Autoimmune Disease: How to Stop Your Body from Attacking Itself
The incidence of autoimmune disease has tripled in the last few decades. 24 million Americans are now affected. In fact, it affects more women than heart disease and breast cancer combined.
But autoimmune disease isn’t just one condition …
You’re probably familiar with the most common autoimmune diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, type-1 diabetes, hypothyroidism, and psoriasis. But there are many more autoimmune diseases that affect the nervous system, joints and muscles, skin, endocrine gland, and heart.
Simply put, autoimmune diseases are conditions where the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues rather than a foreign molecule like bacteria. This happens when something confuses the immune system. Increasingly, that “something” appears to be the enormous load of environmental toxins to which we are all exposed.
The groundbreaking book, The Autoimmune Epidemic, by Donna Jackson Nakazawa is a breath-taking piece of investigative journalism that seeks the real causes for this epidemic. Her desire to find answers was fueled by her own struggle with autoimmune disease.
Donna lays out very clearly a radical, but unfortunately very true, picture of what’s happening. But she also provides clear solutions for changes in diet, supplements, and our environment that can help people deal with and even reverse autoimmune diseases.
Donna calls the environmental toxins that are, in part, driving the autoimmune epidemic “autogens” -- foreign compounds that create an “auto” reaction, a reaction against the self.
The fact is, these toxins may be the most important cause of autoimmune diseases.
In today’s blog I will review how these toxins influence your health and lead to autoimmune diseases, share some of what Donna explains in her book, and provide 9 tips to help you address autoimmune disease.
Environmental Toxins: The Leading Cause of Autoimmune Disease
We are exposed to astounding amounts of pollution. Over 80,000 chemicals have been introduced into our society since 1900, and only 550 have been tested for safety. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), about 2.5 billion pounds of toxic chemicals are released yearly by large industrial facilities. And 6 million pounds of mercury are poured into our air every year.
In fact, a recent government survey – “The National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals” issued in July 2005 -- found an average of 148 chemicals in our bodies. And those were only the ones for which they tested. (i)
It gets worse …
The Environmental Working Group examined the umbilical cord blood of children just as they emerged from the womb. They found 287 industrial chemicals, including pesticides, phthalates, dioxins, flame-retardants, Teflon, and toxic metals like mercury. And this was before these infants even entered the world!
That’s not to mention the toxins found in our foods and other chemicals typically found in the home, like certain cleaning agents or pest control products – all of which add to the total toxic load on our bodies.
One wonders what all of this poison is doing to our children …
In his foreword to The Autoimmune Epidemic, Dr. Douglas Kerr, M.D., Ph.D., a professor at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, says that “there is no doubt that autoimmune diseases are on the rise and our increasing environmental exposure to toxins and chemicals is fueling the risk. The research is sound. The conclusions, unassailable.”
That environmental toxins are a major cause of autoimmune disease is clear. Yet conventional medicine doesn’t take that into account when treating autoimmune conditions.
Instead, it tries to shut down the immune response with powerful medications including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Advil and Aleve, steroids like prednisone, anti-cancer drugs like methotrexate, and new drugs like Enbrel and Remicade that block the effects of a powerful inflammatory molecule called TNF alpha.
But those new drugs shut down your immune system so powerfully that they increase your risk of cancer or life-threatening infections. And they have frequent and serious side effects and often give only partial relief. These drugs may be lifesaving for some in the short run -- but in the long run they do NOTHING to deal with the causes.
There’s a better way.
I have successfully treated hundreds of patients with autoimmune diseases by addressing the underlying causes, including toxins, infections, allergens, poor diet, and stress. The roadmap of functional medicine takes us right to the root of the problem.I have even seen the results of using functional medicine to treat autoimmune disease in myself, in my wife, and in my patients.
Using Functional Medicine to Heal from Autoimmune Disease
Years ago, I had chronic fatigue syndrome. This condition has autoimmune features and my blood tests clearly showed that my body was attacking itself. Getting rid of my mercury poisoning reversed my chronic fatigue and autoimmune problems.
Similarly, my wife developed debilitating autoimmunity with joint pain and fatigue. Getting rid of the heavy metals in her body with an intensive detoxification program cured her, too.
And this has been true of so many of my patients.
