THE INCIDENCE OF AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE has tripled in the last few decades. 24 million Americans are now affected. In fact, it affects more women than heart disease and breast cancer combined. But autoimmune disease isn’t just one condition.
You’re probably familiar with the most common autoimmune diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, type-1 diabetes, hypothyroidism, and psoriasis. But there are many more autoimmune diseases that affect the nervous system, joints and muscles, skin, endocrine gland, and heart.
Simply put, autoimmune diseases are conditions where the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues rather than a foreign molecule like bacteria. This happens when something confuses the immune system. Increasingly, that “something” appears to be the enormous load of environmental toxins to which we are all exposed.
The groundbreaking book, The Autoimmune Epidemic, by Donna Jackson Nakazawa is a breath-taking piece of investigative journalism that seeks the real causes for this epidemic. Her desire to find answers was fueled by her own struggle with autoimmune disease.
Donna lays out very clearly a radical, but unfortunately very true, picture of what’s happening. But she also provides clear solutions for changes in diet, supplements, and our environment that can help people deal with and even reverse autoimmune diseases.
Donna calls the environmental toxins that are, in part, driving the autoimmune epidemic “autogens” — foreign compounds that create an “auto” reaction, a reaction against the self. The fact is, these toxins may be the most important cause of autoimmune diseases.
In today’s blog I will review how these toxins influence your health and lead to autoimmune diseases, share some of what Donna explains in her book, and provide 9 tips to help you address autoimmune disease.
Environmental Toxins: The Leading Cause of Autoimmune Disease
We are exposed to astounding amounts of pollution. Over 80,000 chemicals have been introduced into our society since 1900, and only 550 have been tested for safety. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), about 2.5 billion pounds of toxic chemicals are released yearly by large industrial facilities. And 6 million pounds of mercury are poured into our air every year.
In fact, a recent government survey – “The National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals” issued in July 2005 — found an average of 148 chemicals in our bodies. And those were only the ones for which they tested. (i)
It gets worse …
The Environmental Working Group examined the umbilical cord blood of children just as they emerged from the womb. They found 287 industrial chemicals, including pesticides, phthalates, dioxins, flame-retardants, Teflon, and toxic metals like mercury. And this was before these infants even entered the world!
That’s not to mention the toxins found in our foods and other chemicals typically found in the home, like certain cleaning agents or pest control products – all of which add to the total toxic load on our bodies.
One wonders what all of this poison is doing to our children …
In his foreword to The Autoimmune Epidemic, Dr. Douglas Kerr, M.D., Ph.D. professor at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, says that “there is no doubt that autoimmune diseases are on the rise and our increasing environmental exposure to toxins and chemicals is fueling the risk. The research is sound. The conclusions, unassailable.”
That environmental toxins are a major cause of autoimmune disease is clear. Yet conventional medicine doesn’t take that into account when treating autoimmune conditions.
Instead, it tries to shut down the immune response with powerful medications including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Advil and Aleve, steroids like prednisone, anti-cancer drugs like methotrexate, and new drugs like Enbrel and Remicade that block the effects of a powerful inflammatory molecule called TNF alpha.
But those new drugs shut down your immune system so powerfully that they increase your risk of cancer or life-threatening infections. And they have frequent and serious side effects and often give only partial relief. These drugs may be lifesaving for some in the short run — but in the long run they do NOTHING to deal with the causes.
There’s a better way.
I have successfully treated hundreds of patients with autoimmune diseases by addressing the underlying causes, including toxins, infections, allergens, poor diet, and stress. The roadmap of functional medicine takes us right to the root of the problem.
I have even seen the results of using functional medicine to treat autoimmune disease in myself, in my wife, and in my patients.
Using Functional Medicine to Heal from Autoimmune Disease
Years ago, I had chronic fatigue syndrome. This condition has autoimmune features and my blood tests clearly showed that my body was attacking itself. Getting rid of my mercury poisoning reversed my chronic fatigue and autoimmune problems.
Similarly, my wife developed debilitating autoimmunity with joint pain and fatigue. Getting rid of the heavy metals in her body with an intensive detoxification program cured her, too.
And this has been true of so many of my patients.
