Autoimmune Disorders
Synopsis of Autoimmune Disorders
Autoimmune disorders occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own cells, tissues, or organs, perceiving them as threats. This leads to chronic inflammation, tissue damage, and dysfunction in various body systems. These conditions can be systemic (affecting the whole body, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis) or organ-specific (targeting a particular organ, such as the thyroid in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis).
The exact cause of autoimmune disorders remains unknown, but they likely result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors. Women are more commonly affected than men, particularly during childbearing years. Symptoms often fluctuate, with periods of flare-ups (active disease) and remission.
Types:
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Systemic autoimmune diseases: Affect multiple organs (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis).
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Organ-specific autoimmune diseases: Target specific organs (e.g., Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, type 1 diabetes).
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Inflammatory autoimmune diseases: Chronic inflammation is the primary feature (e.g., Crohn’s disease, psoriasis).
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Neurological autoimmune diseases: Affect the nervous system (e.g., multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis).
Common Causes (Risk Factors):
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Genetic predisposition: Family history of autoimmune diseases.
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Environmental triggers: Viral or bacterial infections, toxins, heavy metals, or smoking.
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Hormonal influences: Estrogen may play a role in increased prevalence among women.
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Gut health (leaky gut syndrome): Increased intestinal permeability may trigger immune dysregulation.
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Nutrient deficiencies: Low levels of vitamin D, zinc, or selenium may impair immune balance.
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Chronic stress: Disrupts immune regulation and promotes inflammation.
More Severe Causes (Complications):
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Organ damage: Autoimmune attacks can impair organ function (e.g., kidneys in lupus, joints in rheumatoid arthritis).
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Chronic pain and disability: Ongoing inflammation damages tissues.
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Increased infection risk: Some autoimmune diseases or treatments suppress immunity.
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Comorbidities: Higher risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, or certain cancers.
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Psychological impact: Anxiety, depression, and fatigue are common due to chronic symptoms.
When to See a Doctor or Specialist (Rheumatologist, Immunologist):
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Persistent fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, or digestive issues
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Symptoms that flare and remit without clear cause
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Family history of autoimmune disorders
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Symptoms affecting multiple systems (e.g., skin, joints, organs)
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Confirmed diagnosis needing ongoing management or treatment adjustments
Natural remedies for Autoimmune Disorders
Anti-Inflammatory Diet (Rich in Whole Foods): Emphasizes vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, healthy fats (e.g., omega-3s), and avoids processed foods and inflammatory triggers like gluten, dairy, or refined sugar. Supports immune balance and reduces flares.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA, EPA): Reduce systemic inflammation and modulate immune responses. Include fatty fish or fish oil supplements.
Vitamin D Supplementation: Supports immune regulation and reduces autoimmune activity. Ensure optimal blood levels (consult healthcare provider).
Curcumin (Turmeric): Potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that supports immune balance. Take with black pepper for better absorption.
Probiotics: Support gut health and the gut-immune connection, helping reduce inflammation. Include fermented foods or supplements.
Adaptogenic Herbs (Ashwagandha, Rhodiola): Support stress resilience and hormonal balance, indirectly improving immune regulation. May reduce flare-ups related to stress.
Magnesium: Supports muscle relaxation, reduces inflammation, and calms the nervous system. Consider magnesium glycinate or citrate.
Selenium and Zinc: Key minerals for immune balance and antioxidant defense. Supplement if deficient.
Gentle Exercise (Yoga, Walking): Reduces inflammation, improves circulation, and supports mood without overstressing the body. Incorporate regularly.
Stress Reduction (Meditation, Breathing Exercises): Helps modulate immune function and reduce inflammatory markers. Practice daily.
