Autoimmune Disease: How to Stop Your Body from Attacking ItselfPosted on February 19th, 2008 |
Categories: Inflammation | Detox | autoimmune
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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.
To your good health,
Mark Hyman, M.D.
References
(i) Centers for Disease Control. 2005. National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals. http://www.cdc.gov/exposurereport/
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sarcoidosis
I have sarcoidosis and chronic fatigue and fibromylgia- or they are the same thing..I don't know. I asked a dentist about changing my fillings to plastic and they said no one did that.
I have a mouth full.
Is there a test to see if it is a wheat allergy or what?
Thank you, Libbym
Dear Libbym: I have
Dear Libbym: I have Sarcoidosis, Hypothyroid, and Celiac. I had the opportunity to see Dr. Boham (Dr. Hyman's partner) and she is the one's that found that I had Celiac and high levels of mercury. I have almost rid myself of the mercury, and by following a strict gluten and dairy free diet I have managed to stay off Prednisone since my diagnosis of Sarcoid 2 years ago. Like you the Chronic Fatigue still lingers.
In my research, there seems to be a big connection between Sarcoid and Celiac. Any Comments from anyone else with these two diseases???
Cheers, Kupperwoman
autoimmune disease
Here is a challenge for you. My daughter was diagnosed with SLE when she was around 20 years old. She presented with ITP. She is now 38 and has had numerous bouts with low, low platelets. This most recent # was 1,000. I know that normal is between 150,000 and 300,000. She has had three laparoscopic splenectomies. Apparently there was enough tissue to regenerate. When first diagnosed she was treated by a Rheumatologist with medrol and after one month I thought she was going to die. She was bleeding through her skin and looked like someone beat her with chains around the middle. She became somewhat mentally deranged, diabetic, had 5 hot spots of osteoporosis, loss muscle tone and mass (he had become incontinent of urine) and had all the other classic symptoms of overdose/long term use of steroids. Needless to say we now avoid the use of steroids as the side effects are intolerable and they never helped the ITP Moon face, hair loss, dowager's hump etc. etc. etc. She is being treated with IVIG with less and less success. She really runs into problems when she has some kind of infection, viral or bacterial. She has explored all manner of healthy treatments, diet, macrobiotic diet, vitamin regamins and other natural methods with no lasting effect. Interesting case, is it not?
IPH
Im posting this message for the second time. Never got any kind of response ... so I'll try it one more time. My 16 year old grandson was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Hemosiderosis 9 years ago. He is now down to 40% lung function with very restricted amount of ability for activity. He has been on and off high/low dosages of Prednisone. He has been on just about every kind of Autoimmune Suppressant that is known to man.. including chemotherapy and Remicade. Nothing has worked. He is now on prednisone and CellCept. Because he does not seem to get any better using autoimmune medicines, the doctors are now .. after 9 years of this... wondering if its autoimmune at all. They are considering a bilateral lung transplant in the future. He needs help.. we are going to lose him if he does not find the right answers and that just can't be a possibility.
16 year old grandson
Hi,
I was reading about your gandson, and I'm sure you have tried everything possible so this is going to sound strange, but, I just finished reading THE CHINA STUDY and the facts are amazing. It seems that people that take all animal products out of their diet can reverse a lot of problems. So if you have tried everything else maybe this would help. Anyway reading the book won't hurt. I wish you luck.
auto immunity
I'm very interested in auto immunity as it affects me too. I always say that I have an auto immune cocktail (a little of this a little of that).
I also have fibromyalgia and I want to know your take on its relation to auto immune conditions. I know it has officially been removed from the list of auto immune diseases (that's what some say), but I know it is definitely related. I found it interesting that you didn't include it in this blog.
Can you explain the connection between fibro and auto immunity? They seem one in the same to me.
Thanks!
Kidney stones
I dont know if a problem with autoimmune can cause kidney stones to form. My neice in her 30's has been suffering from chronic kidney stones for years. She has been hospitalized many times, for weeks. She even had an operation to cure this problem, but it has returned. The kidney stones are such that the pain is over bearing and she cannot work or sleep. She is in the medical field herself and has tried all the diets, read many books, taken all the meds and still has not found the solution for this devastating problem. Is there anyone out there who can help?
