One of the functions of the immune system is to protect the body by responding to invading microorganisms, such as bacteria or viruses, by producing antibodies. However, if the immune system malfunctions, it mistakenly attacks healthy cells, tissues and organs resulting in autoimmunity. These attacks can affect any part of the body, weakening bodily function and even turning life-threatening. There are more than 100 autoimmune diseases. The more common ones are; rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus, Sjogren's, scleroderma, restless leg syndrome, myasthenia gravis, MS, etc. So what can cause autoimmunity? The following is a list of things that have been associated with autoimmunity.
smoking
agricultural chemicals
organic mercury
genetics
poor nutrition, i.e. low vitamin d levels
leaky gut
viral infections, i.e. Epstein Barr
estrogen dominance (more women present with autoimmunity then men)
chronic infections
toxins
adrenal fatigue
toxins like mold (see mercury above)
age-usually starts between the ages of 15 to 44
How is autoimmunity treated? From an allopathic perspective (western medicine) there are numerous drugs (biologics) that are used, with a myriad of side effects (not going to list them here) that never address the "why" or what has caused this problem in the first place. Addressing the cause is critical (from a functional medicine perspective) as other autoimmune diseases tend to follow. There are natural (vitamin d, CBD, PEA) interventions as well as compounded prescriptions (low dose naltrexone/LDN.)
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