For each one, I have to find all the causes -- toxins, allergens, infections, poor diet, and stress -- and deal with all of them while adding back the things the body needs to function optimally, like whole, clean food, nutrients, exercise, stress management, clean water and oxygen, community, connection, and meaning. When I do this, the results are amazing.
One of my patients had crippling psoriasis and related arthritis. She was 42 and couldn’t walk up and down stairs, get into a bathtub without help, or properly care for her children. Yet just nine months after we started treatment -- including eliminating gluten and other food allergens, removing her heavy metals, and balancing her immune system -- she walked back in my office, not only 30 pounds lighter (remember, being inflamed makes you fat), but completely free of pain and psoriasis.
She’s not alone.
Another man suffered for years with the bloody diarrhea and pain of ulcerative colitis. Dietary changes and various kinds of digestive support helped but he never got better -- until we removed the toxins and mercury from his body.
And a recent patient with debilitating fatigue and scars on her brain from multiple sclerosis got nearly complete relief of her symptoms after she had the mercury fillings removed from her teeth and went on a comprehensive detoxification program. When she repeated her MRI, all of the scars from the MS were gone!
So there are ways you can address autoimmune disease if you or someone you love is suffering. Here is what I recommend.
9 Tips for Addressing Autoimmune Disease
- · Read The Autoimmune Epidemic. This book will tell you why we have this problem, and how to fix it
- · Find a functional medicine doctor who can help you address autoimmunity.
- · Get tested for mercury and other heavy metals.
- · Get tested for celiac disease (an autoimmune reaction to wheat and other gluten-containing grains), which causes over 60 autoimmune diseases. And consider eliminating other inflammatory foods from your diet such as dairy, eggs, corn and animal fats for a few weeks to see if it makes a different your symptoms.
- · Take immune-balancing nutrients and supplements, including vitamin D, essential fats (like EPA/DHA and GLA), and probiotics.
- · Practice deep relaxation daily through yoga, meditation, biofeedback, or anything that reverses the stress response.
- · Practice the precautionary principle, which says that we should avoid anything with the potential for harm. In the US, something has to be proven harmful before it is taken off the market. In Europe, something has to be proven safe before it is allowed on the market. This is also known as “better safe than sorry.”
- · Learn how to boost your body’s own detoxification system.
By addressing the root causes of autoimmune disease, you can start feeling better and getting well today.
Now I’d like to hear from you…
Have you been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease?
How have conventional treatments worked for you?
Do you plan to try any of the lifestyle approaches mentioned here?
Please let me know your thoughts by adding a comment below.
References
(i) Centers for Disease Control. 2005. National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals. http://www.cdc.gov/exposurereport/
Mark Hyman, M.D. practicing physician and founder of The UltraWellness Center is the author of The UltraMind Solution. Dr. Hyman is now sharing the 7 ways to tap into your body’s natural ability to heal itself. You can follow him on Twitter, connect with him on LinkedIn, watch his videos on Youtube and become a fan on Facebook.
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Comments
David & Chris
my wife has been diagnosed with Lupus - what can you suggest for this disease
David
Katherine Kruger
After receiving a tetnus vaccination nearly 10 years ago, I have suffered chronic fatigue, and a very painful body, blood tests revealed a very high immune response and was told my body was at war with itself. and aids like illness.
I also have a mouth full of mercury which I do not have the funds to remove and repair.
Any suggestions to what can be done to improve my quality of life and rid this inflamed condition?
Katherine
Rosalie C. Vanasse
My husband was diagnosed with wegeners granulomatosis syndrome, along with chronic renal insufficiency, bipolar disorder and anemia. He's taking medications to control his high blood pressure, a diuretic, calcium acetate, aranesp, baby aspirin, and a multivitamin. His kidney function is stable at 17% to 19%.
What can we do to help my husband. I'm not a strong believe in modern medicine. I've always maintained that if they treated the cause, then the symptoms would disappear. Plus, he'd have a quieter mind.
Can you provide me with a list of physicians in New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine or Massachusetts that would be able to help us?
Thanks
Rosie
Anonymous
Some of these autoimmune disorders may be brought on by underlying chronic infections such as Lyme disease. Lyme in particular can affect the body's ability to detox and lead to the build-up of heavy metals such as mercury and lead. This is true in my case. I am taking an extensive cocktail of supplements for nutrition and to support detoxification. I'm hoping to ward off the development of auto-immune disorders that can result from untreated chronic infections. I hope Dr. Hyman will comment on his experience with Lyme disease as I suspect it too is a factor behind the illnesses of his many patients.