Kidney stones
This could be everything she has done in the past. I am assuming your niece knows to keep her system on the alkaline side and not acid. Diet usually does the trick but also drinking plenty of water staying hydrated. I had a friend who had those and took IP 6 and had to change her diet to fruits and vegetables cutting way down on the protein. She stopped eating spinach and did not eat food high in oxalic acids. Also started using the ph strips to check daily. Read about acid/alkaline, ph, mineral waters. Also depends on type of stone.
Psoriasis / psoriaitic arthritis
Dr. Hyman:
I have psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. My health blog contains the story. It is http://mynewhealth.blogspot.com.
I have been treating this condition with diet using the guidelines of Dr. Joel Fuhrman in his book Fasting for Health. I am on a strict vegan diet which excludes gluten, refined carbohydrates, refined oil, caffeine and alcohol. That leaves fresh fruits and vegetables, tubers, legumes, raw nuts and whole grains.
I have seen great results on the arthritis front, but my skin has not yet cleared. I may end up fasting for around 14 days, which Dr. Fuhrman says will eventually clear up the problem.
I have also lost about 20 pounds since the first of the year on this diet. Which is nice, but was not my primary goal. Dr. Fuhrman says that I will not clear up until I reach my target weight though.
I was wondering what your comments might be on this approach to treating this disease. My email is in my profile but it is jeff.browning@alumni.duke.edu.
Regards,
Jeff Browning
Autoimmune ...hypothyroid
I am hypothyroid (take Armour) and have been troubled with weigh-gain, and body aches and stiffness. Some mornings I have trouble just standing up straight, until I move around for a few minutes. I take Arthrotec for this and I really don't feel like it is the thing to do. Anyway to make an extremely long story short... a few weeks ago one of your newsletters "spoke to me". So I decided that the diet you reccommended was something I should try... I decided to go at it a little at a time because it was the opposite of how I was eating. I started by just cutting out sugar, including of course cookies,crackers, cake, sweets of all kinds all that "good stuff". Replaced it will lots of fresh fruit (blueberries are my weakness) and fresh raw veggies. You'll be happy to hear that just that change has made such a difference in the way I feel..I have lost about 12 lbs and I already feel better with less pain in my knees, and able to do the basement stairs without any trouble, something I could not do before the change. I want to continue with some other changes, but one step at a time.. I want to thank you for your information...I live about 2 hours from Lenox and one of these days you may see me at the Wellness Center...
Arbonne nutritional supplements
Dr. Hyman,
I am an Arbonne International independent consultant and agree with what you mentioned about European products being tested for benefit and safety, while American products are acceptable until proven harmful. Are you familiar with the Arbonne nutritional products? If so what are your thoughts?
Autoimmune Diseases
You asked if others had been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. I had Guillain Barre Syndrome in the mid 90's. Rather rare and full of uncertainties when you are diagnosed.
psoriasis/autoimmune
okay i am a little confused,i have psoriasis and have had every treatment there is including my biggest mistake taking enbrel.i now have the early stages of prostate cancer.there is no history in my family ,did not have it before i started enbrel.Anyway to make a long story short the last biospy i had in sept was that the cancer has gone from 10% in one biospy to 5%.i had 8 biospys on the prostate and 7 where clean.i am doing watchful waiting.I am almost a vegeatarin except for fish.i eat no whites.I am in the gym 4 times a week for about 1.5 hours ,lift about 15,000 lbs per week and do 40 mins on the arc rider.i am 62 and it very good shape about 215 lbs.Now for my question.i am on methotrexate for the psoriasis, you said in your articile that it was not good to be on.Should i get off ,i am being closely watched with regular blood test.Will it have any effect postive or negative on my prostate problem.I just did order the book on autoimmune .I just do not know what else to do for the psoriasis ,i have tried just doing greens for almost a year,no change.i have done fasting ,detox ,salt baths,i have had psoriasis for thirty years,other than that i have been very healthy.your feedback please.
