Autoimmune action plan
What is autoimmune disease?
Autoimmune is a broad classification for diseases and disorders where a person's immune system starts to attack their own body. In healthy individuals, immune cells, called T lymphocytes or T cells, circulate in the blood system until they encounter a specific antigen (foreign body that could cause infection) and attack it. T cells are created in the bone marrow and mature in the thymus where they are then released into the bloodstream. At this point, they are considered naive T cells. Once activated by an antigen, the cells will replicate by clonal expansion until the pathogen is cleared from the body at this point memory T cells are established that allow for a much faster immune response on repeat exposure to the antigen that triggered activation. In adults, T cells are responsible for maintaining immune homeostasis. In the case of autoimmune or inflammatory conditions, T cells activate cell-mediated tissue damage of healthy tissue.
Currently, there are about 80 named autoimmune disorders that vary in severity and have no cure. Autoimmune disorders can affect nearly every organ and system of the body. For example, diabetes affects the pancreas, vasculitis affects the blood vessels, Graves' affects the thyroid, alopecia affects hair follicles, MS affects the nervous system, psoriasis affects the skin, arthritis affects the joints, lupus affects the connective tissue and Addison's affects the adrenal glands.
Treatment
Typically, treatment for autoimmune includes anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, paracetamol for pain relief, immunosuppressant drugs to reduce the immune response, physical therapy to promote mobility or, in some cases like Chron's disease which affects the bowel, surgery.
Other options
The treatment list above may not appeal to some people. Based on considerable research, there are other options that help with autoimmune diseases, including
Eating more fruits and vegetables
Supplementation with
Curcumin supports the regulation of inflammatory cytokines and a reduction in ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) where red blood cells clump together and C-reactive protein concentrations associated with inflammation
Frankincense reduces the autoimmune response and prevents cartilage damage
Zinc regulates the immune response, and inhibits Th17 lymphocytes
Omega-3 inhibits the production of inflammatory cytokines
Reducing or removing alcohol (alcohol is well-known for promoting systemic inflammation)
Intermittent fasting (for 12-16 hours a day) can reduce the severity of flare-ups by increasing cortisol which can suppress the immune system
Taking a probiotic regularly to ensure a healthy microbiota in the intestines
Removing dairy and/or gluten, both notorious for acting as inflammatory agents
Increased water consumption; staying hydrated helps balance electrolytes
Taking long walks which
Produces anti-inflammatory compounds including endorphins and endothelial nitric oxide
Improves circulation in turn oxygenating the blood and body tissues, delivering nutrients and removing debris (therefore facilitating detoxification)
Acupuncture activates the defence systems and influences cellular immunity, stimulating microbial activity, antibody and globulin production and supports thermoregulation
Dry brushing to support lymphatic flow and improve circulation
Cold water therapy (swimming, showering or bathing in water 4-10 degrees celsius) to reduce pain and a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines
Regular infrared sauna to lower stress, increase circulation and promote the production of leukocytes which are beneficial to your immune system
