Fighting autoimmune disease naturally

[Guest guest]

Dr. Weil Q and A http://www.drweil.com/u/QA/QA351768/

 

Can you offer a rundown on common autoimmune disorders

and what supplements/wellness therapies may help?

 

-- Lisa

 

 

Answer (Published 03/08/2005)

 

 

Altogether there are about 80 recognized autoimmune

diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic

lupus erythematosus (SLE), polymyositis, autoimmune

thyroiditis, type 1 (juvenile) diabetes, myasthenia

gravis, scleroderma, and Sjogren's syndrome. Some

other diseases, such as ulcerative colitis and

multiple sclerosis, may have autoimmune components.

All of these diseases develop when the immune system

mistakes the body’s own

tissues as a threat to health and begins producing

antibodies to attack them. Of the 50 million Americans

who have autoimmune diseases, 75 percent are women.

What distinguishes one disease from another is the

target – the thyroid, in the case of Graves’ disease,

the pancreas in the case of juvenile diabetes, and

multiple organs in lupus. You can get information on

60 specific autoimmune diseases from the American

Autoimmune Related Diseases Association at

(www.aarda.org).

 

Autoimmune diseases tend to flare up and subside in

response to emotional ups and downs, so

advertisement

I commonly recommend experimenting with some type of

mind/body treatment – hypnosis, psychotherapy and

guided imagery therapy. Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine

are also worth exploring. The following measures are

worth trying for anyone with an autoimmune disorder:

 

* Decrease protein intake toward 10 percent of

daily calories; replace animal protein as much as

possible with plant protein.

* Eliminate milk and milk products, substituting

other calcium sources.

* Eat more fruits and vegetables regularly and

make sure that they are organically grown.

* Eliminate polyunsaturated vegetable oils,

margarine, vegetable shortening, all partially

hydrogenated oils, and all foods (such as deep-fried

foods) that might contain trans-fatty acids. Use

extra-virgin olive oil as your main fat.

* Increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids.

* Take ginger (start with one capsule twice a

day). Turmeric can also be helpful. Try " Turmeric

Force " capsules from New Chapter and follow the dosage

directions on the package.

 

Andrew Weil, M.D.