While
the immune response helps us heal from injuries, bacterial/viral invasions, and
additional pathogens, long-term chronic
inflammatory responses can wreak havoc on not only our immune
systems, but also our entire body. In addition to causing potential damage
to our own tissues/cells, a constant “ringing alarm” can result in a range of
conditions, often placed under the umbrella of “auto-immune” diseases. With
over 50 million Americans currently suffering from an auto-immune
disease/disorder, in this weeks post I will shed some light onto what exactly
is auto-immunity, what can cause it, what diseases are labeled as such, and
what options there are for the future.
AN
EPIDEMIC:
As
you read in last weeks post,
high stress, environmental toxins, lack of sleep, poor diet habits, and
persistent infections can all lead to chronic inflammation. In the case of
AUTO-IMMUNITY, the regulatory mechanisms that your immune system has in place
are “breached.” This causes the body’s own immune cells to relinquish “attacks”
against some of its own. Think of it like a civil war in the human body- an
unwelcomed war at that. While full-blown autoimmune disease is classified as
having significant cellular damage done to (various) areas of the body-
including the gut, brain, adrenal glands, etc- AUTOIMMUNE spectrum disorders
can pop up with similar symptoms, just without the physical damage.
The
spectrum has three main stages: SILENT auto-immunity, autoimmune REACTIVITY,
and autoimmune DISEASE. The first stage is just as it “sounds,” silent. More
often then not, this stage of the disease is unintentionally discovered with
typical lab tests and additional medical protocols that have nothing to do with
said autoimmune condition. High antibody levels (those specialized cells of the
ADAPTIVE immune system,) with no physical symptoms are the common
characteristics of stage 1. Without knowing the cause, high antibody levels can
equate to having an underlying non-autoimmune or autoimmune condition (with
further testing.) The second stage is
where symptoms start to arise, and lab results also show high antibody levels.
The third stage is where the significant physical cell/tissue damage occurs, resulting
in a diseased state.
THE
AUTOIMMUNE UMBRELLA:
With
a growing list of more than 100+ confirmed diseases that have autoimmune
origins, it can be overwhelming (and fear inducing) when looking at some of the
common symptoms of autoimmune diseases-which run the gamut from fatigue to
chronic headaches. Despite their broad generality, speaking with a trained
practitioner is always advised in-place of self-diagnosis. The following are
some of the most prevalent autoimmune diseases affecting Americans today.
CELIACS DISEASE: About a decade or so ago, the “gluten-free”
craze infiltrated our food-systems. Struck with fear of all things wheat,
non-celiacs sufferers were (falsely) seduced by the (now common) catchwords,
and the depth and severity of the disease was often passed off as being
non-serious. With this disease, the lumen of the small intestine (the place
where the foods/nutrients we consume are broken down and absorbed) is damaged,
resulting in symptoms such as diarrhea, acid reflux, neurological conditions,
and weight loss. Due to the range of symptoms, celiacs disease is sometimes
hard to pinpoint as it can mimic other gastrointestinal disorders
ECZEMA/PSORIASIS: The root cause of these two prevalent skin
conditions is often hard to pinpoint, and dermatologists commonly prescribe
steroids and other topical medications to hinder the inflammatory responses
that cause symptoms such as discomfort, skin scaling, skin inflammation/rashes,
bleeding, etc.
THRYOID DISORDERS: Autoimmune thyroid diseases, such as
HASHIOMOTOS THYROIDITIS, occur when the immune system begins to attack the
thyroid gland. While complex in nature, in laments terms, the body loses its
ability to regulate thyroid hormones, and it is often diagnoses with blood
tests measuring thyroid antibodies.
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: This inflammation of the lining of the
joints is prevalent in women over 40, but can affect anyone. Symptoms include
pain and inflammation, and may get better/worse over time
BUILDING
A HEALING TOOL-BELT:
Living
in a sterile bubble is not an option, and thus, we will be and are constantly
exposed to bacteria, viruses, toxins, and more, all of which can throw our
immune systems for a loop. Over-reacting now will result in added stress and
more chronic inflammation, and so taking a deep breathe, trusting in your own
body’s innate (and incredible) healing abilities, and educating yourself on
some foods, botanicals, and lifestyle protocols that can help support
modulating and rebalancing your immune system is the first step towards health.
Watch out for the next post where you will learn all about them!
Want to learn
more about the benefits of basil? The powers of cauliflower? The astounding
impact of avocado’s? Join me in one of my culinary nutrition workshops, select Wednesdays
from 6-7:30PM! See December’s line-up below, and be sure to snag your spot, as
space is limited!
JANUARY TRUE KITCHEN
COOKING CLASSES
NEW YEARS DETOX PT.1
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17TH
6:00-7:30PM
$35.00 (pre-paid) OR $40 (at door)*
Has a high stress & high
indulgence Holiday season left
you feeling bloated, heavy, & drained?
Join Genevieve as she dives into the wonderful world of whole-body detox,
uncovers factors that could be impeding your ability to heal, & offers
simple recipes that can naturally support TOXIN removal.
NEW YEARS DETOX PT.2
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31ST
6:00-7:30PM | $35 (pre-register) OR $40 (at-door)
In Part II, Genevieve will hone in on
DIGESTIVE, IMMUNE, & MENTAL health, foods that help these systems thrive,
& easy recipes to help you maintain your New Years resolutions!
* Cost of class includes colorful informative handout, all of
the recipes prepared in the class, and of course tasty plates of the food she
whips up!
EMAIL: info@biologicalhealth.com
PHONE: 267-308-0777
Genevieve – “G”
Certified Plant Based Nutritionist | CHHC|
Culinary Nutritionist
True Wellness Biological Health
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