It’s simply not known what exactly causes the immune system’s confusion around what it should or shouldn’t attack. It’s been theorised that some microorganisms (like viruses or bacteria) and certain medications could trigger the change, specifically in people who have a genetic propensity to autoimmune diseases.

The organs and tissues commonly affected by autoimmune responses are your blood vessels, connective tissues, endocrine glands (thyroid and pancreas), joints and muscles, red blood cells and your skin.

Symptoms of each different autoimmune disease differ, but all include fatigue and a general feeling of ill-health. It’s no wonder, then, that they’re not easy to diagnose as some autoimmune diseases don’t manifest with symptoms other than those.

Studies demonstrate that integrative medical treatments are effective in people with autoimmune disease. In my work at the Integrative Medical Centre, we’ve had tremendous success in treating autoimmune disease and have even been able to reverse (or move into remission) some, including lupus, Hashimoto’s and Graves disease (thyroid) and ulcerative colitis (large colon). I recommend some of the following strategies for my patients:

• Avoid high GI (glycaemic index) food since it suppresses the immune system and could also promote intestinal bacterial overgrowth, resulting in dysbiosis (a bacterial imbalance in the gut which plays a role in many conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and chronic fatigue) and inflammation
• Short-term fasting deprives intestinal microbes of food, stimulates B-cell immunity, raises levels of DHEA (an anti-inflammatory immunomodulator hormone) and helps gut permeability (to prevent leaky gut syndrome, which is an intestinal dysfunction that underlies many different illnesses and symptoms)
• Studies have revealed that many people with autoimmune diseases could benefit by eliminating the consumption of food from the nightshade family, including tomatoes, potatoes, aubergines and peppers
• Avoid alcohol
• Increase fibre intake
• Eat cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and cauliflower
• Drink green tea

Nutraceuticals also have a positive effect on autoimmune diseases and in particular those listed below:

• EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids with antioxidants, such as vitamin E
• DHEA is anti-inflammatory hormone and could reduce the risk of osteoporosis. However, if you’re a high risk of breast or prostate cancer, it should be used only under the guidance of your medical doctor
• A supplement that contains indole-3-carbinol and di-indole methane to help metabolise estrogen into 2-hydroxyestrone, rather than 16-hydroxyestrone, which lowers autoimmune risk
• Bioidentical hormones for hormonal balance
• Low levels of vitamin D are often associated with autoimmune disorders. Vitamin D3 has been shown to have autoimmune preventative properties, supports the immune system and has anti-inflammatory effects
• Cortisol levels should be normalised to prevent the imbalance of the immune system that can lead to the development of auto-antibodies. The following supplements support healthy cortisol levels: vitamin C, phosphatidylserine, Rhodiola rosea, ashwagandha and pregnenolone
• A blend of digestive enzymes, probiotic beneficial bacteria(Lactobacillus sporogenes) and soluble fibre (prebiotics). They promote healthy digestion and intestinal function, enhance food digestion and nutrient absorption, and reduce gastrointestinal problems such as indigestion, flatulence, irritable bowel syndrome, cramps and diarrhoea. They also prevent the growth of yeasts like candida, helping to prevent leaky gut syndrome and associated immune system complaints, such as infections, allergies and inflammation. A healthy gut leads to a healthy immune system
• The changes that low dose naltrexone (LDN) induce in the immune response can dramatically improve the quality of life of many autoimmune disease sufferers, including those with Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and lupus

While autoimmune diseases are highly prevalent and conventional medicine offers little assistance other than symptom relief, integrative medicine can certainly offer hope for sufferers.

New i-Immune Combo by Integrative Intelligence Doctor Range deals with Autoimmune diseases which are caused by inappropriate immune responses that can create havoc in your body, damaging your organs, tissues or cells. This unique proprietary formula includes a range of highly beneficial ingredients including: Lactoferin,Curcumin, CoQ10, Omegas, Vitamins, Colostrum and other nutraceuticals.

References include

1. Lupus Foundation of America. Complex Genetics of Lupus. lupus.org/webmodules/webarticlesnet/templates/new_empty. aspx?articleid=413&zoneid=99 Feb 2012
2. Weckerle CE, Niewold TB. The Unexplained Female Predominance of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Clues from Genetic and Cytokine Studies. Medicine Clinical Reviews in Allergy and Immunology. 2010;40(1):42-9
3. Grimaldi CM. Sex and systemic lupus erythematosus: the role of the sex hormones estrogen and prolactin on the regulation of autoreactive B cells. Current Opinion in Rheumatology. Sep 2006;18(5):456-61
4. Liu SZ, Liu GX, Liu SY. [Curative effect of integrative medical therapy for systematic lupus erythematosus]. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. Nov 2008;28(11):994-7
5. University of Maryland Medical Centre. Systemic lupus erythematosus umm.edu/altmed/articles/systemic-lupus-000161.htm Jan 2012.
6. Fuhrman J. Fasting and Eating for Health: A Medical Doctor’s Program for Conquering Disease. 1995. St Martin’s Press, NY. US
7. Brown N, Panksepp J. Low-dose naltrexone for disease prevention and quality of life. Medical hypotheses. Mar 2009;72(3):333-7
8. Medline Plus. Autoimmune Disorders.http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000816.htm Aug 2012