Auto Immune Disease
Auto Immune Disease
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What is auto immune disease?
Your immune system is meant for fighting against foreign pathogens such as bacteria and viruses when they enter your body. The immunity cells (white blood cells) will identify the foreign cells, attack and wipe them off your body. But, if a person has autoimmune disease, then the immunity cells stop differentiating the foreign cells from the body cells. As a result, the immune system releases auto- antibodies that attack the healthy cells of the body tissues instead of just fighting the infection.
Early symptoms, such as fatigue and joint pain, mimic those of other medical conditions, making diagnosis challenging. These conditions can be temporary or, more commonly, lifelong. They're sometimes referred to as "invisible disabilities," since people may not appear outwardly ill despite dealing with significant issues.
Co-Occurrence
It's not uncommon for people who have one autoimmune disease to develop another. This can be related to a genetic predisposition or a common trigger. An example is a combination of rheumatoid arthritis with autoimmune thyroiditis, or the combination of celiac disease with type 1 diabetes, autoimmune liver disease, or rheumatoid arthritis. The term multiple autoimmune syndrome is used to describe people who have three or more autoimmune diseases. There are different types of this syndrome, but frequently one of the three conditions is skin-related (such as alopecia aerate or vitiligo )
When, say, a virus enters the body, it mounts an immune response. Lymphocytes and other immune cells rush to the rescue, creating inflammation. T lymphocytes are part of the innate response and function to eliminate any type of intruder. B lymphocytes are part of the learned response and produce antibodies that specifically target the threat.
Ordinarily, the immune system does not attack the body's own cells, and there are several regulatory steps (such as T helper cells) that work to prevent autoimmunity. But it does happen.
There are several different ways in which an autoimmune reaction may be created. These include:
- When a foreign substance or microbe resembles the body: An example of this is rheumatic fever , in which proteins found in group A strep bacteria resemble proteins in the heart muscle; as a result, antibodies attack the heart.
- When normal body cells are altered: An example of this mechanism is a virus altering a body cell so that it is recognized as "non-self" by the immune system.
- When immune cells that make antibodies ( B cell lymphocytes) malfunction and make abnormal antibodies that attack normal cells in the body
- When a substance in the body that is normally hidden from the immune system (such as the fluid within the eye) enters the bloodstream and triggers a response
- Autoimmunity does not necessarily mean autoimmune disease. For example, the body may produce antibodies against itself (autoantibodies) that are involved in cleaning up debris after an infection. With an autoimmune disease, the reaction causes inflammation and tissue damage
- Anaphylactic
- Cytotoxic
- Immune complex
- Cell mediated (Delayed response)
● Thymus
● Lymph nodes
● Spleen
● Appendix
● Bone Marrow
- Pancreas
- Thyroid gland
- Joints
- Blood vessels
- Red blood cells
- Connective tissue
- Muscles
- Skin
Types of Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases can affect a single organ or multiple organs. Each disease is characterized by unique antibodies that detect and target specific proteins on cells called antigens. Some of these antigens reside on a single organ (causing an organ-specific autoimmune disease), while others exist on many organs (causing a systemic or generalized autoimmune disease)
- Stage 1 : Pre-clinical
- Stage 2 : Synovitis
- Stage 3 : Destruction
- Stage 4 : Deformity
- Fatigue
- Low-grade fever (often a fever that comes and goes)
- Weight changes
- Swelling and redness
- Dizziness
- Muscle and/or joint pain and swelling
- Difficulty concentrating
- Skin rashes
- Digestive issues
- A general feeling of being unwell
- Impaired vision
- Tingling and numbness in arms and feet
- Hair loss
- Difficulty in concentrating
- Joint symptoms, such as redness, pain, and joint swelling that is more severe than would be expected with osteoarthritis
- Skin rashes, such as a "butterfly rash" on the face with lupus
- Vasculitis inflammation of blood vessels that can lead to damage wherever blood vessels are affected (e. g aneurysms )
- Many autoimmune conditions are suspected based on a particular combination of symptoms, although two people can have the same diagnosis and a very different combination of symptoms.
