Your Immune System: Best Friend Or Worst Enemy?

Integrative Approach

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