Ingredients
These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat Autoimmune Disorders
2'-Fucosyllactose
adrenal cortex
alpha lipoic acid
amino acids
ashwagandha
astragalus
bacillus subtilis
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium longum
bupleurum falcatum
cat's claw
colostrum
turmeric
curcumin
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
ginger
green lipped mussel
green tea
immunoglobin G
Indian tinospora
l-glutamine
l-glutathione
l-glycine
l-histidine
l-methionine
lactococcus lactis
lactoferrin
lentinula edodes mycelia
licorice root
luteolin
magnesium
melatonin
monolaurin
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
omega-3 fatty acids
peptidase (DPPIV)
polypeptide complex (proprietary)
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
quercetin
resveratrol
rhodiola
selenium
shiitake mushroom
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
streptococcus thermophilus
turkey tail mushroom
vitamin B12
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
whey protein
zinc
shen-chu
tylophora
tinospora cordifolia
herbal blend (proprietary)
11-keto-beta-boswellic acid
10-Hydroxy-2-Decanoic Acid
3-acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid
3-Ketosteroid
5-androstene-3alpha,17beta-diol
7-Beta-Hydroxy-DHEA
7b-hydroxy, 17b-dihydro DHEA
Astragalus
Aminomonosaccharide
Alpha Glucans
Agmisode
Anatabine
Arachidonic Acid
Alpha-glycans
AHCC
Andrographolide
Agaricus blazei
Alkyl (unspecified)
Astragaloside
Algae
Ancylostoma brasiliense
Amino Acid (unspecified)
Aureobasidium pullulans
Acetyl-Glutathione
Acetyl-l-glutathione
Alpha-keto-boswellic acid
Alpha Glucans
Agaricus blazei
Astaxanthin
Amino Acid Blend/Complex
Arabinogalactans
Arabinogalactan
Acinetobacter lwoffii
Androstenetriol
Apocynin
Astragalin
Black Seed
Blend (Combination)
Bifidobacterium longum
Bifidobacterium
Bifidobacterium infantis
Baikal Skullcap
Bifidobacterium (various species)
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Bifobacterium (mixed)
blend (herb/botanical)
botanical (unspecified)
Beta-Glucans
Beta microglobulin
Boswellia serrata
Boswellic Acid
Blue-Green Algae
beta-lactoglobulin
Boswellia
Blend (Amino Acid/Protein)
Bacillus (mixed)
Blue-Green Algae
Boswellia
Blend (Dietary substance used by man to supplement the diet by increasing the total dietary intake)
Boronic acid analogues
Blend (Fatty Acid or Fat/Oil Supplement)
Bacillus (unspecified)
Bacteria (unspecified)
Bifidobacteria (unspecified)
Blend (combination)
Bacteria
blend (herb/botanical)
Blue-Green Alage
B. brevia
Bifidobacteria
Beta Glucans
Boswellic acids
Blue Green Algae
Bee venom
Blue-Green Alage
Blend (combination)
Colostrum
Colostrum
Cordycepic acids
Cortisol
Chlorella growth factor
Cordyceps
Colostrum peptides
Curcuminoid
Cat's Claw
Collagen II
Cannabinoids
Cichoric acid
Cordyceps
Colotsrum
Cannabigerolic acid
Curcuminoid (unspecified)
Curcuminoids
Chinese Tinospora
C-Phycocyanin
Curcumin
Clostridium butyricum
Cysteine compounds (unspecified)
Cytokines
Cysteine
Capsules
capsule
Curcumin
Calcium 2-aminoethylphosphate
Cannabigerol
Dipeptidyl peptidase 4
Dehydroascorbic acid
Dialyzable Leukocyte Extract
Deoxyandrographolides
Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid
Delivery system
Echinacoside
European Mistletoe
Echinacosides
Epigallocatechin gallate
Exopeptidase
EGCG
Fucoidan
food additive (unspecified)