For each one, I have to find all the causes — toxins, allergens, infections, poor diet, and stress — and deal with all of them while adding back the things the body needs to function optimally, like whole, clean food, nutrients, exercise, stress management, clean water and oxygen, community, connection, and meaning. When I do this, the results are amazing.
One of my patients had crippling psoriasis and related arthritis. She was 42 and couldn’t walk up and down stairs, get into a bathtub without help, or properly care for her children. Yet just nine months after we started treatment — including eliminating gluten and other food allergens, removing her heavy metals, and balancing her immune system — she walked back in my office, not only 30 pounds lighter (remember, being inflamed makes you fat), but completely free of pain and psoriasis.
She’s not alone.
Another man suffered for years with the bloody diarrhea and pain of ulcerative colitis. Dietary changes and various kinds of digestive support helped but he never got better — until we removed the toxins and mercury from his body.
And a recent patient with debilitating fatigue and scars on her brain from multiple sclerosis got nearly complete relief of her symptoms after she had the mercury fillings removed from her teeth and went on a comprehensive detoxification program. When she repeated her MRI, all of the scars from the MS were gone!
So there are ways you can address autoimmune disease if you or someone you love is suffering. Here is what I recommend.
9 Tips for Addressing Autoimmune Disease
- Read The Autoimmune Epidemic. This book will tell you why we have this problem, and how to fix it.
- Find a functional medicine doctor who can help you address autoimmunity.
- Get tested for mercury and other heavy metals.
- Get tested for celiac disease (an autoimmune reaction to wheat and other gluten-containing grains), which causes over 60 autoimmune diseases. And consider eliminating other inflammatory foods from your diet such as dairy, eggs, corn and animal fats for a few weeks to see if it makes a different your symptoms.
- Take immune-balancing nutrients and supplements, including vitamin D, essential fats (like EPA/DHA and GLA), and probiotics.
- Practice deep relaxation daily through yoga, meditation, biofeedback, or anything that reverses the stress response.
- Practice the precautionary principle, which says that we should avoid anything with the potential for harm. In the US, something has to be proven harmful before it is taken off the market. In Europe, something has to be proven safe before it is allowed on the market. This is also known as “better safe than sorry.”
- Learn how to boost your body’s own detoxification system.
- By addressing the root causes of autoimmune disease, you can start feeling better and getting well today.Now I’d like to hear from you …Have you been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease?How have conventional treatments worked for you?Do you plan to try any of the lifestyle approaches mentioned here?
Please let me know your thoughts by adding a comment below.
Thank you, Caroline, for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. Your question and constellation of symptoms represents a complex medical condition. Questions regarding conditions like these cannot be answered in a responsible manner via the Internet.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
Thank you, Charles, for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. Your question and constellation of symptoms represents a complex medical condition. Questions regarding conditions like these cannot be answered in a responsible manner via the Internet.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
Thank you, Laura, for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. Your question and constellation of symptoms represents a complex medical condition. Questions regarding conditions like these cannot be answered in a responsible manner via the Internet.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
Thank you, Wendy, for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. Your question and constellation of symptoms represents a complex medical condition. Questions regarding conditions like these cannot be answered in a responsible manner via the Internet.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
To locate a practitioner of functional medicine in your area see the “Find a Functional Medicine Practitioner” link at the Institute of Functional Medicine’s website. Here you will find a place to enter your zip code and look for practitioner’s in your area that have completed the institute’s five-day training course in functional medicine. Understand that not all of the doctors listed here will fit your particular needs. Many different medical professionals complete this training, and you will have to do additional research on your own regarding a particular practitioner’s approach and whether or not it fits your specific medical requirements. This may include calling the practioner’s office, visiting his or her website,
Wishing You the Best of Health!
Thank you, Art, for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. Your question and constellation of symptoms represents a complex medical condition. Questions regarding conditions like these cannot be answered in a responsible manner via the Internet.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
Have been diagnosed with auto-immune hepatitis and I am devastated. Any suggestions?
