Three Phases to Naturally Healing Autoimmune Diseases

There are numerous types of autoimmune conditions, but who gets them, why, and is there anything we can do for them outside of medication?

The answer is yes, followed by, it’s complicated.

I personally became aware of the complexity of autoimmune conditions as an adolescent when my mother was diagnosed with lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis and suffered the challenges of these illnesses.

I learned quickly that autoimmune conditions can take different paths and intensities but follow the same fundamental core issue—-your immune system is mistakenly attacking your body.

Autoimmune conditions damage its own tissues and organs and it can’t tell the difference between foreign cells and its own cells.

Though there are no scientifically proven reasons why the immune system inappropriately misfires, there are some commonalities in some individuals having a greater risk than others.

There are for example genetic susceptibilities like lupus that runs in families, women are at twice the risk, particularly during child bearing years, and ethnic groups are affected more, particularly African American and Hispanic women.

There are more than 80 types of autoimmune conditions and some of the most common ones include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis.

Each of these conditions attack different cells in the body and it often takes several doctors before a diagnosis occurs.

Common symptoms in autoimmune conditions include fatigue, body pain, swelling, redness and a low-grade fever.

It is important to seek care from a medical provider if any of those symptoms persist. Lab work must be paired with clinical symptoms to be diagnosed with an autoimmune condition.

Going back to the initial question, is there anything we can do for an autoimmune condition outside of medication?  There is plenty that can be done to support an autoimmune condition. Here are some key areas to support autoimmune conditions that have been successful in my practice:

Phase I: Assessment/Identification of Barriers

It important to complete comprehensive blood work with your provider to identify an autoimmune condition type. In our office, we complete specialty autoimmune test panels that include 32 markers.

Additionally, it is good to consider other infectious disease types that may contribute to symptoms or may be the true source of illness, for example, Lyme disease, or Epstein barr virus.

I have seen a multitude of patients with these conditions which mimic autoimmune conditions causing symptoms like fatigue and migratory joint pain.

Phase 2: Strengthen/Fortify

Stress

Stress may aggravate an autoimmune condition and initiate flare-ups. Long term stress and even acute stress in many instances affect the adrenal glands, therefore, it is important to support your adrenal gland functioning.

Consider adaptogenic herbs like Rhodiola rosea, Siberian ginseng, Ashwaganda, or Holy Basil. They support your body’s ability to manage stress and regulate to the needs of your body at any given moment.

One of my favorite herbs to help with anxiety and stress is l-theanine which promotes calmness, supports the brain and stimulates GABA, the relaxing neurotransmitter.

Other herbs like Valeriana and Passionflower can aid with sleep related to stress that may prevent you from initially falling and staying asleep.

Additionally, nutritional supplementation with B vitamins and C which support the adrenal gland functioning are important.

Immuno-Modulating Support

Since the immune system is overstimulated in an autoimmune condition, I look to support the system long term with immune-modulating supplementation.

Consider herbs like Smilax, Reishi mushroom, and Ashwaganda. Artemesia has been widely studied for immune-modulation for lupus especially in the hot summer months that induce flares and is helpful for spirochetes like Lyme.

Supplementation that also increase immunoglobulins, are good sources of support, e.g. Colostrum, or other bovine or egg derived immunoglobulin concentrates, if no food allergies are present.

Immunoglobulins additionally support the intestinal tract. In practice, I also utilize low dose immunotherapy/LDI, a specialized therapy, that down-regulates TH2, the part of the immune system that is overreacting; this is a good long-term strategy.

Anti-inflammatory herbs

When active inflammation is present, some key anti-inflammatory herbs include Curcumin and fish oil high in Omega 3.

Also, consider diets like Autoimmune Paleo Diet and decrease consumption of foods like red meat.

Phase III: Support Detoxification Pathways

Gastrointestinal function

Individuals with autoimmune conditions often have digestive tract issues.

I typically recommend a high dose probiotic, in addition to spore based probiotics. It’s beneficial to alternate probiotics regularly. It may also be recommended to be on supplements for gut repair like l-glutamine, or DGL.

I also frequently use Arabinogalactan/Larch which is a pre-biotic and stimulates the immune system.

Liver and Kidney function

Autoimmune conditions often affect proper excretion through the kidneys and need strengthening of the pathways through the liver, sometimes due to high medication usage.

Liver supporting supplements include liposomal glutathione, cruciferous vegetables, NAC, milk thistle and artichoke. For kidneys, hydration is key and consuming less sugary and processed foods.