- Myocarditis
- Synovitis
History :The diagnostic process begins with a careful history, though this can be frustrating since many people have seemingly unrelated symptoms.
Physical Examination : A physical exam can sometimes suggest an autoimmune condition based on joint swelling, characteristic rashes, and more, but further testing is most often needed.
There isn't one single test that can diagnose autoimmune diseases conclusively (with rare exceptions such as with type 1 diabetes), and evaluation usually includes a number of tests.
- CBC Complete Blood count
- ESR -Erythrocytes Sedimentation Rate
- CRP-C Reactive Protein
- Ferritin
- Oligoclonal Band
- Immunophenotyping
- Comprehensive metabolic Panel
- Thyroid peroxidase antibodies test
- ANA -Anti nuclear antibody
- dsDNA-double stranded DNA
- ENA -Anti extractable nuclear antigen
- RF- Rheumatoid factor
- Auto CCP Autoantibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptide
- Compliments
- Immunoglobulins
- Cryoglobulins
Imaging studies may be used when evaluating specific symptoms related to autoimmune conditions, such as
X-rays of joints that are swollen
Echocardiogram
Ultrasound of the heart if pericardial effusion is suspected.Typically, a positive antinuclear antibody test (ANA) indicates the presence of an autoimmune disease. However, it cannot help in identifying which autoimmune disorder has been developed.
Testing for specific auto-antibodies based on symptoms can help in determining certain autoimmune diseases. And, testing C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in your blood can help doctors measure the level of inflammation in your body.
- The thyroid gland is targeted in Graves disease.
- The endocrine pancreas is targeted in type 1 diabetes.
- Skin cells are targeted in vitiligo.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Scleroderma
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- Dermatomycosis
Some of the more common organ-specific autoimmune diseases include:
Autoimmune Thyroid Disease
Autoantibodies may result in the destruction of thyroid tissue and hypothyroidism, as with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, or in the stimulation of thyroid tissue and hyperthyroidism, as with Graves' disease. With both of these conditions, the symptoms may develop rapidly or occur slowly over time. Autoimmune thyroid disease is very common and thought to be greatly under-diagnosed.
Hypothyroidism may cause symptoms including fatigue, weight gain, constipation, and hair loss, and the condition is treated with lifelong thyroid hormone replacement medication.
Hyperthyroidism, in contrast, often causes nervousness, anxiety, sweating, and heat intolerance, and it may be treated with anti-thyroid drugs, surgery, or radioactive iodine therapy to destroy the gland.
Graves’ disease.
Graves disease is a disorder that affects about 1 in 200 people, and is the most common cause of overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism Meaning, in Graves' disease, your immune system attacks the thyroid gland in the neck and causes it to produce way more thyroid hormone than your body actually requires. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that`s located low on the front of the neck below your Adam’s apple. It controls your metabolism with a few specific hormones which are created by the thyroid and tell your body’s cells how much energy to use. Therefore, thyroid hormones affect just about every organ in your body, even the way your heart beats, and too much thyroid hormones may cause symptoms such as a fast heartbeat, nervousness, weight loss and heat intolerance. Without treatment, hyperthyroidism, may lead to severe complications with the heart, bones, muscles, menstrual cycle, fertility, and cause health problems for the mother as well as for the baby during pregnancy. Graves’ disease also can affect your eyes (also called Graves eye disease, Graves ophthalmopathy or Graves orbitopathy), which occurs in around 30% of those who have Graves’ disease, or/and skin (Graves’ dermopathy). Graves disease is a serious health condition and needs to be treated by your healthcare provider. However, along with conventional treatment you may find help in some vitamins, lifestyle changes, home remedies, and changes in diet. People with endometriosis had higher rates of Graves disease. One of these potential links between Graves disease and endometriosis is autoimmunity.
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Type 1 diabetes.
A chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin. In type 1 diabetes, the immune system antibodies attack and destroy the hormone insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Without the necessary amount of insulin, glucose builds up in the bloodstream instead of going into the cells. This buildup of glucose in the blood is called hyperglycemia (the technical term for high blood glucose (blood sugar). High blood sugar may damage blood vessels and organs like heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. Individuals with type 1 diabetes need insulin injections to survive
Type 1 diabetes, which often arises during childhood or young adulthood, occurs when autoantibodies destroy the beta cells in the pancreas that are responsible for making insulin. Symptoms may include thirst, increased urination, and when severe, diabetic coma.
Type 1 diabetes is treated with lifelong insulin replacement , and careful monitoring is needed to avoid complications such as kidney failure, retinopathy, and heart disease
Psoriasis
Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Psoriasis is a common chronic skin condition that causes raised, red, scaly patches (commonly with silver-white scales of plaque) on the skin . This skin disease accelerates the life cycle of skin cells. It causes skin cells to multiply too quickly and build up rapidly on the surface of the skin. Psoriasis may take shape in various forms, each with its own symptoms and seriousness level. For instance, psoriasis is often considered as only a skin condition, however, it can also cause psoriatic arthritis which affects about 30% of people with psoriasis and causes swelling, stiffness and pain in the joints. Patients with psoriasis often have a liver disease and deficiencies in bile acids, weakened intestinal barrier, or a leaky gut syndrome. Therefore, there can be many different accompanying health conditions. Conventional treatment can be very useful. However, sometimes it’s not the only solution or only gives a non-permanent effect as it does not treat the cause of the disease. Therefore, there are also many natural remedies for your overall health to relieve this disease, and , psoriatic diet is one of them.
Psoriasis occurs when the immune system erroneously sends signals to skin cells to grow too rapidly. There are several forms of psoriasis, the most common being plaque psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis is characterized by raised (often itchy) red patches called plaques that occur most frequently on the knees, lower back, scalp, and elbows.
The treatment options for psoriasis depend on the type and severity. For those who have psoriasis, it is important to screen for a related autoimmune condition called Psoriatic arthritis.
Addison's disease
Addison’s disease, also called adrenal insufficiency. Addison’s disease is an uncommon condition that affects the adrenal glands (located just above the kidneys), which produce the hormones cortisol and aldosterone as well as androgen hormones. Therefore, in Addison’s disease when adrenal glands are affected – your body doesn’t make enough of these hormones such as cortisol and, often, also aldosterone anymore. Deficiency of cortisol can influence the way the body uses and stores carbohydrates and sugar (glucose). Having too little of aldosterone will cause sodium loss and excess potassium in the bloodstream. Symptoms of Addison’s disease include low blood sugar, weakness, fatigue, and weight loss.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS), also known as encephalomyelitis disseminata.
This disorder works by affecting the patient's central nervous system and may ultimately lead to paralysis. Under this condition the body's immunity starts attacking and destroying the protective sheath covering the nerves, resulting in disrupted communication between body and the brain. Early symptoms include double vision, blurred vision ,distortion of green and red colour etc.
MS is a potentially disabling, demyelinating disease (demyelinating disorders are conditions that damage myelin, the insulating covers that surrounds nerve cells, in your central nervous system) in which the protective coating of nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain are attacked by the immune system and damaged. This damage to the myelin disrupts the capability of parts of the nervous system to transfer signals between your brain and the rest of your body. MS has a wide range of signs and symptoms, including physical, mental, and sometimes psychiatric problems. Some symptoms may include numbness, muscle weakness, double vision, blindness in one eye, balance issues, and troubles with walking, sensation or coordination. MS takes several forms, which progress at different rates with new symptoms either occurring in isolated attacks (relapsing forms) or building up over time (progressive forms). Between attacks, symptoms may disappear completely. However, persistent neurological issues often remain, especially as the disease progresses. About 50% of MS patients need help walking within 15 years after the disease starts.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition in which autoantibodies attack the fatty sheath (myelin) that covers the nerves and is necessary for nerves to work properly. The disease can have many different symptoms depending on the particular area of the nervous system that's affected but may include vision problems, sensory disturbances like numbness and tingling, bladder issues, weakness, loss of coordination, tremors, and more.