Autoimmune Disease
I Have an autoimmune disease Sjogerns Syndrome. I have tried almost everything perscription, and natral vits, also but still have symptoms of this illness-chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia,dry eyes ect... I do see a rheumatologist but it seems there is no help. Is there something out there that can help me?
Shelley
auto immune/Lyme disease?
Is chronic Lyme Disease considered an auto immume diease? It has destroyed my body and I have not been able to find a single doctor that has any suggestions for treatment.......
auto immune/Lyme disease?
Greetings kicejo,
I am curious about your question as I contracted Lyme disease last June. It has been quite a ride, but I have received tremendous support from a Lyme disease specialist - Dr. Deb Hoadley in Longmeadow, Mass. I highly recommend.
Also, be sure that you have been tested for the other 3 tick bourne diseases (I had Babesia as well as Lyme ... and believe I was much sicker from that ... my condition improved dramatically once I was treated for the Babesia).
I also am concerned about the affects on my immune system ... and yes, I do consider that I now have an autoimmune disease (or disorder). I would love to hear Dr. Hyman's advice or experience with dealing with Lyme.
Be well ... jenboyg
Survey for professional
You survey for professionals does not include physical therapist. We are very pro-active in functional medicine.
auto immune diseases
I agree with your comments about the role of toxins in these diseases. However I did notice that your treatment protocol was not very specific regarding the role of supplements. In particular there was no mention of glycobiology in repairing the immune system so that it would recognize the patient's own cells as being normal.I believe that the "8 essential monosaccharides" should be a normal part of nutritional supplementation for all auto immune diseases.
Sarcoma ( cancer) of the soft tissues and bone
Dear Dr Hyman,
I have a close freind who is suffering from SARCOMA and she has had 6 - 7 surgeries in past 7 yrs, but the tumours keep on coming back.... now doctors have said her chances are slim...
but she is still active even though she's in pain needs painkillers... she's a young mother of 2 boys ( she's not even 40 as yet ) is there any thing that can be done to ease her pain, and maybe even help cure her of this disease..... please, I'll appreciate it very much if you would kindly reply to me at my email... dileena2000@yahoo.com
We are from Malaysia, I really want to help her , but how ????
Please advise.. she is undergoing CHEMO treatment every 3 weeks ( according to some doctors, this is the only way to prolong her life.... otherwise , she may only have a few months.....) Nowadays she is in pain and her left leg is really swollen..and GOD have Mercy on her....... PLEASE DO HELP. ANYTHING IS WORTH A TRY........
Thank you.
Dileena
Autoimmune Disorders
Dr. Hyman,
I love reading your testimonials and how people have turned their health around by following your information. I've been diagnosed with Lichen Planus. I've been told there is no cure for this but it can be controlled. I don't buy that! Unfortunately, prednisone is used and I refuse to take it. However, I have been going to holistic practitioners for years and have spent thousands of dollars - no change...I've also been told that it is stress related. I've noticed that some of your patients have had certain blood tests done to see where they stand. I don't even know where to start at this point. Can you please give me some advice on where to start..
Thank you..
Adrenal Fatigue
Dr. Hyman:
I have psoriais on my scalp, which is not too bothersome, but it appeared around the same time that I was diagnosed with Adrenal Fatigue through a saliva test by my naturopathic physician. I think it is interesting that you don't write much (not anything I've seen) about Adrenal Fatigue or Hypoadrenia. I know most Western docs don't have any training in that area because there's no profit in treating it for the drug companies, but most doctors of natural medicine agree that it is one of the most underdiagnosed illnesses in America, causing extreme fatigue, hormone imbalance, depression, extreme PMS symptoms, foggy thinking, weight gain, bloating, inflammation...just to name a few symptoms. A book that has helped me a great deal with this illness has been, Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Syndrome, by James Wilson. It seems that adrnal fatigue can also affect the thyroid's functioning as well, which you speak of often.