Thank you, Jen for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. Your question and constellation of symptoms represents a complex medical condition. Questions regarding conditions like these cannot be answered in a responsible manner via the Internet, however reaching out to everyone is a great step in finding answers.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Please consider locatimg a practitioner of functional medicine in your area see the “Find a Functional Medicine Practitioner” link at the Institute of Functional Medicine’s website. Here you will find a place to enter your zip code and look for practitioner’s in your area that have completed the institute’s five-day training course in functional medicine. Understand that not all of the doctors listed here will fit your particular needs. Many different medical professionals complete this training, and you will have to do additional research on your own regarding a particular practitioner’s approach and whether or not it fits your specific medical requirements. This may include calling the practioner’s office, visiting his or her website, and/or scheduling a consultation.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
Hi there, I’m curious if you or anyone else think that a raw food diet, fasting and urine therapy could possibly heal an autoimmune disorder together with fresh air, exercise and relaxation of course. I have hashimoto’s and recently had an encephalopathy happen, and I feel like my brain is affected by this disease and I’m pretty scared! Doctors keep sending me away and telling me they don’t know anything about it… I’m waiting to see an endocrinologist, but I don’t have a lot of faith in this because I’ll just be put on medication that might or might not work… If anyone has any advice please share!!!
Thank you, Natasha, for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. Your question and constellation of symptoms represents a complex medical condition. Questions regarding conditions like these cannot be answered in a responsible manner via the Internet.
If you would like information on becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. That site is designed to give prospective patients a comprehensive source of information about The UltraWellness Center. You may also feel free to call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Regardless of becoming a patient at The UltraWellness Center, it sounds like you need to consult with a doctor. Please seek medical attention for the issues that you outlined in your message.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
I have Dr. Hymans book, Ultramind solution, I plan to follow the 6 week plan and think he is a Godsend to the medical world in North America. I just discovered this website………and wanted to pass on……….I think there are some problems with it, which may ultimately turn people off from Dr. Hyman’s work….which would really be a shame. This comments section is one of them (problem)…in that almost the entire answer you give is word for word the same…….looks simply like a shallow sales pitch… also where are the questions/comments people put in (that you are supposedly answering). Hope I don’t sound simply arrogant, but I think the benefit of having this comment section would be in people reading and identifying with the problems or comments made by the people, not by these carbon copy answers I am reading here.
I have a cat with autoimmune disease. What is the best way to treat his condition?
I have found this website while looking for something to counteract my problem with alopceia areata. Currently, I have been receiving steroid injections for the past 27 years for spotty hair loss. I am so frustrated after receivng more injections today. Six years ago, I had Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in my right thyroid and the left thyroid was removed. I had 5 rounds of Chemo and 21 sessions of Radiation to my neck and head. Therefore, I lost all my hair and the radiation destroyed my saliva glands affecting my teeth and gums. I have started back on the steroid injections for my hair. The hair is responding but this has been going on for 27 years. I would like to feel the wind blowing thru my hair while I ride my horse. My cancer treatment was in Germany and the Radiation was given at 35 – 85 grays. I have moved back to Texas and work at Fort Hood. I have gained 40 pounds since moving back but I try to exercise with my horses, I clean out their stalls three times a week, and have high cholesteral, total 365. Any suggestions?
Thank you,
Deborah
Thank you, Carolyn, for your interest in Dr. Hyman’s website and for your comment. You might check with your veterinarian for suggestions to help your cat.
Wishing you the Best of Health!
Hi Deb, thank you for your comment and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. We try to assist our readers without offering medical advise over the Internet by providing answers that will assist them in finding a doctor in their area or with a reference to an article that may help. Your comment is appreciated, we strive to be the best we can be in order to help people alleviate their suffering. We would like the comments section to be a forum where people can share their experiences and help each other.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
I have been diagnosed with an auto immune tracheal stenosis. I need to go through surgery and get dilated at least yearly. Is ther anything I can do to try diet to avoid this continuous process. I really don’t want to take methotrexate which is one thing that has been suggested.
Hello. I was diagnosed with kidney disease about 3 years ago. I went on dialysis and just recently had a kidney transplant. I am interested in info and have been since getting sick on the types of food I should be eating and what will keep my transplanted kidney healthy as well as the rest of my body. Thanks for any info you might have.
I have been diagnosed with kidney disease about 3 years ago and had started dialysis about 8 months later. In may i received a kidney transplant. I have been searching and praying for info about what type of diet is best for our bodies and how to keep my new kidney. I have gone back and forth about whether i need to be raw but is so stressful to cook that way with long recipes. Also, about whether meat in small amounts is good. Thanks for any info!