Anonymous
If I were to take out all my mercury fillings from more then 30 years ago, not only would I have to take out a second mortgage,but i would not have barely anything left. What can be done in place of all that?
Anonymous
What can you tell me about a disease called
"myositis, inclusion body "? I've been told it is an
'auto-immune' condition and apparently, orthodox medical treatments are not very helpful.
gizzardboy
The recoveries when people get rid of certain products seems impressive, but how do you account for all the people who do not show effects? What is behind some people being sensitive while other are not?
auroraborealis
I have multiple sclerosis, transverse myelitis, and cancer (in remission) because I lived in an apartment full of mold. Now I'm stable: no new lesions on last MRI; my doctor would have dropped the MS diagnosis if not for a positive spinal tap.
I never took steroids, but early on while still exposed to the mold, I started cannabis because of the research on mice regarding myelin protection and regeneration. BUT I do everything I can: good diet (ish), Vit D & omegas, co-Q10, stress reduction, exercise, positive ideation. I had all the fillings but the root canal removed around 2000. I react allergicly or with a migraine to sulfites, MSG, all sugar replacements except stevia and agave nectar, and nitrates and avoid as many other artificial ingredients as I can. I am definitely allergic to artificial fragrances and strong chemicals, especially cleaning/laundry products. I believe my allergies help my MS by eliminating all these toxins.
Vince
What is your opinion of Chelation Therapy for taking out heavy metals and calcium from the arteries?
Anonymous
My husband has rheumatoid arthritis but has no obvious symptoms at this time. Recently, we learned he has psoriasis. It has taken months to get a correct diagnosis & in the meantime, he has been miserable. He is about to take the Alcat food sensitivity tests & we will be eliminating foods that he reacts to, hoping that will help. I had these tests done a couple of months ago hoping to help with chronic headaches. In the last month, I have removed everything I am sensitive to from my diet. I am feeling better and as a bonus, I have lost about 15 lbs. We are hoping for similar results for him.
concerned mother
My son is 11, he has had type 1 Diabetes since 2003, is insulin dependent ,have you had any success in helping this disease,? Looking for fresh help
kbdben
It is simply amazing how all of this confusion on health matters, all these sicknesses with the LONG names, all those crying out for help, all these diagnosis/mis-diagnosis etc. etc. keep appearing on these comments pages. I keep seeing all this pain and misery.
It is so simple. Let your body heal itself. YOU become your own doctor. You all need to get with this because out stupid GOV. cannot help you .
GIVE ME A BREAK.
After years of trying to get my wife to join me in doing my 2 to 4 Fasts a year, finally, she agreed to do the 'Master Cleanse' Fast for 10 days after being diagnosed with R.A; yes she had pain and could no longer walk with me in our hilly community. By the 7th day, the confusion of whatever the doctors were calling it went away. I myself knew this would work (plus changing to a very healthy diet of foods) being that I had myself experienced arthritis 5 years ago. Now nearly 80, I have no pain. No problems what-so-ever. My primary doctor is so pissed off with me (I take no drugs, no aspirin etc.) that he did not give me my yearly physical. And dummy me, I feel so great that I did not question him.
OK, have I got your attention. Google the following (use quotes) - "the Master Cleanse"
Read the free booklet and see why doing this Lemon Juice Fast will allow your body to say, "Thank You, Thank You".
Then be amazed that all the testimonials you will read about (in other links from your Google search) will come true for you.
God Help US. But, we have to do the work ourselves to stay and be healthy. Forget about the confusion and those long names the medical profession use to impress us and keep us under their supervision. Do the work and get rid of all those toxins/poisons causing all the confusion in your body.
You can heal yourself of Anything, any disease. Just stop doing what caused you to be sick in the first place, and start doing what will create Powerful Health!
OK, you can wait and continue to suffer, or get to work.
IT IS ALL UP TO YOU.
skpr
I have been diagnosed with Autoimmune Polyendocrinopathy Syndrome after 30yrs of other multiple diagnoses. This is compounded with a kareotype of XX/Xl My understanding is that only five other people in the U.S. have this diagnosis. My endocrinologist is afraid to treat me, so he's sending me to Cedars in LA to see a "professor" I live in Bullhead City, AZ. I've just returned from Indianapolis IU where I underwent surgery for SOD.
