There are over 60 known disorders thought to be related to autoimmunity. Below is a summarized list of conditions related to autoimmune disorders :

Alopecia Areata – An autoimmune disorder that is characterized by hair loss. It is found commonly in men and women and can occur at any age, including childhood.

Alzheimer’s Disease – Characterized as a progressive brain disorder, which involves a decline in social and intellectual abilities. Alzheimer’s Disease is thought to be associated with free radical damage in the brain and inorganic aluminum.

Celiac Disease – A chronic inflammation of the colon that creates an intestinal breakdown due to an allergic reaction to gluten. Gluten is a protein that is found in grains such as wheat, barley, oat and rye.

Crohn’s Disease – A chronic inflammatory bowel disease, which is characterized by severe inflammation of the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. This disorder is typically seen in persons between the ages of 15 and 35, but can also be found in young children and the elderly as well.

Fibromyalgia – This disorder is characterized by aches and pains in the muscles along with chronic fatigue and insomnia. It is estimated between 3 to 6 million people in the US suffer with Fibromyalgia. Ninety percent of them being women.

Graves Disease – A disorder affecting the thyroid gland. In this disease auto-antibodies bind to the thyroid gland, which increases the production of thyroid hormone, which plays a major role in metabolism. Symptoms include nervousness, diarrhea, insomnia, sweating, and weight loss with increased appetite. More serious symptoms include irregular heart beat, tachycardia (increased heart rate), swelling of eyes and legs. In rare cases, cardiovascular collapse, shock or coma could occur.

Lupus – A disorder which instead of the body’s immune system functioning properly as protection from harmful invaders, it forms antibodies that attack healthy tissues and organs. Symptoms include aching joints, inflammation, swelling, fatigue, fevers and rashes. Lupus is a mild disease affecting only a few organs, but for others it may cause serious, even life-threatening problems.

Multiple Sclerosis – A chronic inflammatory condition which involves the central nervous system (CNS), which consists of the brain and spinal cord. This chronic inflammation causes severe damage to the myelin sheath (covering of the nerves). Symptoms include blurred vision, numbness and paralysis. Mercury toxicity may be a causal factor.

Psoriasis – A common chronic skin condition which is characterized by symptoms similar to eczema. It involves the hyperactivity of the immune system which creates a form of inflammation. This inflammatory reaction causes skin cells to multiply seven to twelve times faster than normal. The skin is often dry and itchy as well as being cracked or blistered.

Rheumatoid Arthritis – This disorder can affect many joints, but most commonly the small joints of the hands. An autoimmune attack on the tissues causes inflammation along with pain and swelling. If uncontrolled it could lead to destruction of the bones, deformity and eventually disability. It is thought that a factor of rheumatoid arthritis is holding onto bitterness.

What are natural ways that can be used which are helpful for autoimmune disorders?

Most people with autoimmune disorders suffer from exhausted adrenals. The adrenals produce a hormone that controls the immune response called cortisol. Cortico-steroid drugs are used to treat autoimmune disorders to mimic the action of cortisol, but have undesirable side effects. A natural alternative to consider is Licorice, which is an herb that supports the adrenals, as well as having anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. Yucca also has anti-inflammatory properties as well as mimics the effects of cortisol. It also has a detoxifying effect as well as a blood thinning property. Wild Yam is another herb that can be taken as an anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic. Willow bark also has an anti-inflammatory property and can help bring relief from pain in autoimmune disorders.

Stress management is a key factor in dealing with autoimmune disorders as stress adversely affects the adrenal glands. Getting an adequate amount of sleep as well as having a positive mental attitude can be very helpful. Supplements that can be beneficial in helping the body manage stress are Siberian Ginseng, Chinese Mineral Chi Tonic and Nutri-Calm.

Antioxidants aid the body in balancing immune activity and also fight free radical damage. Green Tea Extract and High Potency Grapine are appropriate choices.

Essential Oils that may be beneficial for autoimmune disorders include Bergamot, Clary Sage, Lavender and Roman Chamomile.

Adding essential fatty acids to your diet like Flax Seed Oil and Omega-3 EPA can help to reduce inflammatory responses.

Magnesium deficiency is also common in cases of autoimmune disorders. Fibralgia contains magnesium as well as malic acid which is beneficial for generating cellular energy and may be helpful for Fibromyalgia.

Moderate exercise such as walking or swimming can be helpful but care should be taken not to over exert the body.

Taking a digestive enzyme is very beneficial.

Taking a Probiotic daily is recommended to help put healthy bacteria into the intestines which may help reduce allergic responses.

What should be avoided?

Immune stimulants are contraindicated as this could only make the problem worse. Avoid taking herbs and supplements that boost the immune system such as Colostrum, Dandelion Root, Echinacea, Goldenseal, and Yarrow.

Avoid essential oils that stimulate the immune system such as Geranium, Thyme and Ylang Ylang.

Food allergies may also be a factor in autoimmune disorders. Common allergens are hydrogenated fats and oils such as margarine and shortening, grains such as wheat and corn and dairy products. Foods that aggravate the condition should be avoided.

Avoid refined carbohydrates and sugars which feeds Candida, a fungus that may also be a contributing factor for autoimmune disorders.

