Autoimmune diseases occur when the body’s defense system turns against itself, attacking healthy cells instead of protecting them. These health conditions affect millions of people worldwide, creating a wide range of symptoms that can impact virtually any organ system. Understanding these complex disorders is crucial for proper diagnosis, treatment, and management.
For those living with autoimmune diseases, finding effective treatments can be life-changing. The journey often involves understanding both conventional and alternative approaches to managing these challenging conditions.
How do autoimmune diseases make you feel?
- Extreme fatigue – Most people with autoimmune diseases experience profound tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest, often described as feeling like you’re constantly fighting the flu.
- Joint pain and swelling – Many autoimmune conditions target the joints, causing inflammation, stiffness, and reduced mobility that can significantly impact daily activities.
- Skin problems – Rashes, blisters, color changes, or general sensitivity may develop as the immune system attacks skin cells or affects blood vessels near the skin.
- Recurring fever – Low-grade, unexplained fevers are common as the body responds to ongoing inflammation.
- Digestive issues – Abdominal pain, stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation can occur when autoimmune diseases affect the digestive tract.
- Brain fog – Many patients report difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and general cognitive sluggishness as inflammation affects neurological function.
- Weight changes – Unexplained weight loss or gain may occur as metabolism is affected by the immune system’s abnormal activity.
- Hair loss – Some autoimmune conditions can cause patchy or widespread hair loss as hair follicles are damaged.
5 Common Types of Autoimmune Diseases
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the lining of the joints, causing painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity. Unlike the wear-and-tear damage of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of joints, causing a painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity. The inflammation associated with RA can also damage other parts of the body, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to two conditions—Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis—characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. These conditions involve an abnormal immune response that causes ongoing inflammation, leading to ulceration, cell damage, and intestinal bleeding. IBD can significantly impact quality of life, causing severe abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, rectal bleeding, weight loss, and fatigue.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Without insulin, blood cells cannot absorb glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream to use for energy. This leads to high blood sugar levels and, if untreated, serious complications affecting the heart, blood vessels, nerves, eyes, and kidneys. Type 1 diabetes typically appears during childhood or adolescence but can develop at any age.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers, causing communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body. Eventually, this can lead to permanent nerve damage and disability. Symptoms vary widely depending on which nerves are affected but commonly include fatigue, numbness, weakness, vision problems, and difficulty with coordination and balance.
Lupus
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), commonly known as lupus, is one of the more complex autoimmune diseases that can affect any organ system. The immune system creates antibodies that attack healthy tissues, causing inflammation and damage throughout the body. Lupus can affect the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels, and brain. A characteristic butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose is common in many, but not all, cases.
What causes autoimmune diseases?
- Genetic factors – Many autoimmune diseases run in family history, suggesting a strong hereditary component. Certain genes related to immune function can increase susceptibility, though having these genes doesn’t guarantee you’ll develop an autoimmune condition.
- Environmental factors – Exposure to certain viruses, bacteria, chemicals, or drugs can trigger autoimmune responses in genetically susceptible individuals. Common triggers include the Epstein-Barr virus (which causes mono), certain medications, and industrial solvents.
- Hormonal influences – The higher prevalence of autoimmune diseases in women suggests hormones play a significant role. Estrogen can enhance immune responses, which may explain why many women experience symptom changes during pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause.
- Intestinal permeability issues – Sometimes called “leaky gut,” increased intestinal permeability may allow partially digested food, toxins, and bacteria to penetrate the intestinal lining and trigger immune responses that can lead to autoimmunity.
- Vitamin D deficiency – Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to an increased risk of multiple autoimmune diseases. Vitamin D helps regulate immune function and may prevent the immune system from attacking healthy cells.
- Previous infections – Some autoimmune conditions develop after certain infections through a process called molecular mimicry, where the immune system confuses healthy cells with pathogen cells due to structural similarities.
- Western diet and lifestyle – Highly processed foods, refined sugars, and excessive salt intake may promote inflammation and alter gut bacteria, potentially contributing to autoimmune development. Sedentary lifestyles and chronic stress also increase risk.
- Exposure to toxins – Pesticides, heavy metals, and industrial chemicals can disrupt immune function and may trigger autoimmune responses in susceptible individuals.
- Smoking – Tobacco smoke contains thousands of chemicals that can irritate the immune system and potentially trigger or worsen several autoimmune conditions, particularly rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Are autoimmune diseases serious? 3 Major Risks of Untreated Autoimmune Disorders
Potential for Organ Damage
Untreated autoimmune diseases can lead to significant organ damage as the immune system continues to attack healthy cells. This persistent inflammation can cause irreversible changes to vital organs such as the kidneys, heart, lungs, and liver. For example, in lupus, kidney inflammation (nephritis) can lead to kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplantation. Similarly, untreated rheumatoid arthritis can permanently damage joints, leading to deformities and disability that cannot be reversed even with later treatment.