Myasthenia gravis (MG)
Myasthenia gravis (MG). (Rare auto immune disease) Neuromuscular disease in which weakness of skeletal muscles happens. This happens when the communication between muscles and nerve cell become impaired due to certain deficiencies in chemicals. A disease in which the immune system eats away at the protecting covering of nerves, Myasthenia gravis is a long-term neuromuscular autoimmune disease that affects nerve impulses that help the brain control the muscles, and causes varying degrees of skeletal muscle weakness that gets worse with activity and improves with rest. The most commonly affected muscles are those that control facial movements, eye movements, eyelid opening, and swallowing, chewing, speaking and walking. It can result in drooping eyelids, double vision, trouble talking, and problems with walking .
Myositis
Myositis is a rare disease that involves inflammation of the muscles. This can present with a variety of symptoms such as skin involvement (i.e., rashes), muscle weakness, and other organ involvement. Systemic symptoms such as weight loss, fatigue, and low fever can also present. 3 Types : Body Myositis 9degenerative muscle disease, Polymyositis (affecting multiple muscles at the same time) and Dermatomyositis 9affecting your skin and muscles. Symptoms : Muscle weakness and pain in difficulty in walking, climbing stairs, getting up from squat position, combing hairs etc. Skin rashes, Persistent fever, Weight loss, Multiple organ involvement, including the heart and lungs,, as we;; as difficulty in eating ( in severe cases). Causes &Prevention : Exact cause is unknown but the root cause id autoimmune. In which the body starts making antibodies against its own healthy tissues. "Some known causes includes injury, viral or bacterial, fungal, protozoal, parasitic or TB infection. Some drugs can cause myopathy includes Steroids, statin, colchicine, zidovudine and hydro chloroquine. A few myositis causes cancer. There is no way to prevent the condition as such. Some precaution like avoiding smoking. and consuming plant, and grain based Mediterranean diet. Diagnosis : Among the first sign is muscle weakness, particularly in the proximal group of muscles (those close to the center of the body)It is confirmed through certain test, including elevated blood levels of muscle enzymes(CPK,LDH etc. Autoimmune marker (ANA, Anti ENA myositis specific antibodies), electromyogram and muscle biopsy. Muscle tissue is examined by conventional light microscopy and when appropriate electron microscopy. Treatment : Once the cause is identified treatment is direct towards the specific infective agent or by immediately putting an and to the consumption of the offending drug. In case where no cause is found the medication of choice is high dose of steroids and immuno suppressive drugs. Physiotherapy has a key role to play in managing myositis. Since the muscle remain in the position of rest for long it becomes difficult to bring back movement after treatment. so one has to go through physiotherapy and rehabilitation. In some cases patient may require prolonged therapy. Physiotherapy treatment of choice.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)
Guillain - Barr'e syndrome is a condition in which autoantibodies attack the support cells that line nerves. It often occurs after a viral infection (and rarely, after a flu shot), and it's thought that portions of the infectious organism resemble parts of the nervous system.
GBS often begins with weakness and changes in sensation in the feet and hands. As the condition ascends up the body, it can become life-threatening without prompt medical care. (Paralysis of the diaphragm requires respiratory support with a ventilator.)
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy is a neurological disorder in which similarly to Guillain-Barre syndrome, the immune system attacks your body’s nerves. But in case CIDP, symptoms last much longer. Depending on a person, symptoms may differ, but usually include tiredness and areas of pain and numbness. This disorder can slow your reflexes and make your arms and legs feel weak. If not diagnosed and treated early enough, around 30% of patients can become confined to a wheelchair. Treatment for CIDP and GBS are essentially the same.
Systemic autoimmune diseases can bring about many different issues, as their effects are felt throughout the body. Examples include:
Pernicious anemia
Pernicious anemia. This is a disorder in which the body cannot make enough healthy red blood cells because it doesn’t have enough vitamin B12 (naturally found in animal products, including fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk, and milk products). Pernicious anemia causes deficiency of a protein, produced by stomach lining cells, known as intrinsic factor that is needed in order for the small intestine to absorb vitamin B-12 from food. Inadequate amounts of vitamin B12 will lead to anemia, and the body’s ability for proper DNA synthesis will be altered. Your body also needs vitamin B12 to make healthy red blood cells and to keep its nervous system function properly. Pernicious anemia affects 0.1 % of people in general, but almost 2 % of people over age 60, therefore, this condition is more common in older adults.
