The Autoimmune Paradigm

Antoaneta Sawyer, Ph. D.

Autoimmune diseases have something in common with cancer. Both diseases are chronic, progressive degenerative and proinflammatory diseases, with not well known etiology and pathogenesis (reason and mechanism of appearance), and not well known or proven allopathic or holistic treatment. Maybe one of their main differences is that cancer is a byproduct of the extremely supressed immunity, while autoimmune diseases are due to the paradoxically or pathologically increased immune system of the human body, that recognizes its proper organs and tissues as unknown and attacks them. In case if you face autoimmune disease you will need a multifaceted comprehensive program that is designed to help you overcome your symptoms and to restore your previous health.

Autoimmune disease tends to flare up after short or longer periods of remission as well as in response to emotional ups and downs. Thus, any form of mind/body treatment-hypnosis, meditation, psychotherapy, guided imaginary, personal autosuggestion or biofeedback may be extremely helpful. Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine are also of an immense help.

A new study found that household insecticides may be linked to autoimmune diseases. Parks the lead investigator of this study concluded at the American College of Rheumatology annual meeting in Philadelphia PA (October 17, 2009) that her team findings do raise a red flag. In her proper words “ It is hard to envision what other factors might explain this association”.

Even though I always consider that there are multiple aspects to be covered when dealing with autoimmune disease without significance what exactly the autoimmune disease might be, I do definitely agree that dietary supplements in term of vitamins are one of the most important factors that need to be considered. If you are asking why, my answer is quite simple. Just due to the fact that those are disease in which the immune system is not performing on its best, at least at its desired level, and there is a need to help the body to compensate it.

The following dietary changes may be also of help:

1. Reduce protein intake to 10-15% of your total calories
2. Replace animal protein with plant protein.
3. Eliminate milk, yalk and their byproducts.
4. Try to eat organic meats mainly.
5. Eat more seasonable and organic fruits and vegetables

6.Eliminate polyunsaturated vegetable oils, margarine, vegetable shortening, partially hydrogenated oils, deep-fried and all foods that might contain trans-fatty acids.
7. Use extra-virgin olive oil, or coconut oil for cooking.
8. Increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids- 1000- 3000 mg/ day
9. Add a good multivitamin and antioxidant to your daily routine.
10. Walk and exercise when possible.
11. Rest between chores.
12. Assure 8h of a night sleep.

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The material in this newsletter is provided for informational purposes only. Thus our intentions are not to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat or prevent any disease. If you use the information in this newsletter without the approval of your health professional, the authors of this letter do not assume any responsibility. Copyright @ 2009, Natural Health-Wellness LLC. All rights reserved.
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