In short, Auto Immune is your body rejecting itself and telling you it has reached its critical point where you need to listen or pay the price.
In scientific terms, it is instigated by a T cell or antibody reaction within the body, which compounds over time.
In Mind-Body Medicine, it is thought to be a ‘rejection of self’.
There are many Autoimmune diseases that many of us will not know are. Most we have come to believe as almost a rite of passage as we age. You may be alarmed to learn that Auto-immune Disease is a prevalent cause of death in middle-aged women, with Coronary Artery disease often being the final straw that breaks the camel’s back (Cooper GS, Stroehla BC)
Common Auto-Immune Diseases
- Type 1 diabetes
- Thyroid disorders such as Hashimoto’s or Graves
- Lupus (SLE)
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Coeliac disease
There are often multiple Underlying Factors to the instigation of the initial onset:
- Genetic predisposition
- Disturbed Gut flora
- Food Allergies and Intolerances
- Reduced immunity due to internal/external factors such as stress, infection, or virus.
- Depleted liver function
- Exposure to drugs or chemicals
- Nutrient deficiencies and excesses
The signs and symptoms are as broad as the instigators, the organs affected, the stage of disease and the levels of current exposure to the initiators such as Gluten and Chemicals.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Auto-Immune
- Weight gain or loss with no apparent reason
- Adverse reactions to foods
- Skin issues
- Gut issues
- Hormonal changes
- Pain or swelling
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Increased sensitivity to temperature or foods
- Increase or decrease in sense of smell, taste, sounds
- Pathology changes
Unaddressed, once you have one, you will soon have a little collection. However, most are primarily reversible if you are prepared to change your diet, lifestyle, and other factors. Reducing stress and processed foods would be a significant Step 1.
If you suspect you have Auto-immune, ask for an ANA pathology test. While it won’t tell you which one, it will give grounds for further investigation.
Listen to your body to take your cues!