Hemolytic Anemia
Hemolytic anemia. Hemolytic anemia happens when the immune system demolishes your red blood cells. This destruction leads to an oxygen deficiency, which causes symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, headache, cold hands or feet, fatigue, yellow whites of the eyes or skin, and cardiovascular problems, including heart failure
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, or SLE). Lupus is considered a chronic disease that causes inflammation of connective tissues. However the causes of lupus are unknown. It can influence any organ in your body including kidneys, joints, lungs, walls of blood vessels, heart, etc. Lupus often mimics the symptoms of some other health conditions, such as tiredness, joint pain, swelling, rash, and fever. The symptoms of lupus may vary from person to person depending on the weakest place of the individual. Some will have more external symptoms, such as rash on the skin, while in others the disease manifests itself internally. The disease is more common in women (90% of lupus patients are women), and especially among young women. Also the risk of illness is higher if the disease has previously occurred in the family
Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) is an autoimmune disease that affects multiple organs and has widespread effects. The Symptoms of lupus may include joint pain, skin rashes, kidney problems, inflammation of the lung and/or heart, anemia, increased clotting (thrombosis), memory problems, and more.
Treatment includes lifestyle measures (such as sun protection and smoking cessation) and medications such as corticosteroids , antimalarial agents, and immunosuppressive drugs.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
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. Unlike osteoarthritis ("wear and tear" arthritis), the damage in RA is due to inflammation, and the symptoms are more severe.
Without early and aggressive treatment, deformity of joints usually occurs. The same joints are usually affected on both sides of the body, and the small joints of the hands and feet are often involved. In addition to joint inflammation (synovitis), people with RA may develop lumps beneath the skin (subcutaneous nodules), pleural effusion, inflammation of the lining of the heart (pericarditis), and more.
Polymyalgia Rheumatica
A disease with inflammatory disorder causing muscle pain and stiffness around the shoulders and hips.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
It is an inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine and large joints.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term for two health conditions that cause inflammation in the lining of the intestinal wall. This prolonged and continuous inflammation leads to gastrointestinal tract damage. Each type of IBD affects a different part of the GI tract:
- Ulcerative colitis Affects the lining of the large intestine (colon) and the rectum.
- Crohn's disease Can inflame any part of the GI tract (from the mouth to the anus). Most often it affects the portion of the small intestine before the large intestine/colon
Symptoms may include diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloody stools, weight loss, and fatigue.
Treatment often includes a combination of medications and surgery, as well as careful monitoring as both conditions are associated with an increased risk of developing colon cancer.
Celiac disease
A chronic digestive and immune disorder that damages small intestine and is triggered by eating foods containing glutens. Its symptoms include diarrheas, fatigue, weight loss, bloating, gas, abdominal pain nausea, vomiting and constipation. While there is no cure for it, patient can prevent long term complications by consuming gluten free diet.
Individuals with celiac disease can’t eat gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye, barley and other grain products). Because, if they do so, and the gluten is in the small intestine, the immune system responds by attacking the small intestine, and causes inflammation and damage to this part of the gastrointestinal tract. Any gluten intolerance does not mean you have Celiac disease.
Sjogren's Syndrome
Sjogren's syndrome (SjS, SS). This is a long-term autoimmune disease that influences the body’s moisture-producing (lacrimal and salivary) glands. These glands provide lubrication to the eyes and mouth. Sjogren's syndrome also often severely affects other organs systems, such as the kidneys, lungs and nervous system. Main symptoms are dry eyes and mouth, fatigue and pain. Characteristic symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome include dry eyes and dry mouth, but it may also affect the skin and joints .
In Sjogren's syndrome (SIS), autoantibodies attack glands that manufacture tears and saliva. This leads to dry eyes, a dry mouth, and related consequences such as dental decay, loss of the sense of taste, and more. Joint pain and other symptoms may also occur.
