Natural treatment of autoimmune diseases |
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In the last fifty years there has been a real worldwide epidemic of autoimmune diseases, from diabetes, multiple sclerosis, celiac disease, to asthma.
Autoimmune diseases are immunity disorders in which one’s immunity is too strong or too weak to react and thereby destroys the body’s own tissue.
They cause tissue destruction, vulnerability and infections.
There are about 80 types of autoimmune diseases, many of which have similar symptoms.
Sometimes they are therefore difficult to accurately diagnose.
They usually consist of a period of remission, where there are little or no symptoms, followed by a sudden relapse or exacerbation.
Classic treatments of autoimmune diseases mainly include drugs that reduce the activity of the immune system; however a single drug that will act on the causes of the disease does not yet exist.
What types of autoimmune diseases?
Some of the more common autoimmune diseases include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis - inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissue
- Lupus - an inflammatory disease that affects the skin, kidneys, brain and other organs
- Irritable bowel syndrome – a group of bowel diseases
- Celiac disease - intolerance of gluten (wheat protein) in food, which causes damage to the intestines and many other symptoms
- Multiple sclerosis - an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system that affects the brain and spinal cord
- Type 1 diabetes - the destruction of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas
- Psoriasis - a chronic skin disease (flakiness of the skin, redness, thickening of the skin)
- Graves' disease - rapid thyroid hypothyroidism
- Hashimoto - inflammation of the thyroid gland, reduced thyroid, hypothyroidism
- Myasthenia gravis (MG) - fatigue and weakness of the skeletal muscles
- Vasculitis - inflammation of blood vessels
- Vitiligo - white patches on the skin
- Scleroderma - a "hard skin" disease where the connective tissue causes changes in the veins, skin, muscles and organs (heart, lungs)
- Pernicious anemia - decreased number of red blood cells due to the inability to absorb vitamin B12
For a complete list of autoimmune diseases, see here.
Why does the immune system attacks healthy cells?
The first step towards improving health is to understand and control the causes of autoimmune diseases.
In itself it is already a difficult task because the exact cause of autoimmune diseases is still unknown.
There are many theories about the most suspected causes:
- viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites
- medication side effects
- toxins in food
- environmental pollution
- genetic predisposition
- leaky gut syndrome (leaky gut)
Involved in the development of these diseases is a disrupted bacterial intestinal flora (intestinal dysbiosis), allergens, stress, bad eating habits and low levels of vitamins.
Nutrition in autoimmune diseases
People with autoimmune diseases are recommended to start the so-called "autoimmune diet," which includes the intake of anti-inflammatory foods and avoiding those with high inflammatory factors.
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It is necessary to avoid products containing gluten, because they can act and cause an inflammatory immune response.
Many people do not tolerate soy products, peanuts, nuts and protein from milk. Other common allergens are found in plants – nightshade-like plants, including eggplants and tomatoes.
In treating multiple sclerosis the OMS and Swank diet are very successful.
Dong’s diet is a regime in which many may find relief from arthritis.
If you have an autoimmune reaction, be sure to test for food intolerance.
Internal health and autoimmune diseases - what's the connection?
Many alternative doctors believe that leaky gut syndrome is closely associated with autoimmune diseases. How does "permeable gut" come about?
Intestinal dysbiosis is a condition where the balance between pathogenic and beneficial microorganisms in the body are affected.
In today's world, most people have dysbiosis, because the food we consume does not contain enough good bacteria.
In this state, the gut is inhabited by too many harmful microorganisms.
Over time, they damage the intestinal wall and lead to intestinal leaking of too many undigested food particles, toxins and antigens in the bloodstream.
The immune system then registers the particles of undigested food, designates them as foreign and then launches an allergic reaction and inflammation throughout the body.
One of the biggest culprits of this is gluten.
Ejecting gluten from the diet of people with leaky gut syndrome leads to healing the intestines and improves overall health.
For the faster healing of intestine, probiotics, glutamine, butyric acid, gamma linolenic acid, digestive enzymes and vitamin D help.
Environmental pollution
Environmental pollution is considered one of the main causes of autoimmune diseases.
From the 90s about 80,000 chemicals were released into the food market, of which only a few hundred were tested.
148 chemicals can be found in the average human body.
The amount of harmful substances in our bodies pile up from our first day - the umbilical cord of a newborn child was found to have 248 chemicals, pesticides, phthalates, dioxins, mercury and teflon.
Prof. Douglas Kerr from the famous Johns Hopkins University considers chemicals the cause of autoimmune diseases, although conventional medicine is not considered crucial.
Therefore, if you have an autoimmune disease, be sure to test for mercury and other heavy metals.
Avoid exposure to toxic substances as much as possible.
Filter the water you drink, use natural cosmetics and cleaning products, replace Teflon pans with other less reactive dishes.
Amalgam fillings can also cause autoimmune diseases, so it does not hurt to consult with your dentist about healthier alternatives.
The use of supplements and herbs
Autoimmune diseases can be highly progressive if you do not begin to care for your health on time.
Good nutritional support and supplements can greatly help to control symptoms and are one of the most important items in the struggle with these types of diseases.