Hi Kathy, thank you for your messge. We cannot advise you over the Internet, if you would like to consult with the Ultrawellness Center please see “How to Become a Patient” at http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com. You may also call The UltraWellness Center at (413) 637 9991.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
I think you should spend some time looking into dis-regulated immune system as the underlying cause of autoimmune diseases. Example, T cells attacking epithelial cells is responsible for celiac, disc, arthritis, rosaisia some allergy/asthma, the list will be growing.
Recent research is showing that peptide injections can calm the dis-regulation down.
I have suffered with a compromised and dis-regulated immune system for 40 years.
The havoc that I deal with has rendered me to a fatigued, pain ridden and unproductive life.
Any information you could gather on the subject will be greatly appreciated
I was diagnosed with Hashimotos Thyroiditis a few years ago and never took the thyroid hormone medication because I was trying to heal my immune system natually. My doctor recently told me that once you “have” the thryroid “disease”, then you can’t fix it through lifestyle and so I began taking the medication a few days ago. Do you prescribe thyroid hormone to your patients?
Hi Denise, please read http://drhyman.com/a-7-step-plan-to-boost-your-low-thyroid-and-metabolis-776/. In this article you can try the 7 steps, we hope it offers you relief.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
My name is Francesca. I was diagnosed with dermatomyositis 5 years ago and RA 1 year ago. I am 65lbs heavier than I was 5 years ago due to the prednisone and the inactive, unhealthly lifestyle that I am now prisoner to. I just read your blog above and it gives me such hope. I just don’t know if I even have the energy to START the process. I did try to cut gluten out of my diet and I did see a difference in my pain level. I just didn’t stick with it. Thank you for your informative blogs and information. People like you give people like me hope.
As a teenager I was diagnosed with morphea, a localized form of schleroderma that is widely thought to be an autoimmune disease. For years after the original plaques formed on my shoulder there was no change (except when I got too much sun) but last year another small white itchy plaque surfaced and I’m afraid the growth of the disease is no longer dormant. I heard about the “MS diet” and other detoxification products such as FlorEssence but I haven’t tried anything. To my knowledge I do not have any food or other allergins….. anyways, I don’t have any pain associated with the morphea except for occasional irritation (but never pain) so I feel grateful that the disease has not really negatively affected me. The only other health issue I have is asthma (which began when I moved next to an active volcano spewing sulfur into the air so it may not be related to anything other than environmental factors). That said, I am worried about other underlying issues with autoimmune diseases and potential damage that may or may not be happening to my liver and kidneys. I look forward to looking into your book and seeing if your treatment can help. Any thoughts you may have are welcomed for this post or to my email. Mahalo for your help and concern.
I’ve had symptoms for a few years now, but only recently had a blood test that showed positive for rheumatoid arthritis… My symptoms were mild & only occasional for several years… however, recently they have increased in intensity & occurrence… in addition, I’ve developed some symptoms that I’ve never had before… I relate much of this to the mercury filling that broke up & parts of which I’m sure I swallowed… I plan to make some changes in my diet & have applied for SSI Disability & if I receive that I will have Medicaid… but, otherwise will be solely on my own with this… I prefer to use ‘natural’ methods, but may have to resort to medication……… I was only able to get the blood test recently because I was able to get the county indigent health insurance, but it is very limited on what it will cover also… do you by any chance know of any resources in the north texas area that might be able to help me with this? I have emailed a study that is using stem cells from your own body to treat, but have not heard anything back from them as yet….
Hi Mehana,
Thank you for sharing your story. It sounds like you have a lot going on! Perhaps the best place to start is with a simple detoxifcation to help rid your body of toxic inputs from your envirnment (albeit beautiful) and potential diet. While we cant usuall tell if we have food sensitivities it is pretty simple to become more aware when we begin an elimination diet. The goal would be to help augment your body’s natural detox process and build your immunity so you can recover and prevent anything else from becoming off balance.