Toxicity and Heavy Metal Poisoning

It is believed that heavy metal poisoning, such as with vaccines that contain mercury and other toxins that are injected directly into the bloodstream as well as other toxic chemicals we are exposed to on a daily basis, are a major factor in the underlying cause of autoimmune disorders. A gentle detoxification is recommended so as not to detoxify the body too quickly causing a “healing crisis”. SAM-e can be helpful in detoxifying the liver and has been beneficial in some cases of Fibromyalgia. Enviro Detox taken in small doses can also be helpful.

From Publishers Weekly
The immune system is a scapegoat for a variety of ills in this wide-ranging but tendentious guide to approaching diseases like lupus, Crohn’s disease, MS, and rheumatoid arthritis. The author argues that autoimmune disorders, in which a malfunctioning immune system attacks healthy tissues, are caused or triggered by environmental toxins, especially heavy metals and free radicals. Drawing on his experience treating patients for the above disorders as well as ch (more…)

From Publishers Weekly
Lahita, a doctor who wrote the textbook on autoimmune disease for medical professionals, as well as a layperson’s book on rheumatoid arthritis , concentrates here on how autoimmune diseases afflict women, who make up 75% of cases nationwide. A healthy immune system defends the body from antigens such as viruses and bacteria. But sometimes the immune system erroneously attacks healthy cells, leading to autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, multiple sclerosis and (more…)

This causes the thyroid gland to produce a greater than normal amount of the hormone called thyroxine.  When you have excess thyroxine in your body, your metabolic rate can increase by 60 percent to 100 percent because thyroxine controls the metabolism of the cells. A higher metabolism can lead to a number of health problems, such as an irregular heartbeat or anxiety.

Signs and symptoms of Graves’ disease and hyperthyroidism may include: Sensitivity to heat Weight loss, despite normal food intake Brittle hairLight menstrual periodsFrequent bowel movementsRestlessness Muscle weakness TremorsEnlarged thyroid glandIncreased sweatingNervousness & irritabilityRestless sleepErratic behaviourIncreased appetite Distracted attention spanFatigueRapid heart beatChanges in sex drive

Graves Disease occurs mainly in middle aged women but can also occur in children and the elderly.  Often, there is a genetic predisposition to autoimmune disorders but often the cause remains unknown. Of research importance, the Graves’ gene in DNA has not yet been identified.

Graves’ ophthalmopathy may cause these mild signs and symptoms: Excess tearing and sensation of grit or sand in either or both eyesReddened or inflamed eyesWidening of the space between your eyelidsSwelling of the lids and tissues around the eyesLight sensitivity

Less often, Graves’ ophthalmopathy can produce these signs and symptoms:Ulcers on the cornea Double visionLimited eye movementsBlurred or reduced vision

Graves Disease is incurable but not life threatening and is completely treatable. There are three standard ways of treating Graves’ disease.

1. Anti-thyroid drugs which inhibit production or conversion of the active thyroid hormone; Most individuals do well on these medications and can continue them long term if they so choose. The most common side effect is a rash, which will require that the medication be stopped if it is severe.

2. Radioactive iodine which destroys part or all of the thyroid gland and renders it incapable of overproducing thyroid hormone. The treatment consists simply of swallowing a pill that contains radioactive iodine. Usually the treatment is entirely painless, though an occasional patient will notice mild soreness over the thyroid gland for a few days after the treatment.; or

3. Subtotal thyroidectomy, in which a surgeon removes most of the thyroid gland and renders it incapable of overproducing thyroid hormone. Surgery may be the best option in certain situations, such as patients with large multinodular goiters where the thyroid gland is interfering with swallowing

The more serious complications of prolonged, untreated, or improperly treated Graves’ disease include weakened heart muscle leading to heart failure; osteoporosis, or possible severe emotional disorders.

From Publishers Weekly
Type 1 diabetes, Crohn’s disease, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis—all these increasingly common illnesses are autoimmune diseases in which the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues or nervous system. Equally alarming, as journalist Nakazawa tells us, is researchers’ growing suspicion that autism may be an autoimmune disease, brought on in part by genetic predisposition, exposure of young bodies to man-made chemicals and perhaps viral triggers. Nakazawa (D (more…)

Review
“…provides valuable information on managing one’s own disorder and lists treatments and possible new ways to alter immune responses.” — New York Times, July 1, 2003″These disorders pose unique treatment challenges, and this up-to-date information provided will be welcome in women’s health collections.” — Library Journal, February 2003…delivers a comprehensive picture of the disease… — Associated Press, 2003 Health & Fitness Book Feature
–This text refers to an o (more…)

Review”The authors use first-person accounts to illustrate their advice on coping simultaneously with symptoms and the challenges of the workplace; developing a financial plan; communicating with coworkers, employers, and loved ones; building a support team; and balancing work and family responsibilities. A little book with lots of useful advice; recommended.”— Library Journal”An essential resource and guide for women living with autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lu (more…)

Amazon.com Review
Autoimmune diseases affect 50 million Americans, mostly women, who frequently remain undiagnosed and untreated, or are treated ineffectively. Living Well with Autoimmune Disease helps readers pinpoint symptoms, find the right practitioner, and learn cutting-edge approaches to reduce symptoms and reverse their disease. Author Mary Shomon, who has the immune disease Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, explains how the immune system is supposed to work, and what can go wrong (more…)