For roughly half of the people with SJS, the syndrome occurs alone, while it is associated with another autoimmune condition such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or scleroderma in others.
Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Antiphospholipid syndrome is a common autoimmune condition that involves autoantibodies against certain proteins in the blood, which results in abnormal clotting. It is often first diagnosed in women as a cause of frequent miscarriages or preterm births, or when blood clots and/or bruising occur without an obvious cause.
The formation of clots can also lead to heart attacks (when they occur in the blood vessels in the heart) or strokes (when clots occur in the brain).
Autoimmune vasculitis
Autoimmune vasculitis, also called Vasculitis. In vasculitis the immune system attacks blood vessels causing inflammation and narrowing of blood vessels (arteries, veins and capillaries), therefore, allowing less blood to flow through them. As these vessels carry blood to and from the heart and the body’s organs, severe narrowing of blood vessels can lead to organ damage or death. This disorder can influence any organ, so symptoms vary widely and can happen almost anywhere in the body
Vitiligo
Causes
- Auto-immune disorder that occurs due to lack of a pigment called melanin. " Melanin is produced by skin cells called melanocytes. It is responsible for the skin colour. In vitiligo, the lack of melanin in the skin leads to white patches to develop in skin and hair.
- 20% of cases can be inherited
- Stress is an added factor that derives the condition. It acts as a catalyst.
Myth about Vitiligo
- People say milk and fish taken together cause vitiligo, but there is no scientific basis for this.
- Some believe vitiligo is incurable. The truth is when treatment is started early enough, near complete recoloration is possible. But long term medicines may be. Needed to maintain the cure.
The challenges
- Although vitiligo is mainly a cosmetic condition, people with it may experience a variety of problems.
- People with vitiligo are more likely to get other autoimmune diseases such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, pernicious anemia and more.
- They feel embarrassed or anxious. An acceptance by society may help the person to deal with fewer challenges.
How to embrace it whole heartedly
We are not different. Over the years, it was realized that focusing on your self and ignoring other people's opinions is the key to growth. Its never that easy to accept yourself the way you are, but once you do it , there is no stopping.. My mantra is : your skin doesn't define you, You don't need anyone's validation., Just be yourself. Society has its own definition of 'perfect' and 'beautiful' but you have to ignore it all and define it on your own. Another one id 'Grow through what you go through'.. You may have many rough patches throughout your journey, but use you weakness as your strength., and show the world you are not different. All of us with vitiligo are just like you.
Chosen to fulfill a purpose : When a question comes why me ? You should remind yourself that you were chosen to fulfill a purpose, to spread awareness about vitiligo.
Alopecia Areata
A sudden hair loss that starts with one or more circular bald patches that may overlap.
Vasculitis
An inflammation of blood vessels that causes changes in the blood vessel walls.
Temporal arteritis
An inflammation of blood vessels called arteries, in and around the scalp.
Foods To Consume
1. Seasonal fruits in moderation
2. Green leafy vegetables and tubers such as sweet potatoes, yams, etc.
3. Herbs and spices such as ginger, garlic basil, cilantro, lemongrass, sage, turmeric, cinnamon, bay leaves, cloves, saffron, etc. that are not derived from seeds.
4. Healthy fats from minimally processed vegetable oils, coconut oil, or olive oil.
5. Fish, other seafood, poultry, and organ meat, which is minimally processed.
6. Bone broth
7. Black and green tea along with other herbal teas made of ginger, chamomile, mint, etc.
8. Natural sweeteners such as honey and maple syrup in moderate levels.
9. Sugar-free vinegars
Vedix Tip: Ensure you include the foods that keep your Ayurvedic doshas in balance in your diet. The balanced functioning of your immune system also depends on the equilibrium of your Ayurvedic doshas.
- Eat healthy, well-balanced meals. Make sure to include fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fat-free or low-fat milk products, and lean sources of protein.
- Get regular physical activity.
- Get enough rest.
- Reduce stress
- .olive oil.
- green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and collards.
