns, and nutritional supplementation.