My Naturopath doctor has me on adrenal, DHEA, B complex, and immune supporting supplements, which are definitely relieving my symptoms and making me well again as long as I control my stress levels, however, the psoriasis is still around. I refuse to go w/ cortisone or any toxic remedies, so I just use Nutragena T-gel once in awhile and get a small amount of relief. Do you have any ideas on how psoriasis and adrenal fatigue are related or if the psoriasis will subside when my adrenals are completely healed?
I have read Ultrametabolism and The UltraSimple Diet Plan and agree wholeheartedly w/ everything in both. I absolutely love that you stress nutrition before or instead of prescription drugs! I eat mostly whole foods and do cardio at least 4 days a week. I don't need to lose weight, but want to be healthy. I try to take saunas once a week or every 2 weeks to detox. I've been saliva tested for gluten and dairy allergies-all negative. But still...the psoriasis, and canker sores in my mouth quite often too.
Have any of your patients had Adrenal Fatigue? I'd be interested to what you have to say about it.
Thanks.
Addison's Disease
Dr. Hyman,
Today is the first day I was introduced to your site and your studies. I was listening to your information on glutathione and then went to your site and read a blog on autoimmune diseases. My husband suffers from Addisons Disease and Hyperthyroidism. Can these autoimmune deficiencies be treated by diet alone? We eat healthy and my husband is great with his exercise program. What are your suggestions? Thank you in advance for your time!
i think my mother has autoimmunity
My mother went to the doctor because she wasnt feeling good and she was yellow all over her eyes, her skin, everywhere, really bad dry skin, and they sent her to a hospital and they checked her for gallstones and she has none and they did a biopsy on her liver. The doctor said that its her autoimmunity and they dont know whats causeing it. they started her on steroids and to see if that helps. Her bellirubin is at 15 and her stomach hurts. will she be okay?
i love your blog it told me alot and hopefully we will find out whats causing this.
Pemphigus Foliaceus
I was diagnoised with Pemphigus Foliaceus 3 years ago. What a wild ride it has been. i gained 35 pounds taking 125mgs of Prednisone and 2000mgs of cellcept. I am finally off the pred, but still taking the cellcept. I have always considered myself a healthy eater especially after my husband was diagnoised with high blood pressure. I am always searching for something to help me lose weight, but it seems that no matter what i do, i fail. i exercise, count calories, went to meetings, whole grains, lots of fiber, fresh fruit, veggies.... i have given up on the weight loss thing. i just found your book and just started reading. I would rather deal with the flare ups once in a while than take the meds i am taking.
I couldn't walk 10' before...now I can walk 2 miles!
Hi, my name is Tyler. I'm 35 and I live in New Jersey. I was diagnosed with MS in 2005. I was diagnosed because I had developed Optic Neuritis in my right eye. This MS had then attacked my entire right side of my body. I couldn't walk 10 feet without sever pain and fatique. I started this program November 18, 2008. At that time I weighed 275 lbs. and my blood pressure was 175/125 (stroke territory). I also smoked 2 packs a day and I have been doing this for 18 years. Now I weigh 225 lbs. and my blood pressure is 115/69. I have also quit smoking for about 5 months now and I will never ever smoke again. I owe this to the motivation and good feelings that I have recieved from reading the ULTRAMIND. I am living proof that you can change and you have the right to fight your disease.
esophageal lichen planus
theresa cordova after 5 years and 6 doctors i was finally diagnosed with esophageal lichen planus (mayo clinic) i had problems swallowing and choking---i also have oral lichen planus--i have read that this is an autoimmune disease---is there other information about it?
Frustrated
Good Day,
What a facinating blog!!
I was diagnosed with MS in July of 2007. I was diagnosed with Optic Neuritis in my left eye and after seeing many different specialists I was blindsided with an MS diagnoses. I am the first in my family history (British decent) to be diagnosed with MS.
I became a Vegatarian almost 6 years ago. I cut down my gluten intake 2 1/2 years ago. I eat fish sometimes, maybe once a month. I do eat dairy. I do not drink milk but have a love of cheeses!!