- Green tea can work wonders when it comes to inflammation, and it’s a potent food for autoimmune diseases
- nuts like almonds and walnuts.
- fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines.
- fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges
- The right diet can help ease pain and heal autoimmune diseases. In general, focus on fruits, vegetables, healthy fats and fish.
- Turmeric is especially beneficial for fighting inflammation, and research shows that it may help soothe some autoimmune or inflammation-related symptoms. However, curcumin is hard for the body to absorb. So, to increase its availability, combine it with black pepper and try heating it, both of which make it easier for the body to use.
B. Foods To Avoid
1. Grains
2. Dairy
3. Red meat
4. Legumes
5. Nuts
6. Seeds
7. Nightshade vegetables
8. Eggs
9. Processed vegetable oils
10. Caffeine
11. Alcohol
12. Refined and processed sugars
13 . Food additives and artificial sweeteners
- Avoid Fermented foods: Ayurveda believes that they deplete your body of ojas or its strength and vigor. This means all fermented foods should be off limits. "The problem with fermented foods is that they tend to block the various channels of the body, restricting the flow of energy. So avoid foods like bread, idlis, dosas, dhoklas, yoghurt, yeast and alcohol," says Dr Gandhi.
- grains, gluten, dairy, refined and added sugars, alcohol, coffee, and nightshades
- Processed food should be avoided at all cost.
- Avoid Raw foods
Raw foods and salads tend to hamper the digestive fire because they are more difficult to break down than cooked foods." Holistically speaking, compromised gut health is at the root of most diseases today. The process of digestion, absorption and assimilation of food should be balanced for overall health.
Conventional medical treatments for autoimmune diseases focus on reducing the inflammation in the body tissues by controlling the overactivity of the immune response.
- Ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, celecoxib, mefenamic acid, etoricoxib, etc. are some of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used in autoimmune condition treatments.
- Corticosteroids such as prednisone, calcineurin inhibitors such as cyclosporine and tacrolimus, mTOR inhibitors such as sirolimus, etc. are some of the other immunosuppressants used to control the inflammation.
- Hormone replacement and blood transfusions are involved if necessary, especially in cases where blood cells are attacked.
Your doctor may prescribe medications to relieve you from specific symptoms of autoimmune diseases such as skin rashes, muscle pain, fatigue, etc.
Important Note:
You need to intake immunosuppressants [6] only as per the prescription of your doctor as they may interfere with many other medications and preexisting conditions.
The treatments for autoimmune diseases vary with the particular disease. For many of these conditions, the course is unpredictable, and treatments may need to change over time.
In general, treatment can be thought of as consisting of:
● Managing symptoms: For example, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) may be taken to control joint pain.
● Hormone replacement: For conditions such as type I diabetes or autoimmune hypothyroidism, insulin or thyroid hormone are given.
● Controlling inflammation: Medications such as corticosteroids and tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (biologic drugs) are needed to control inflammation related to many autoimmune conditions. What is an example of a biologic drug? Some examples of biologics include hormones, blood products, cytokines, growth factors, vaccines, gene and cellular therapies, fusion proteins, insulin, interferon, and monoclonal antibody (mAb) products. Patients receive biologics mainly by injection under the skin (subcutaneously) or by intravenous infusion.
● Preventing complications: Careful blood sugar control is needed in people with type 1 diabetes to reduce complications, whereas early and aggressive treatment is needed with rheumatoid arthritis to prevent joint deformity.
Most autoimmune conditions are relapsing-remitting disorder. It can be hard to predict when you will feel well and when you won't. In addition, many people with these disorders appear outwardly healthy, sometimes leading to less understanding and support from friends and loved ones.
That said, there are many things that people with autoimmune disease can do themselves to better cope with the day-to-day frustration and symptoms:
● Eat a healthy diet: For those who have diabetes, monitoring diet is critical. For others with an autoimmune disease, a diet that promotes healthy gut bacteria may be helpful.
● Practice good sleep hygiene: Get an adequate amount of rest every night, and try to wake up and go to sleep at the same time each day.
● Exercise: Mild to moderate exercise is important for most people, but not pushing it and knowing when to stop is equally important.