Increased Risk of Complications
Many autoimmune diseases significantly increase the risk of developing serious complications beyond the primary condition. Patients with autoimmune diseases have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease due to systemic inflammation affecting blood vessels. There’s also an increased susceptibility to infections since many treatments suppress the immune system. Additionally, some autoimmune conditions increase the risk of certain cancers—for instance, people with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis have a higher risk of colorectal cancer.
Impact on Quality of Life
The chronic nature of autoimmune diseases can severely impact quality of life when left untreated. Persistent pain, fatigue, and disability can lead to reduced physical functioning and inability to perform daily activities. Many patients experience significant psychological effects, including depression and anxiety, as they cope with unpredictable symptoms and the uncertainty of their condition. Social isolation often occurs as activities become limited, and relationships may be strained by the demands of chronic illness.
How to Reduce Autoimmune Disease
- Adopt an anti-inflammatory diet – Focus on consuming whole foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber while reducing processed foods, sugar, and potential trigger foods. Many patients find improvement by following specific protocols like the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) or a Mediterranean diet under professional guidance.
- Identify and eliminate food sensitivities – Work with healthcare providers to identify potential food triggers through elimination diets or testing. Common trigger foods include gluten, dairy, soy, corn, and nightshades, though these vary greatly between individuals and conditions.
- Manage stress effectively – Chronic stress can trigger flares and worsen symptoms by increasing inflammation. Implement regular stress-reduction practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or whatever calming activities work best for your lifestyle.
- Prioritize quality sleep – Poor sleep increases inflammation and can trigger autoimmune symptoms. Establish consistent sleep routines, create a restful environment, limit screen time before bed, and address any sleep disorders with your healthcare provider.
- Exercise appropriately – Regular, moderate physical activity reduces inflammation and improves immune function. Choose activities that don’t exacerbate your symptoms and work with physical therapists if needed to develop an appropriate exercise regimen.
- Reduce toxin exposure – Minimize exposure to environmental toxins by using natural cleaning products, filtering water, choosing organic foods when possible, and avoiding plastics containing BPA. These substances may trigger or worsen autoimmune responses in susceptible individuals.
- Support gut health – A significant portion of the immune system resides in the gut, so maintaining gut health is crucial. Include probiotic-rich foods, prebiotic fiber, and consider supplements under medical supervision to support a healthy intestinal microbiome.
- Optimize vitamin D levels – Many autoimmune patients have vitamin D deficiencies, and supplementation may help regulate immune function. Have your levels tested and work with healthcare providers to achieve optimal levels through appropriate supplementation and moderate sun exposure.
- Address infections – Certain bacterial, viral, or fungal infections may trigger or worsen autoimmune responses. Work with healthcare providers to identify and treat any chronic infections that might be contributing to your condition.
- Seek regular medical care – Partner with knowledgeable healthcare providers who understand autoimmune conditions and can help monitor your condition. Regular check-ups allow for early intervention when symptoms change and help prevent complications from developing.
Can you survive autoimmune diseases? 4 Alternative Treatment Options
Medications
Several classes of medications are commonly used to treat autoimmune diseases, with the goal of reducing inflammation and suppressing the abnormal immune response. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help manage pain and inflammation for milder symptoms. Corticosteroids like prednisone provide powerful anti-inflammatory effects for acute flares but have significant side effects with long-term use. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics target specific parts of the immune system to slow disease progression and prevent joint and connective tissue damage.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems and their effects on overall health. For autoimmune patients, especially those with conditions affecting the joints like rheumatoid arthritis, chiropractors can provide gentle adjustments that may help reduce pain and improve range of motion. Treatments typically involve manual manipulation of the spine and other joints, along with therapeutic exercises and lifestyle counseling. While chiropractic care cannot cure autoimmune diseases, it may serve as a valuable complementary approach to help manage pain and maintain physical function.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to balance the flow of energy or life force. For autoimmune disease patients, acupuncture may help reduce inflammation, manage pain, decrease stress, and improve overall well-being. Research suggests acupuncture can stimulate the release of endorphins (natural painkillers) and affect the autonomic nervous system to reduce inflammatory responses. Many patients report significant autoimmune disease symptom relief and reduced need for pain medications when incorporating regular acupuncture sessions into their treatment plans.
Spinal Manipulation and Adjustment
Spinal manipulation therapy focuses on realigning the spine to relieve pressure on nerves and allow the body to function optimally. For autoimmune patients, particularly those with inflammatory conditions affecting the back or joints, these adjustments may help reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance nervous system function. Practitioners use controlled force applied to specific joints to restore proper alignment and movement. This approach may be particularly beneficial for managing secondary musculoskeletal issues that develop as a result of the primary autoimmune condition, such as compensatory pain patterns that emerge when patients alter their movement to avoid pain.
Conclusion
If you’re struggling with symptoms of an autoimmune disease, Superior Healthcare in Stone Mountain, GA offers specialized care combining evidence-based conventional approaches with effective alternative treatments. Our team understands the complex nature of autoimmune conditions and works with you to develop personalized treatment plans. Schedule an appointment today to explore your options for managing autoimmune diseases and improving your overall well-being.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for health tips and updates, and check out our Yelp reviews to see how we’ve helped others with similar conditions reclaim their health and vitality.