A study from 1974 tested the blood of patients who had a good chance to develop lupus and rheumatoid arthritis and their levels of beta-carotene, vitamin E and vitamin A.
After 15 years, those who developed the disease showed very low levels of these nutrients, which points to the importance of long-term intake of adequate amounts of these nutrients.
1. Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids
Taking supplements with omega-3 fatty acids or oils that contain omega 6 and gamalinolen acid, is important in the fight against autoimmune diseases because they can relieve a number of symptoms with their broad anti-inflammatory activity.
Valuable sources include flax oil, borage, perille, evening primrose and black currant.
2. DHEA
DHEA is a hormone whose deficiency is associated with a number of chronic and degenerative diseases.
Studies have shown a lack of this hormone in humans suffering from lupus, type 1 Diabetes, and Sjogren's syndrome.
DHEA stimulates immune functions that could be used by those suffering from lupus, asthma, eczema, Crohn's disease, schizophrenia, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome and muscle disease.
DHEA is the most effective supplement in blocking the effect of excessive secretion of the stress hormone cortisol, which is essential in reducing relapses.
3. Milk Thistle (Latin: Silybum marianum)
Taking care of the liver is important for your whole body.
Essential for detoxification of the body, milk thistle expels heavy metals and toxins. The health of the liver is associated with many diseases.
One of the best supplements to clean and maintain the health of the liver is milk thistle.
4. Vitamin D
There is increasing evidence to suggest that vitamin D is a critical link associated with autoimmune diseases.
This vitamin is able to modulate the activity of cells of the immune system, and plays an important role in the recovery of the intestines.
5. Antioxidants
Supplements with antioxidants may help in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
Among the most important are vitamin C, E, beta carotene, proanthocyanidins, coenzyme q10, and selenium.
6. Cannabis
Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug.
Cannabis is the subject of many medical studies in which it regularly shows excellent healing properties.
Recent discoveries have shown that THC acts on DNA, and may be effective in treating arthritis, lupus, colitis, multiple sclerosis and other inflammatory diseases.
7. Peony (Latin: Paeonia lactiflora)
The peony is a plant operates as a immunomodulator and is used for treating arthritis, lupus and hepatitis.
Many of the properties of this plant are useful for patients suffering from autoimmune diseases.
Paeoniflorin - from its roots - is able to modulate the autoimmune response of the body.
The treatment effects of this plant in the clinical studies surpassed strong conventional drugs to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
It is also beneficial in psoriatic arthritis, spondylitis and psoriasis.
8. Plant Extract (Latin: garum armoricum)
Used for reducing stress in hormones, it is essential in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
It is of great benefit to extract armoricum garum, which contains the unique polypeptides that act as precursors of endorphins and other neurotransmitters.
They help to adapt to stressful situations, both mentally and physically.
Other supplements that can be a significant are theanine from green tea and the aforementioned DHEA.
Dosage and administration
The following are general recommendations. It is desirable to consult a doctor of alternative medicine or a nutritionist to help you in choosing the appropriate supplements.
To reduce inflammation
- Omega 3 fatty acids (EPA / DHA) 1400 mg EPA, 1000 mg daily of DHA
- GLA: 300-600 grams per day
- DHEA: 15-25 mg per day for women, and 25-75 mg for men (depending on blood test results)
- Incense: 100 mg daily or 20 mg AKBA
Antioxidant Protection
- Vitamin C: 1-4 grams per day
- Natural Vitamin E: 100-400 IU of alpha-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol 200 mg
- Green tea extract: standardized to 98% polyphenols, 725-1450 mg daily
- Beta carotene: 25,000 IU per day
- Grape seed extract: 100 mg per day
- Coenzyme Q10: 100-200 mg daily
- Selenium: 200 micrograms per day
Protection against glycation (the damage caused by excessive amounts of sugar in the body)
- L carnosine: 500-1500 mg per day
Stronger immunity
- Whiie Peony root extract: 252 mg peoniflorina, approximately 1200 to 1800 mg of extract per day
- Plant sterols: 20 mg per day
- Vitamin D 5000-8000 IU per day, depending on blood tests
Gut health
- Probiotics - as required
- L glutamine: 1-2 g per day
- Butyric acid: according to the instruction of experts
Stress
- Garum armoricum: 210-420 g per day
- L-theanine: 100-400 mg per day
Protection of the liver
- 750 mg to 225 mg of silbinina, 600 mg and 60 mg of silymarin isolibina
The steps that you should make to be sure if you have an autoimmune disease
- Get tested for mercury and other heavy metals
- Get tested for celiac disease, which causes over 60 autoimmune diseases
- Take nutrients and supplements, vitamin D, fatty acids (EPA / DHA, GLA), and probiotics
- Practice deep relaxation
- Regularly cleanse the body
- Eat healthy anti-inflammatory foods
- Make sure that you sleep well
- Exercise regularly
- Stay in the sun and fresh air
How are autoimmune diseases diagnosed?
The tests that are commonly used to detect the type of autoimmune disease are:
- Antinuclear antibody test
- Test autoantibodies
- Complete blood cell test
- Test C-reactive protein
- Testing blood ESR
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