Allergic to Myself? Autoimmunity

“Autoimmunity is the system of immune responses of an organism against its own healthy cells and tissues." Any disease that results from such an aberrant immune response is termed an "autoimmune disease" according to Wikipedia. The immune system goes awry and turns on itself wreaking havoc in a variety of systems. 

Significant examples of autoimmune diseases include celiac disease, post-infectious IBS, Crohn’s disease, psoriasis, diabetes mellitus type 1, sarcoidosis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren syndrome, eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Graves’ disease, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, Addison’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, polymyositis, dermatomyositis and multiple sclerosis, to name a few. 

Everyone knows someone with one of these conditions and these conditions appear to be getting more common every year. Poor diet and lifestyle choices contribute to much of the ill-health of our population and may stimulate or aggravate autoimmune conditions. Modern medicine has no miracle cures for most of these conditions, although you wouldn’t know that from all the drug commercials on TV. Allopathic medicine treats most of these conditions with steroids or biologics, which slow the inflammatory processes, but do not reverse or cure the problem. And did you ever pay attention to long list of negative effects these medications may cause. They wouldn’t be first choice! 

So, what is a better approach? I wish I could tell you I have the answer – I don’t – no one does. But I do know that there are lifestyle changes that can be made that will help. These involve significant dietary changes, supplements and much improved attitude. 

The first thing one must do is start eating more healthy, clean foods, that include organic and free-range animal products, fresh fruits and vegetables, with a minimal amount of grains. That allows for plenty of choices to eat. Equally as important is avoiding foods that are inflammatory. Sugar and refined carbohydrates are the easiest to avoid. In addition, corn and milk should be avoided. Nightshade family foods (eggplant, peppers, potatoes and tomatoes) can be especially inflammatory. Interestingly, it is the seeds and skins in these foods that contain the most concentrated amount of inflammatory chemicals. Lectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins found in most grains, squash, legumes (beans, peas, lentils & peanuts, and nightshade family foods, and fruit. These foods may cause inflammation in the body causing or aggravating autoimmune conditions. 

One “side effect” of this diet may be weight loss, not a problem for most people. This is not an easy program to follow, but if you are suffering it is well worth following for two months. Many of our patients who followed this approach experienced a significant improvement in their health and well-being. 

At Gardens Wholistic Health Center, we practice science based nutrition and recommendations are unique as no two individuals are the same.

Dr. Bill Rice has been in practice since 1977, as an acupuncturist, chiropractor, and nutritional consultant. He currently practices in Palm Beach Gardens.

For more information, call Dr. Bill Rice at: 561.439.6644 or email drbill@writeme.com