When the body’s immune system is thrown off-balance and becomes unregulated, the immune system attacks itself, causing autoimmunity. Sounds rather surprising that the body would do such a thing, doesn’t it?

The immune system is supposed to be the body’s guard against harmful invaders, so how is this possible? Why is autoimmunity happening with conditions such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Crohn’s disease or Hashimoto’s?

When bacteria, viruses, toxins, or allergens invade the body, T-cells are sent out by the immune system. T-regulatory cells see to it that the right kind of T-cells, and sufficient supply of them, are released into the body.

When correctly functioning T-regulatory cells are scarce, the immune system has trouble differentiating between healthy cells, and invading cells. They then blindly destroy these cells, harmful or not. This causes inflammation, pain, and fatigue. Sometimes, local tissue is damaged, affecting the organ that it is connected to, compromising its function.

What are some ways to help naturally?

Probiotics
For a well-regulated immune system, the beneficial gastrointestinal microbiota, or good bacteria, that is found in the digestive system must be balanced. Stress, certain medications, and poor diet can lead to imbalances, and furthermore leading to autoimmune conditions.
Probiotics, which contain beneficial bacteria, can help restore the balance of these microbes, and improve the immune response. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) and Lactobacillus paracasei (LP-33) work alongside each other in promoting the growth of other beneficial bacteria in the gut, and increasing the number of T regulatory cells.

Vitamin D
Vitamin D is needed to produce healthy T-regulatory cells. Thus, it is a fundamental nutrient for autoimmunity. When vitamin D deficiency is corrected, immune responses are improved, reducing the occurrence of symptom flare-ups.

Omega-3 essential fatty acids EPA/DHA
These fatty acids are found in fish oils and helps resolve any inflammation, and relieves pain. It can also reduce tissue damage that has been brought about by the inflammation, allowing the affected organs to go back to normal functioning.

Other Considerations for Overcoming Autoimmunity
There are other ways to help maintain a balanced immune system, and that includes balanced diet and regular exercise. Eat food that is unprocessed and contains fibre. As for exercise, low-impact workout is enough to release endorphins, which relieves pain, and fights off fatigue that is linked to autoimmune conditions.

On a deeper level, it is important to address underlying infection with the help of herbal medicine, optimal nutritional medicine and keeping the organs functioning at their best.

Heavy metals such as mercury or arsenic are commonly found, adding to another layer of oxidative stress on the body.

Each patient has their own individual challenges and contributing factors to their autoimmune disease. For the best chance of overcoming them, get in touch for the best support!