Since my optic neuritis attack in April of 2007, I have not had an attack or episode from MS. Against my "gut instinct" I started DMD treatment, I am on weekely Avonex injections. I have completed 4 months of this treatment and HATE IT. I wish I never started it. My life now is impacted by this treatment. For 3 days after my injection I feel tired, sick, upset, achy, frustrated. I hate the side effects.
Can you please share with me about how I can safely do a detox with my current condition? I am currently taking Vitamin D3 (2,000 UI daily), Vitamin C (1,000 UI daily), EPA/DHA Omega 3 Supplement (4 gelcaps per day) and a Melatonin and B12 tablet (to help me with sleeping). Insomnia sucks. It has gotten worse since starting treatment.
Any advice, help you could offer me would be very much appreicated.
I do not drink alcohol (gave that up many years ago) but have the very bad habit of smoking. My doctor gave me Wellbutrin to help me quit smoking. I have not taken it yet as I am worried about taking all of these drugs and the effects they have on my body. I was also told that my DMD treatment, can increase depression in people who suffer from it. I have mild depression but so far, I am handling with the "mind over matter" approach.
Thank you once again for this blog. I know that this is the route I should be on right now. I can't handle the DMD's. They are beyond harsh. I seems that all doctors push DMD treatment for newly diagnosed MS patients. Is this the right thing to do? My neuro said I had 3 new lesions between my 6 month MRI's so I should start treatment. New lesions with no visible attacks. Scary and confusing.
Best regards,
still talking...........
autoimmune diseases
Debra
I was diagnosed with Red Cell Aplasia 15 years ago. I was put on Prednisone, at first 50 mg. a day for a few months, until my Hemoglobin count came up from 6. I gained weight and my face swelled, I never felt good one day from the steroid I was taking, my feet swelled and my legs ached. I'm past all that after all these years, but have always been on Prednisone. My dosage is 5 mg. every other day, and this is the safe amount that has shown to keep my Hemoglobin count in a more safe, normal range.
My question to you is, can this blood disease be reversed?? My dr. at that time, was a Hemotologist/Oncologist. This is the treatment I received and her diagnosis. At the same time I was found to have Hypothyroidism. Three years ago I was diagnosed with estrogen fed breast cancer. I've had a breast removed, no cancer in the lymph nodes, and the tumor was contained in the breast. I no longer am with the previous dr. who diagnosed my aplasia & thyroid disease. My Hemotologist/Oncologist at present admits she is not familiar with the red cell aplasia. Can you give me some adivce.? Is there any other information you need from me? I reside in Indianapolis, IN., if this helps you to help me to locate a good specialist. My insurance would have to have him/her on our plan, so I may need several names from you.
Thank you very much for any advice/help you can give me!
Debra
Autoimmune - Hashimoto's
This is a great article! I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's and just given thyroid medication to control it (not cure it). Even though I requested to be switched the the dessicated thyroid (Armour/Naturethroid), I still have symptoms. I plan on removing gluten/carbs from my diet to see if that helps. I have noticed that when I eat poorly, eat way too much bread, etc., I feel really crappy (my muscles ache, I'm exhausted all the time and I'm cranky). Oh and my neurologist also believes I have multiple schlerosis. I would love to work with a functional medicine doctor but I can't seem to find any in my area so I have to keep doing things on my own and hope they're the right things. Thank you for these articles! I always find them so informative. I always knew that the body can heal itself...if we just allow it and not poison it.
Oh and one question. It's mentioned to removed dairy from the diet. What about having milk that has not been pasteurized, from cows that receive no hormones or antibiotics? I've read that this raw milk is much better tolerated and better for you.
Hi Maggykaren, Thanks for
Hi Maggykaren,
Thanks for sharing your information! I too have Hashi's. I was diagnosed when I was 13 and the diagnosed with JRA at 16. I spent years on synthetics and compounded meds. I am now on a natural thyroid - which is much more helpful - however, I still have symptoms too.
