Autoimmune diseases happen when your body’s natural immune system cannot tell the difference between healthy cells and foreign invaders, resulting in the immune system attacking healthy tissue as well as tissue that are not part of the immune system.
There are over 80 different types of autoimmune diseases that affect many body systems. Common examples of autoimmune diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Lupus, psoriasis, and anemia. Each type of autoimmunity is usually caused by an environmental factor such as a genetic makeup, infection, or trauma, which the immune system reacts to, often resulting in chronic inflammation.
A good illustration of how autoimmune cells affect the immune system is rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammatory condition of the joints that affects millions of people. This autoimmune disorder causes the joints to become inflamed and thickened. Some of the symptoms of this disorder include pain in the joint, swelling, stiffness, and weight loss. Sometimes, it may also cause extreme discomfort when exercising, coughing, and even urinating. A patient may have some pain, but there is no inflammation.
Arthritis is caused by several factors including genetic makeup, exposure to toxins, and inflammation. The cause of this autoimmunity is a genetic makeup known as “alpha-synuclein.” This substance is present in red blood cells that are produced by the bone marrow. However, if the gene is defective, the white blood cells will release this alpha-synuclein instead of antibodies, which protect the body from infection.
There are two things that help the immune system to protect the body against an infection. First, the immune system makes antibodies that attack the foreign substance. Second, the immune system creates substances called cytokines that help the body remove the infection and restore the normal function of the immune system.
When the immune system has difficulty producing these substances, it produces excessive amounts of cytokines, which in turn causes inflammation. This inflammation will increase and spread through the joints causing further pain and damage.
It can also damage other organs. When left untreated, arthritis can lead to chronic arthritis.
Autoimmune disease affects many people throughout their lives, but is much more common in women and children. A study published by the Mayo Clinic found that about one out of every four people in the United States is affected by a disease, and that the number increases with age. People who are overweight or obese are most at risk for developing autoimmunity because excess fat and protein in the diet can increase the risk of being affected by an autoimmune disease.
Autoimmune diseases have no specific cure. However, treatment will depend on the type of autoimmunity the patient is suffering from and the severity of the symptoms. Treatments can range from medications, surgery, and natural therapies. In the case of Lupus, surgery may be required, while medications can include drugs like prednisone or cortisone to control symptoms and reduce inflammation.
Although medications are available, patients should consult with their doctor before taking any anti-inflammatory or anti-arthritic drugs. Antibiotics are available in many forms to help treat autoimmune diseases, but if the symptoms are severe, patients should contact their doctors immediately for an appointment to discuss alternative treatments.
The best way to avoid getting affected by an autoimmune disorder is to prevent any possible risk. Healthy eating, daily exercise and taking supplements such as Vitamin C and zinc can help to prevent the onset of autoimmunity. These natural products work by balancing the immune system and stopping it from producing excess cytokines that cause inflammation.
Regular use of allopurinol (which is derived from Castor oil) can reduce inflammation and improve the function of the immune system. Allopurinol is not safe for all types of autoimmune diseases, so patients should consult their doctor before using this product.
A proper diagnosis and treatment plan can help to eliminate the symptoms and reduce pain. and improve the quality of life.