● Practice stress management: Stress management is helpful when coping with any medical condition, and especially important with a stressful condition such as autoimmune disease.
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● Know your triggers: With some conditions, there are triggers that are associated with flares of the disease. It's helpful to identify them and then look at ways to reduce your exposure.
● Steroids or immuno suppressants drugs
Some groups are based on specific conditions, whereas others are symptom-based. The National Coalition of Autoimmune Patient Groups is a good place to begin when looking for these communities.
If you or a loved one are coping with an autoimmune disease, it's important to be your own advocate. The journey to a diagnosis, and later to effective treatment, can be frustrating and even lonely.
Tulasi(basil), brahmi(bacopa monerie), biranjasipha(yarrow), anantmool(hemidesmus-indicus), kumari(aloe vera), shatavari(asparagus racemosus), ashwagandha (withania somnifera), hops, guduchi(tinospora cordifolia), haldi(turmeric), nimba(neem), akanadi (cissampelos pareira), shankapushpi (morning glory), shalaparni (desmodium gangeticum), amla (Indian gooseberry), vidang ( embelia ribes in), yashtimadhu(licorice), haritaki(terminalia chebula), etc. are some of the herbal immunomodulators that can help you control autoimmune disorders naturally.
“The phytoconstituents such as flavonoids, sapogenins, thiosulfinates, terpenoids, volatile oils, alkaloids, coumarins, and glycosides present in these herbs are responsible for stronger immunomodulatory activity,” says Dr. Zeel.
Immunomodulator herbs are chosen and used for a series of Ayurvedic processes as per your specific autoimmune conditions and dosha levels.
A. Toxin Removal
As the first step, Ayurveda works to eliminate the accumulated ‘ama’ from your body tissues. Herbs such as haritaki, maricha, saindhav lavan, hingu, pippali, shunthi are used for this detoxification process.
B. Metabolism Correction
The next step to control your autoimmune activity involves correcting your vitiated metabolism. Herbs such as guggulu, vasa, ghrita, patola patra, guduchi, nimba, etc. are used in this therapy.
C. Enhancing Ojas Production
The dysfunctioning of your immune system occurs when the ojas production in your body depletes. Hence, Ayurveda focuses on increasing ojas production with herbs such as haridra, amalaki, yashtimadhu, pippali, nirgundi, manjistha, guduchi, etc.
D. Immune System Correction
Finally, Ayurvedic treatments work to correct your immune system by modulating the response of your immune cells along with rejuvenating your immune system. Herbs such as haritaki, amalaki, dadim, ela, bahera, ghrita, etc, can help in bringing your immune system to normal functioning.
“Ayurveda works with a holistic approach to find out the root causes that trigger autoimmune responses in your body. Besides, these herbs also help in reducing the inflammation in the body,” says Dr. Zeel.
When To Consult A Doctor?
It is better to consult your doctor immediately as you notice the symptoms of autoimmune diseases as some of the conditions can eventually result in multi-organ failure.
- You can visit a rheumatologist for treating autoimmune conditions related to joints such as rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, and Sjögren’s syndrome.
- Visit a gastroenterologist for treating autoimmune conditions related to the GI tract such as Crohn’s disease and celiac condition.
- Consult an endocrinologist to treat conditions related to glands such as Graves’ disease, Addison’s disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, etc.
- When you notice autoimmune symptoms related to the skin as in the case of psoriasis, consult your dermatologist immediately.
Important Note:
Never administer any Ayurvedic or conventional medications and treatments mentioned in this article to treat autoimmune disorders without consulting your doctor.
The Last Word
Often, autoimmune diseases are difficult to diagnose as the symptoms of most of the conditions overlap and there are more than 80 different autoimmune disorders known to us. Ayurveda recommends the right diet that reduces inflammation naturally while maintaining your dosha balance to control autoimmune diseases. Also, there are immunomodulating medicinal herbs that work to improve the functioning of specific organs that are attacked by auto-antibodies.
At Vedix, we formulate customized immune-boosting Ayurvedic capsules based on your doshas and unique health concerns.
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