I would definitely recommend that you take all gluten, dairy and sugar out of your diet. Our thyroids are very susceptible to these items if you have a sensitivity. And if you have Hashi's you probably are sensitive. I started taking dairy out about 10 yrs. ago. A few years ago I went to a gal that did meridian testing and she told me to take out the wheat and sugar. I have spent years trying different things to help these conditions since standard medicine does not work. I would recommend taking out all dairy (regardless of pasteurization) until you know what your body can tolerate.
Try to follow Dr. Hyman's advice - with respect to foods - you'll feel better. It takes a while to get your body cleared out, but it will make a difference. I don't have a good alternative dr. where I live either, so I try on my own. You'll actually do better if you listen to your own. Start with your diet. Its the first line of defense - if your gut isn't healthy - nothing is.
Good luck!
Daisy
Autoimmune Disease
This is a very interesting subject and I look forward to learning more. I seem to have minor bursts of autoimmune disease activity, starting with a few spots of vitiligo in my teens. Now at 41 I also have mild asthma, mild rheumatoid arthritis and (again) mild lichen sclerosis, oh, and also IBS. I am so lucky that these are all mild cases, but I do feel that there must be some trigger. I'd love to find out what it is and how to avoid it in order to lessen the symptoms I have and hopefully avoid any more autoimmune diseases starting.
low platelet count mentioned in a blog
I have ITP ... antibodies to platelets, also. What I discovered helps keep my platelets in check is to give myself a weekly injection of 2cc Gamma globulin injectable. If you look up Gamma Globulin and read the Wikipedia explanation you will see that "gamma globulin apparently causes the spleen to ignore the antibody-tagged platelets, thus allowing them to survive and function."
Another idea, I have yet to try, was documented by Kerry Bone of Jonathan Wright's Tahoma Clinic in Washington. He states that "researchers saw remarkable results in patients with ITP which led to full recovery and 8-fold increase in blood platelets using an herb called SCHISANDRA." A good source is made by Standard Process under the Medi Herb label with a 1:2 extract. It's a liquid and suggested dose would be 2 to 2.5ml twice a day.
Hope some of these ideas help. B
need some advice
I am 38yrs old & was diagnosed with RA 25yrs ago. I also live with asthma,allergies(recent septoplasyand allery shots) & migraines as well. Three years ago I went thru a major bout of hair loss, I thought it was due to the topamax I was on for migraines. I stopped the topamax but hair loss continued with low energy, tired all the time couldn't get out of bed. Two years ago I started working out on a regular basis 4-6 times a week cardio & weight training, each session minimum one hour. Weight has not moved at all...lose two pounds only to gain it back. I am literally at the same weight when I started. About a year ago I started having painfully menstrual cycles escessive bleeding(vasectomy for bc) and prolonged bloating. Ultrasounds revealed ovarian cysts. I continued to complain about no weight loss and tiredness. My primary continued to check my thyroid level to let me know I was it was fine. My husband suggested I just needed to work harder at the gym....really? One month ago I insisted it must be my thyroid & be rechecked...primary checked again and said I was fine. I finally got my referral to endocrine. Met with endo two weeks ago, she looked at all the TSH levels and said they were fine. TSH levels all over the board from 2.5 to 4.0. But wanted to run the salivatory tests & thryroid antibodies. She has 2 conclusions either Cushings disease(have 1/2 symtoms) or metabolic syndrome and would trreat me with Metforman. I received the test results (just antibodies) over the phone this week and i'm schedule to see endo end of next week. Endo's physican asst said that I tested positive for thyroid antibodies and that I would have to talk to dr about treatment next week but she felt the endo was going to treat me for metabolic syndrome. I feel like no one is actually listening to me. My period this week was unbearable, gyno said oh its just heavy bleeding I need to be on birth control for hormone regulation. I am very confused, do I need a second opinion? If I have positive antibodies isn't that autoimmune disease considering my RA? Won't my body continue to attack my thyroid? what kind of questions should I be asking....or should I find another endo? I am willing to change my diet will that help? PLEASE HELP I am at my wits end and don't know what to do.
