The body has an integrated protective system for attackers like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and environmental toxins that cause diseases. The immune and lymphatic systems work in conjunction on a cellular level using white blood cells – lymphocytes – to not only engulf the intruder, but to manufacture antibodies to combat the invader next time, and to filter microbes at strategic points in the web-like lymphatic system extending all over the body.
An inflammatory response begins activation of the immune system at an attacker site that develops into heat, redness, pain and swelling. These signs of inflammation indicate an increased blood flow to the site and attract lymphocytes. The goal is to attack invaders and remove them, as well as the body’s damaged tissue, and to begin healing.
Flawed Immune Systems
In some people, the immune system overreacts and attacks a foreign material like nuts, penicillin, milk, seafood or pollen that is not normally hurtful. This sets up an allergy that can produce symptoms such as sneezing, watery, itchy eyes and stuffy or runny nose.
In a more serious instance, the defense system is defective and produces antibodies that attack regular body tissues. The results are various conditions called autoimmune disorders/diseases. Twenty percent of Americans have a disorder, and three-quarters of them are women, according to the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association. Incredibly, researchers believe there are up to 100 autoimmune diseases.
Lupus
When the immune system attacks connective tissue, such as bone, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and blood – which holds the skin, joints, muscles and organs together – it is called lupus. Prominent symptoms are inflammation, swelling, fatigue and sunlight sensitivity, all throughout the body. These signs can flare up and then subside for a time. A characteristic butterfly rash may occur across the nose and cheeks.
Lymphoma and Leukemia
Although not technically classified as autoimmune diseases, lymphoma and leukemia involve the body’s malfunctioning defense system. Lymphoma is a disorder that begins in the lymphatic system where disease-fighting lymphocytes turn cancerous and reproduce in a lymph node; then the cancer spreads. Characteristic is a swelling of lymph nodes at places such as the neck, armpits or groin. Inflammation and fatigue are common.
Leukemia is a disease where white blood cells turn cancerous in bone marrow. Normally in soft bone marrow, the body manufactures red blood cells that take oxygen to the cells; lymphocytes that battle infection; and platelets that clot blood at injury places. Leukemia prevents the usual creation of healthy blood cells, and often spreads in the bloodstream.
Multiple Sclerosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Multiple sclerosis is a disease that involves inflammation of the nervous system; protective insulation around nerve fibers, myelin, is damaged with the resultant hardening of nerves in the spinal cord, brain and optic nerve. The symptoms are weakness, pain and vision loss. As with lupus, the symptoms come and go.
Rheumatoid arthritis attacks the linings of the joints, called the synovium, and follows the pattern of other autoimmune disorders with signs of inflammation, weakness, fatigue, and curiously, symmetrical pain – like both hands or both feet. Often there is a sick-all-over feeling.
Chronic Inflammation and Common Symptoms
Common threads in all the autoimmune disorders – including psoriasis, chronic fatigue syndrome, Crohn’s disease, and many more -- are chronic inflammation, pain, swelling, fatigue, weakness, thickening of tissues, ebb and flow, and a predominance in women. It is difficult to make a diagnosis because of so many autoimmune disorders. Experts believe a combination of genetics and environment causes the disorders, and there are no cures.
Natural Health Helps for Autoimmune Disorders
Individuals with these conditions need to put their lifestyle in order by eating a healthy diet, exercising, getting enough sleep and practicing yoga for stress relief. Supplements that may help reduce inflammation are:
- omega-3 fish oil
- green tea
- vitamin D
- turmeric
This is an educational article only. Do not self-diagnose. It is important to work closely with a health care provider.
References:
American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, Inc., accessed November 9, 2009.
Baron-Faust, Rita & Buyon, M.D., Jill. The Autoimmune Connection. New York: McGraw Hill, 2003.
 |
 |
 |