Check out: http://drhyman.com/ultrawellness-lesson-5-detoxification-147/ and http://store.ultrasimplediet.com/
Thank you for your message and your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. You might consider seeing a practitioner of functional medicine, see the “Find a Functional Medicine Practitioner” link at the Institute of Functional Medicine’s website. Understand that not all of the doctors listed here will fit your particular needs. Many different medical professionals complete this training, and you will have to do additional research on your own regarding a particular practitioner’s approach and whether or not it fits your specific medical requirements. This may include calling the practioner’s office, visiting his or her website, and/or scheduling a consultation.
Wishing You the Best of Health!
Hello Staff,
My son was recently diagnosed with MS. Like any mother, I hyper focused on why and what I could do to minimize, or reverse, the condition. More often than not, I have discovered the same findings as you have suggested.
If I may suggest a Tip !0: eat as much raw, organic fruits and vegetables as you can and switch to whole wheat products. This is difficult for most people because of busy lifestyles, or the high cost of purchasing organic foods, so they can opt to get their phytonutrients through Juice Plus. http://www.juicetotheplus.com
I am hoping that we minimize my son’s autoimmune dysfunction through diet and the other 9 steps that you mentioned.
Thank you for getting the word out!
Terri
Hello,
i have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, currently on all these drugs, methatrexate, sulfazine, hydroylochloquine, prednislone, , all which i am so fed up with. i believe in natural remedies, like acupunture, and supplements i take are vitamin D, vitamin C, omega 3 cod liver oil, Calcium and magnesium.
on top of all this i have changed my diet to a vegetarian diet, and i am also following the Alkaline diet.
all your information above sounds really good to me, all i want to do is to reverse the immune system (autoimmune), i started with this October 2010 and was diagnosed in April 2011 from my rheumatoligist, he is a very good doctor and has treated me very well, from being nearly unable to walk, bad pain, lots of inflammation, i am now feeling good, and have to go for blood tests every month, i am also recieving physio on my hands which seem to get pain and stiffness in them during the latter evening, i also experience a burning pain in my balls of my feet sometimes. but i wonder if i could possibly get off these tablets, i know the side effects are just devastating to me after reading up on them. my question is, how will i know if my immune system is getting back to normal, when all these drugs suppress the immune system, can you please help me to understand that, i can not talk to my doctor at my normal surgery, as they don’t want to know, and i need some answers, i know you are very busy,
many thanks
angela
Hi Angela,
Thank you for writing in about your concerns re: RA. I think this article is a great start. What can you try implementing? Ad for getting off the prescription drugs it is first very important to be under the care of someone who can help manage your transition. It seems you are comfortable with your physician. We might also recommend you work with a functional med practitioner who can better assist you and follow your care in person. Go to:www.functionalmedicine.org, scroll down to locate a practitioner, enter your zip code and select the best practitioner for your needs.
In good health!
I see an acupuncture specialist that uses Field Replacement Therapy. He is able to “read”, through the use of a magnetic field, what has set off a flare-up, and correct it with a series of drops that I place under my tongue. It sounds crazy, but he is always spot on, and I usually feel 100% better in a matter of weeks or days. I have set up appointments for every 6 months for maintenance. I found him after trying several endocrinologists who always just seemed to focus on my TSH level, but never listened to me about all the other symptoms I was fighting.
Doctor how about these vaccines with mercury ? Don’t you think they could be causing autoimmune diseases ?
Thanks,Emma
Hi Emma,
Thank you for your interest in Dr. Hyman’s opinion on vaccines related to autoimmune diseases due to mercury. You can learn more about Dr. Hyman’s thoughts here: http://www.danielplan.com/healthyhabits/flushots/
You can also read more about his plan for detoxing mercury here: http://drhyman.com/mercury-get-this-poison-out-of-your-body-85/
In good health,
Lizzy
Hi…..have you had any results with treating primary biliary cirrhosis? I just had a liver biopsy done awaiting results. I had a positive ama.
Hi Kellie,
Thank you for your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work. We cannot give you the proper care you need via the internet but do hope you receive the attention you need from a qualified practitioner soon. To locate a doctor who practices functional medicine like Dr. Hyman, go to http://www.functionalmedicine.org/findfmphysician/index.asp and scroll down to where it says “locate a practitioner” and enter your zip. Progress accordingly from there.