Autoimmune Hepatitis
I was diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis just over a year ago (I'm not a drinker or a drug user and never have been). I've been on a drug treatment of prednisone and have suffered every side effect that one could possible get from using prednisone. I'm told over and again that this is the only treatment (besides Imuran which I cannot take) and that I will have to stay on prednisone for the rest of my life. My liver enzymes have finally normalized and they have reduced my dosage of prednisone to 10mg (finally). The prednisone caused bloating for which I take Lasix and Aldactone, depression for which I take Wellbutrin (which has increased my weight), high blood pressure for which I now have to take Cozaar, elevated blood sugars which resulted in Type II Diabetes for which I have to take Levemir, Humolog and Metformin, the prednisone makes me anxious and the Wellbutrin supposedly gives me energy so I have to take Ativan to help me sleep. I'm a walking chemical cocktail and I hate it. I'm going to start following your suggestions with the hope of getting off all of these meds and getting back to living a normal life.
~Crone
Three AutoImmune Disorders - Help?
I'm 44 Years Old - Female. I have been diagnosed with three different diseases - Scalp Psoriasis, Diabetes Type 2 and AutoImmune Hepatitus. Doctors tell me that the Psoriasis and Hepatitis may have been hereditary or could have been caused by contracting a bad virus or infection. I can recall getting very sick after a flu shot in the fall of 2006. I was in bed for almost a week with severe fever, body aches and lethargy. After that I developed a sinus infection that took me almost 2 months to cure, after many doses of antibiotics. By May 2007 I had suffered from 2 severe painful attacks, where my liver is which brought me back to the doctor. I showed him the blemishes on my scalp, complained about being so tired and feeling sick all the time and more importantly the pain in my upper right abdomen. He sent me for a series of tests and found that I was diabetic, had scalp psoriasis and that my liver enzymes were abnormally high. I started to see a dermatologist for the psoriasis (who gave me a bunch of cremes and cortisteroids to try) and an endocrinologist who put me on metformin for diabetes. My liver enzymes continued to escalate until evenutally I saw a GI who performed an ultrasound and then a biopsy to determine that I had autoimmune hepatitis and I started a prednisone therapy in Nov 20009 along with azathioprine. My liver enzymes have leveled off and are normal, and I'm currently on 15mg of Presnisone and 75mg of Azathioprin. Taking Metformin and now glimerpride (due to elevated blood sugars due to prednisone). I HATE being on this medicine. I want to know why this happened to me. Was it truly that bad illness that occurred in 2006, is it truly hereditary. Very upset that I'll be on this medication for the rest of my life. I'm looking for answers, I'm looking for other methods of treating and even more so, trying to find the correct type of doctor to help me find something of a cure of these ailments. I'm finding that I'm very fearful of my future. Please help point me in the right direction. What did I do to myself???
Part of getting through all
Part of getting through all of this is to maintain positive thinking. The more we think about this disease and what it could do to us, the more it invades our body.
It is a year and two months post my diagnosis. I'm down to 10 mg of prednisone (hopefully reducing it to 5 mg or less after next week's doctor's appointment). I cannot take the Imuan (thankfully - that is horrible stuff too) but in reducing my prednisone I have been able to reduce my insulin significantly too. My A1C is normal again ... finally. I'm still out of work but hopefully my doctor will release me to return to work by the end of this summer.
So take heart. Don't believe everything they tell you because your body will believe everything you tell it.
Crone
Wife and daughter autoimmune diseases
My wife has tested postive for Devic's and my 17 year old daughter with MS at the same time. I'm convinced I've found the cause, but doctors will not listen. Our dryer was malfunctioning and spreading lint throughout the house. These fibers got into the gas heating system and were burning toxins through the vents. My wife and daughter sleep directly under the vents so they were directly exposed. I am postive this is the trigger for their diseases. I have eliminated the problem, but am concerned about the continuing autoimmune effects. Is there any way to reverse these effects other than removing thr trigger. I've read about oxygen therapy, but I'm having a hard time convincing the doctors to try anything other than standard treatments. Please help me cure my family! We have 6 other children who don't seem to be effected at this point. Thanks! Toby....
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