Autoimmune conditions

Autoimmune Conditions: Causes, Types, Symptoms and Prevention:

Unfortunately, autoimmune conditions have now become very common. Autoimmune conditions are a group of disorders characterized by an abnormal immune response in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own healthy cells and tissues.

Normally, the immune system is designed to identify and destroy foreign bodies such as bacteria and viruses. However, in autoimmune conditions, the immune system fails to distinguish between self and non self, leading to an attack on the body’s own cells. There are numerous autoimmune conditions that can affect different organs and systems in the body. There are over 80 auto immune conditions. Nearly 4% of the world’s population diagnosed with at least one autoimmune condition. Examples. –  Celiac disease, Rheumatoid arthritis, Type 1 diabetes, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, multiple sclerosis, ulcerative colitis and psoriasis.

Common autoimmune conditions:

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• Type-1 diabetes: A chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin.

• Rheumatoid arthritis: A chronic inflammatory disorder, affecting many joints, including those in the hands and feet. In rheumatoid arthritis, the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues, including joints. In severe cases, it attacks internal organs. It also affects joint lining, causing painful swelling. Over long periods of time, the inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis can cause bone erosion and joint deformity.
• Celiac diseases: In Western culture this disease is common people in India do not know much about this disease. In this diseases, Immune response in the gut that occurs due to having gluten. Upon having gluten, body attacks itself thinking it as a foreign invader. About one in 100 people have celiac. It causes villi in small intestine to flatten, contributing to malabsorption of nutrients like calcium. Examples- Grains that naturally contain gluten are wheat, barley, Kamut and Farro. Gluten free foods are fruits and vegetables, Millets like rice, quinoa, jowar, Ragi, Bajra, Amaranth, Buckwheat, Legumes, Dairy, Fish and chicken.

• Inflammatory bowel diseases. (IBD): Again, IBD is becoming very common. Two types of IBD. ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Ulcerative colitis occurs only in large intestine, while Crohn’s disease can affect any part of GI track. Common triggers of IBD are gut dysbiosis, smoking, poor eating habits, antibiotics, oral contraceptive use, stress and pollution. Moreover, these patients will not digest fiber rich foods.

• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: Hashimoto’s disease happens when your immune system attacks your thyroid gland. On the other hand, Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid is under active and not producing enough thyroid hormone. Symptoms include fatigue and unexplained weight gain.

• Grave’s disease: An autoimmune disease in which your immune system attacks healthy tissues in your thyroid gland for unknown reason. The thyroid gland over produce is hormones. Symptoms include anxiety, hand tremor, heat sensitivity, weight loss, puffy eyes and enlarged thyroid gland.
• Psoriasis; – It is chronic skin condition, characterized by the rapid buildup of skin cells and causing red, scaly patches.

Top five causes of autoimmune conditions:

• Genetic predisposition; – People with gene HLA- B27 are more likely to develop autoimmune diseases such as IBD. HLA-DQ8 associated with paradise position for celiac disease.

• Poor eating habits– Inflammatory foods like junk and packaged foods, too much sugar and salt, excessive consumption of carbonated drinks and artificial ingredients.

• Inflammation; – Chronic inflammation can eventually lead to autoimmune conditions. Furthermore, some studies show that chronic inflammatory conditions are the most significant cause of death today.

• Poor gut health; – Imbalanced microbiome is not able to keep the immune system in check.

• Overall poor lifestyle; – Lack of sleep, poor emotional and mental health and lack of movement 

Lifestyle and diet changes:

• Eliminate foods that trigger inflammation: Wheat, dairy, sugar, packaged and processed foods cold drinks.

• Reduce stress: Promote calming and relaxing activities like playing with loved one’s laughter, yoga, earthing and spa. In addition, Incorporate meditation in your daily routine.

• Improve gut health: Incorporate fiber into daily diet as prebiotics, such as kimchi, saukraut, fermented vegetables, good quality curd. Additionally, manage stress and sleep by 10 or 11 PM.

• Essential nutrients and supplements: Vitamin C (500 to 1000 mg/day), Vitamin D (1000 mg/ day, Omega 3 fatty acids and Probiotics. These supplements calm your immune response naturally.

• Incorporate pranayama and deep breathing: For example, Anulom-vilom, Nadi Shodhan and slow breathing. These all activities activate parasympathetic nervous system.

• Incorporate regular movement: Movement is naturally anti-inflammatory. First, we should incorporate activities and exercise that we enjoy, then slowly move towards strength training.

• Dietary changes: We should add seasonal fruits and vegetables, consume fiber and phytonutrients, stick to whole grains instead of refined grains, add a good quality multivitamin. Have enough protein for recovery and repair, soaked nuts and seeds and protein supplement. We should add green leafy veggies for liver detox.

Conclusion:

In conclusion autoimmune diseases can be complex and chronic, requiring ongoing management and treatment by healthcare professionals. Furthermore, treatment options typically focus on alleviating symptoms, reducing inflammation and modulating the immune response. In summary, big transformation can be made only by making small changes. To know more about overall wellness, follow my Instagram page.