In good health
Dr. Hyman & Staff, I have the greatest respect for Dr. Hyman and his passion for helping people become healthy and well naturally…especially those that suffer with Auto-Immune diseases. As I read this post, just wanted to bring this technology to your attention for 3 reasons: it is very well-researched…with 13 clinical trials in place, one major cancer study on over 7,000 cancer patients nationwide..ongoing study; and secondly, the NCD is helping people in significant ways as it relates to autism, MS, Crone’s, and many other auto-immune diseases; third and last, there are millions who don’t even know this technology exist….while leading researchers, toxicologist, and other physicians are calling it the greatest health breakthrough the health community has seen in over 50 years. Thank for all the work you are doing in health & wellness. Let me know if you have further questions. Bret T. Abner – Wellness Coach
I have a rare autoimmune disease (neuromyelitis optica) and have read several times about cutting out animal fats, dairy and eggs. However, I find that when I eat a piece of steak or a yogurt, it makes me walk better (I walk with a cane). Food seems to really affect me physically.. if I’m hungry, I don’t walk very well, but after eating certain foods I feel better. But, these foods are not what I’ve often read are the “best” for me. I am not iron defficient, but I am very low in the B vitamins as well as D, and have to take supplements. I guess my question is, are there caes where these recommendations do not work for a person?
I came down with Dermatomyositis February 2011. I couldn’t even lift my legs on the couch or pull up in bed. The first signs were the skin issues on my face, chest and hands. Then it moved to my scalp, neck and thighs. After the onset of the illness, I only had some muscle issues. It is almost a year and I am still getting around good, other than trouble getting up from a chair. I have hair loss which is very upsetting. They gave me Prednisone and Plaquenil.. I was allergic to Plaquenil and my skin got worse. They have tried to give me Methotrexate for the last 7 months, but I refuse. I have been following a diet of no red meat, dairy, corn, soy, sugar. tomatoes, no breads and oats only as far as grains. I am taking pure encapsulations of vitamins, Kaprex Al, Magnesium, Probiotics, Acetyl-l Carnitine , D3 and Wobenzyme. I am not sure how much D3 to take, but my D was low when I got sick. I can not go out in the sun with this illness. Can you give me any advice of what else I can do to fight this serious illness. I was given a drug in 2006 which put me into heart failure. I do not want to take dangerous drugs that can only mask this illness. Should this attack my muscles, I am in big trouble with a damaged heart.
Hi there, I recently came upon this site, and have since begun reading ‘The Autoimmune Epidemic’. I am shocked (and angry) that my doctor has never pieced my symptoms together as this site and the book do. I had guillaine barre syndrome 14 years ago, also suffer Raynauds syndrome, arthritis in hands, right hip and both ankles. I have gluten intolerance only diagnosed in November 2011, and asthma. I have been mostly vegetarian for about 30 years, and have recently gone vegan. My doctor thinks each of these illnesses are nothing to worry about and are not specifically related. She told me the arthritis (recent xray shows moderate damage in hands) is to be expected as we age. (I am 48). What is my best approach to reversing damage and minimising pain and fatigue? Thank you so much for having this information available, or I might still be on the merry-go-round of despair. regards Jennifer.
Hi Jennifer,
Thank you for sharing your concerns about your autoimmune conditions. You have sure been through a lot and we are glad that this information has been of use for you. In order to provide you the proper care you need we hope you will seek the attention of a local qualified Functional Med practitioner soon. To locate a doctor who practices functional medicine like Dr. Hyman, go to http://www.functionalmedicine.org/findfmphysician/index.asp and scroll down to where it says “locate a practitioner” and enter your zip. Progress accordingly from there.
What you are doing with the gluten is great- keep on without it and continue eating an anti inflammtory diet- high in fiber, low in sugar. Choose foods with omega 3′s such as flax, walnuts, salmon, mackerel, herring, trout and sardines and take a supplement (especially with EPA for the inflammation).
It might be helpful to look at your ability to detox and check your gut function. Both of these systems are an integral part of your immunity which is directly linked with autoimmune issues of course! Check with your local functional medicine provider for appropriate ways to address these.
In good health,
Lizzy
Thanks Lizzy, for the info. I checked the website you gave me for a functional medicine practitioner but none near where i live so I have purchased Dr Hyman’s book and will do the 6 week program, as well as follow the advice you have given. Thank you for your help. Your website is very helpful and informative. regards Jennifer