Our immune system is a complex system that keeps us safe by identifying foreign intruders that enter our body or come in contact with us. If it deems any of these external factors as dangerous, it produces antibodies to destroy these harmful invaders. However, if you have an autoimmune disease, your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues in many parts of your body, wreaking havoc on your organs.
There are about 80 autoimmune diseases. The most common are rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, Hashimoto’s disease, and Graves’ disease. There are many more that involve the nervous system, joints and muscles, skin, endocrine glands, and the heart. The common symptom in all of these diseases is inflammation.
While the cause of autoimmune diseases is not known for sure, there is a significant link between the diseases and environmental toxins, like mold, yeast overgrowth, viruses, and food sensitives-particularly gluten intolerance.
Conventional treatment of autoimmune diseases does not take into account environmental toxins. Instead, medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, steroids like prednisone, and anti-cancer drugs like methotrexate are prescribed to shut down the immune system. A new class of drugs called biologicals (Remicade, Humira, and Enbrel) are now being used to treat some autoimmune diseases. They are heavily advertised on television during prime time. Pay careful attention to the side effects of these drugs.
Dr. Mark, Hyman, a renowned functional doctor, has treated hundreds of patients with autoimmune diseases, addressing the underlying causes of the disease. One of his patients suffered from crippling psoriasis and arthritis. She was 42 years old and couldn’t walk up and down the stairs or get into a bathtub without help. Just nine months after eliminating gluten and other food allergens, removing heavy metals with compounded glutathione, and balancing her immune system, she is back at work. Not only is she 30 pounds lighter, but completely free from pain and psoriasis. I have heard countless stories of complete remission of the disease by simple dietary changes and a comprehensive detoxification program. If you have an auto-immune disease, there is hope!
In summary: autoimmune diseases can be helped with biologicals and nutraceuticals. We would love to help you get better! The compounding pharmacist here also has a certification in Disease Management. Call our pharmacy for help choosing the right products to treat your disease.