Fumaric Acid
Free Form Amino Acid
Fulvic Acid
Fatty acids
Fungus
Flavonoid (unspecified)
Fucose
Fish Oil
Fish Oil
Flavor/Color (Natural & Artificial)
Glucoside (unspecified)
Glutamine
Glucan peptides
Gamma-Glutamylcysteine
Growth factors
Glycophospholipid
Glutathione peroxidase
Globulins
Goat milk protein
Gold
Glycosphingolipids
Glutamine (various)
Gluthathione
Galactooligosaccharides
Glutathione
Glycyrrhizin
Glycoprotein (unspecified)
Glutamine precursor (unspecified)
Hyperimmune milk peptides
Hydrogen
Hypothalamus protein
Immunoglobulin G
Interferon gamma
Immunoglobulins
Insulin-like growth factor
Interleukin (unspecified)
Isatis
immunoglobulin
Kefir
L-Acetyl n-Cysteine
L-Gluthathione
L-Cysteine
L-Histidine
Luteolin
Lactobacillus johnsonii
Lactalbumin
Lactoglobulin (mixed)
Lactoglobulin (unspecified)
Lymph
Lactalbumin
Lactoferrin
Larch arabinogalactan
Mannanoligosaccharides
Mineral ascorbate (unspecified)
Mushrooms
Magroside
Maitake Mushroom
Mushroom (various)
Mushroom (unspecified)
Mammary
Neoandrographolides
N-Acetyl Cysteine
N-acetylcysteine
New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel
N-Acetyl Cysteine
New Zealand green-lipped mussel
Nicotinamide
N-acetylgalactosamine
New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel Oil
Oligosaccharide
Oligosaccharides
Oldenlandia diffusa
Omega-3
Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)
Proprietary Blend (Fatty Acid or Fat/Oil supplement)
Pungent Principles
peptides (unspecified)
proline rich peptides
Progesterone
proteinase inhibitor
Polysaccharide
Proprietary Blend (Herb/Botanical)
Polysaccharide peptide
Polysaccharide
Phytoplankton
Plankton (unspecified)
Prebiotic (unspecified)
Polysaccharides
Proprietary Blend (Vitamin)
Peptide (unspecified)
Peptides (unspecified)
Phenolics (unspecified)
Phycocyanin
Protein
Peptide
Proprietary Blend (Dietary substance used by man to supplement the diet by increasing the total diet
Pentacyclic Oxindole Alkaloids
Placental protein
Polypodium leucotomos
Peptidoglycan
Polypeptide (unspecified)
Pituitary
plant (unspecified)
Peptide (unspecified)
Pregnenolone
Proprietary Blend (Herb/Botanical)
Pokeweed
Pituitary
Phenolic (unspecified)
picolinic acid
Peptides
Reishi mushroom
RNA & DNA
Reishi
Softgel/ Soft gel
Sodium Butyrate
Selenocysteine
Saccharomyces cerevisiae peptides
Spice (unspecified)
Streptococcus
Seleno Methionine
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Stellaria dichotoma
Stem Cells
Shiitake Mushroom
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Sulforaphane
Terpene
Thymoquinone
Tripeptide
Thymus polypeptide
Triterpenes
Transfer Factor
Transforming growth factor beta
Transforming growth factor
Thymic peptides
Tinospora Cordifolia
Tablet
tripeptide (unspecified)
Teasel (unspecified)
Tylophorine
Vitamin B12
Vitamin D2
Vitamin D (mixed)
Vitamin C (Ascorbate)
Vitamin C (sodium ascorbate)
Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols)
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol succinate)
Vitamin B12 (Hydroxycobalamin)
Vitamin E (alpha tocopherol)
Vitamin D (ergocalciferol)
Vitamin C (unspecified)
Vitamin B12 (adenosylcobalamin)
Vitamin C (mixed ascorbates)
Vitamin D
Vitamin D3
Vitamin D (cholecalciferol)
Vitamin D (unspecified)
Whey Protein
Withanolides
Whey
Wheatgrass
Withanolide
Whey protin
Zinc Picolinate
Zinc Yeast
Zinc
Zeolite
Zinc