I practiced for 20yrs as a Physician Assistant, so I understand most of what is going on. All of my endocrine glands except for my pancreas are involed as well as my heart, GI tract, my brain and peripheral nervous system, my lungs, blood ,kidneys, skin etc. I have been diagnosed with Bi-polar disorder. I am 60yrs old and am getting tired of seeing physicians who say basically that they're not sure what's going om, but give me prescriptions and tell me to see them in 3mos. I have overwhelming fatigue fibromyalgia, chronic pain, T-spine compression fxs and feel that my life is on hold dealing with it all.
I'm afraid that the doc at Cedars is going to see me, tell me to keep taking my thyroid supplement and my steroids and that's it. I'm on 15 meds including 0.5cc of MTX weekly and narcotics.
It's difficult for me to exercise, but I'm going to try to get a referral to Physical Therapy and start walking my dog every morning ( it's been above 100 degrees here for awhile, so I was unable to take the heat and do the latter). I'm starting a vegetarian diet (Nutrisystem) next wk to give my GI tract a rest, plus I longer have a big appetite especially for meat. My weight fluctuates without anychanges in my lifestyle. I do meditate but am thinking about Yoga.
I was very grateful to find your article on Healthier Talk. Do you have any suggestions for me? Do you know of a Functional Medicine doc in my area? I would like to contact you individually, however I do not have your email address. Mine is skpr@frontiernet.net.
Thank you in advance for any help you can offer. I'm at the end of my rope.
Anonymous
I am only 30 years old and always considered myself a healthy eater. I always ate my vegetables and took my vitamins. I was a runner and gym-goer. Now I'm the sick one and it seems that everyone else I know that abuses themselves and eat terrible are fine. I have Chronic Fatigue and Thyroiditis. I have been struggling to get well the past year and a half. I eat only organic, whole unprocessed foods now and have cut out a lot of meat. I have been using a far-infra-red sauna and magnetic clay baths to remove toxins. I had one doctor that said mercury was the problem and my current dr. says they think pesticides cause it. Ya, know, growing up in the South, I always remember the mosquito man going down the streets at night spraying. I wonder if that has anything to do with it? I wish the best for everyone on here. It WILL get better. Stay positive!
Jenny
Hi there,
I have been diagnosed with Lupus approx 2 months ago and have really been eating super healthy and exercising. I guess I always have eaten this way, I just am more conscious about it. I am hoping this will clean out my disease and put me in remission... what do you suggest??
apollobud
for 4 yrs i delt with ongoing issues...cold legs and feet...swelling of legs and feet..and small pin size red dots all over lower legs if i'm sitting on hard chairs or airplanes or if i'm standing in one spot for too long...i'm a hairdresser so this is hard to avoid! anyways finally found a doc who didn't think i was crazy. got tested for a bunch. came back low thyroid, rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus... lupus counted out due to the fact my blood test is the only symptom. it's been hell! anyways been researching tetnus shots.... i've read the vaccine contains squalene which can cause auto immune. i had a tetnus shot around the same time all my symptoms came about...could it be related...interested in hearing what you think.
Anonymous
Hi - I am 44 years old ,and have Rheumatoid arthritis/FibroMyalgia/and cfs. My blood work just came back showing my RA at 499 ,I have tested negative for Diabetes,and ,Thyroid disease.
I do not do sugar , I am on Omega 3 fish oil ,a thirty billion probiotic ,oreganol oil,Soverign Silver ,Only drink coconut milk ,am on a herb for leaky Gut syndrome, 3000 IU of Vitamin D3 daily ,I take Fibromalic twice daily(3 caps each time) I have done two yeast cleanses ,had all fillings removed , Went off prednisone ,and do not know what else I can do. I do not take pain medication ,I know the possibility of getting addicted to it. I will admit ,the pain gets so bad ,that I am tempted to try ANYTHING .
I am scheduled for surgery on the 18TH on this month , To removed several Rheumatoid nodules in my left foot ,and am so afraid of them putting me on antibiotics ,and I do not want them ,after doing these yeast cleanses.
Please help ,ANY advice or direction is Greatly appreciated.
Thank You
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