Information on Autoimmune Diseases, Symptoms and Anti-Inflammatories.

What is Autoimmune Disease?

The immune system normally protects the body from infections and disease brought about by bacteria, viruses, germs, or abnormal body cells. When an autoimmune disease develops, the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys its own tissues and organs.

Many parts of the body such as the red blood cells, blood vessels, connective tissues, digestive system, endocrine system, muscles, joints, nerves and skin may be affected. Autoimmune diseases predominantly affect women, frequently during their childbearing years. These diseases often tend to be hereditary, and certain environmental factors may also contribute to a weakened immune system.

Autoimmune disease symptoms vary from individual to individual, with each disease being different. Ranging from mild symptoms to more debilitating conditions, a malfunction of the immune system occurs in all of them.

Classes of Autoimmune Disease

Systemic autoimmune diseases are characterized by the involvement of many different organs and organ systems.
The most common examples of systemic autoimmune diseases are:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica
• Lupus
• Scleroderma
• Sjogren's syndrome
• Goodpasture's syndrome
• Wegener's granulomatosis
• Guillain-Barre syndrome

Localized autoimmune diseases are characterized by the involvement of only a single organ, organ system or tissue.
The most common types include:

• Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, or Graves' Disease
• Myasthenia gravis
• Psoriasis
• Addison's Disease
• Dermatomyositis
• Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
• Celiac Disease, Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Primary Biliary Cirrhosis, Sclerosing Cholangitis, Autoimmune hepatitis
• Pernicious anemia
• Temporal Arteritis / Giant Cell Arteritis

Diagnosing Autoimmune Disease

Autoimmune diseases are not always easy to diagnose, especially during the earlier stages of the disease. Symptoms are often vague and difficult to describe. The diagnosis is usually based on a physical examination, symptoms of the individual, and a complete medical history.

Laboratory tests may also be performed to determine the diagnosis of certain autoimmune disorders.

Symptoms of Autoimmune Disease

The symptoms of autoimmune disease vary depending on the disease as well as the person’s immune system. Common symptoms include:

• Anxiety, Irritability, or Depression
• Hair Loss
• Low or High Blood Pressure
• Infertility or Low Sex Drive (Reduced Libido)
• Leg Cramps & Muscle Twitching
• Acne
• Dizziness
• Ichthyosis
• Sweating
• Extreme sensitivity to cold in the hands and feet
• Exhaustion & Fatigue
• Nausea
• Inflammation
• Malaise
• Elevated fever and High Body Temperature
• Weakness and Stiffness in Muscles and Joints
• Weight Changes
• Digestive or Gastrointestinal Problems
• Blood sugar changes
• Hormone fluctuation which worsen menstrual cycles

Depending on the type of autoimmune disease, an increase in the size of an organ or tissue or the destruction of an organ or tissue can result.

Autoimmune Diseases in Children & Babies

A common autoimmune disease in both babies and children is Celiac disease. Celiac disease is a condition affecting the small intestine which hinders the digestion of foods containing gluten. Babies that are born into a family with a history of celiac disease are susceptible to the condition. Babies who are bottle fed will display signs of the disease, due to many formulas containing wheat. Breastfed babies will begin to show symptoms when they start eating solid foods.

Signs that your child may have Celiac disease are chronic diarrhea, constant crying due to pain, weight loss, bloating, and vomiting. Children that develop Celiac disease usually have a genetic predisposition from either their mother or father. Though a child may not show symptoms of Celiac disease while still a baby; exposure to gluten will trigger the disease. Growth and development is the main concern for children with Celiac disease, along with bone thinning and tooth discoloration.

Some children display only moderate symptoms of the disease, like abnormal height compared to age and fatigue. Even when symptoms are moderate it is important to create a meal plan that is gluten- free. Trying to stay gluten free can be cumbersome; some parents find it helpful to see a dietician or nutritionist to help plan meals.

What Causes Autoimmune Disease?

The exact cause of what triggers the onset of an autoimmune disease has not yet been conclusively established. These diseases occur when the body attacks its own tissues, thus affecting the functioning of that system of the body.

There are many different underlying factors that may contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases.

Contributing Causes of Autoimmune Disease

• Environmental toxins
• Heredity or genetics
• Viruses
• Sunlight
• Iodine
• Stress and anxiety
• Pregnancy

Poor diet, lack of exercise, lack of sleep, abuse of alcohol and use of tobacco can also weaken the immune system.

Help for Autoimmune Disease

Most autoimmune diseases cannot be cured, although much can be done to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. The treatment of an autoimmune disease depends on the symptoms associated with a specific disease.

Conventional Medicine

• Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen may treat mild symptoms of an autoimmune disease, serving as anti-inflammatories or pain reducers
• Prescription drugs such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or powerful immunosuppressants are often prescribed to control the inflammation and subsequent damage
• Antidepressants and other psychiatric medications may be prescribed for the psychological effects and symptoms
• Radiation therapy
• Plasmapheresis (a ‘filtration’ procedure that removes the diseased cells and harmful molecules from the blood circulation)

Foods for Autoimmune Disease

One of the most important things we can do for ourselves is eat a well-balanced diet, this is especially true for those with an autoimmune disease. When suffering with an autoimmune disease it is imperative to eat foods that aid the immune system. Foods that contain vitamin E and C are crucial for proper immune functioning, such as oranges papaya, guava, vegetable oils, and seeds.

Omega-3 fatty acids are another biggie for boosting the immune system. Omega -3 can be found in certain fish, such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel. If you aren’t a big fan of fish, try adding flaxseed oil to a fruit smoothie. Garlic can be used in a number of dishes not only to add flavor, but also to stimulate infection- fighting cells. Garlic is known as nature’s antibiotic, due to its abilities to attack bacteria and virus. Lastly, selenium rich foods like red snapper, lobster, egg yolks, sunflower seeds and Brazil nuts all help to boost the immune system.