Autoimmunity

by Dr. Sue Aery Aery Chiropractic & Acupuncture, Elevation Chiropractic & Wellness

Autoimmunity is far more prevalent in the 21st century than ever before. As our bodies continue to be barraged by chemicals and hormones and other non-food particulates, we are continually facing an alteration of our genes and genetic makeup. The surge of gut damaging “foods” and chemically altered items that are constantly replacing our natural versions, creates damaging environments for digestion and elimination. Not to mention, how we absorb the essential elements of real food- vitamins and minerals and other vital nutrients for our survival. The immune system, which is rooted in the gut, is constantly being damaged and less able to handle normal function, to protect the body. The result is more and more alterations of our genes, which has led to the study of epigenetics and nutragenomics. These little known fields show and study the direct correlation of food and genetics. We are finding out that poor dietary practices can lead to a “switch” of a gene, usually not a favorable one. Now, when talking about autoimmunity, this is one of the most common causes of our immune system turning on itself to gradually attack and destroy our own cells and organs. Good nutrition can be shown to “switch” genes in a positive direction!

There are two models of thought when dealing with and treating autoimmune disease. Many of the common autoimmune diseases are Rheumatoid Arthri4s (RA), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Sjogren’s Disease, Psoriatic Arthritis,

Hashimoto’s Thyroid Disease, Fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s Disease, and many others. Some are able to be diagnosed with blood tests, but others are still too new to have specific markers. Most blood tests include inflammatory markers, ANA, RH factor, CRP, and others including specific antibody markers. One model of treatment involves taking immune suppressing drugs to remove the attack from the immune system. The downside of these drugs is that the immune system loses most of its function, leaving the patient more vulnerable to sicknesses. These are powerful drugs, which often require infusions or self injections. The second model is more function based, keeping the immune system calm or “dimmed”, like a light switch. This involves lifestyle and nutritional approaches, keeping the diet clean of preservatives, chemicals, gluten, dairy, alcohol and sugar. Eating well and loading the body with antioxidants, fruits and vegetables, clean foods and healthy oils can lessen the load on the immune system and digestive system and allow for a more controlled and calm response. This will keep the self attack on the body in a calmer state and the body will experience fewer flare ups.

Whatever you choose, make sure that your diagnosis is definite, your approach is consistent and you understand the implications of not taking good care of your body overall. Autoimmunity is nothing to guess at, it is real and can be debilitating and sometimes life threatening. Remember, knowledge is power and good nutrition is powerful!