An autoimmune disease is a disorder of the immune system where the body mistakenly attacks its own tissues and cells, causing inflammation and damage in various organs. The exact causes are not fully understood, but they usually involve genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors. Several common autoimmune diseases exist, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. Symptoms of autoimmune diseases vary depending on the disease and the organ affected, but they can include fatigue, joint pain, rashes, and gastrointestinal upset. Management of autoimmune diseases often relies on immunosuppressive medications to reduce the abnormal immune response. Long-term medical follow-up is often necessary to manage the condition and improve the quality of life of patients with autoimmune diseases.
Autoimmune diseases are a group of complex immune system disorders where the body’s defense system, which is normally responsible for protecting the body against infections, begins to mistakenly attack its own tissues and cells. This autoimmune reaction causes inflammation and damage in various organs and tissues of the body. There are more than 80 types of autoimmune diseases identified, each with specific characteristics and different targets. Some of the most common autoimmune diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, and type 1 diabetes.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common autoimmune diseases. It is characterized by inflammation of the joints, leading to pain, stiffness and joint deformity. RA can also affect other organs and systems in the body. Although there is no definitive cure, RA can be managed effectively with appropriate medications and treatments.
Most autoimmune diseases are not curable, but they can often be controlled with medical treatments. The main goal of treatments is to suppress the abnormal immune response, reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms. In some cases, complete remission can be achieved, meaning the symptoms disappear temporarily. However, it is important to maintain long-term medical monitoring to manage the disease and avoid flare-ups.
Autoimmune diseases can start at any time in life, but they are often diagnosed in younger adults, usually between the ages of 20 and 50. However, it is not uncommon for them to appear at other times, including in children and older people. Triggering factors can include genetic predispositions, infections, hormones and environmental factors.
Rare autoimmune diseases include Goodpasture syndrome, a condition where the immune system attacks the lungs and kidneys; dermatomyositis, characterized by muscle and skin inflammation; and granulomatosis with polyangiitis, a vasculitis that affects small blood vessels. These diseases are less common than major autoimmune diseases, but they require specialized medical attention.
Symptoms of autoimmune diseases vary depending on the specific illness, but they can include fatigue, joint pain, rash, fever, gastrointestinal upset, and more. To make an accurate diagnosis, a doctor will perform a complete medical evaluation, including a medical history, physical exams, and blood tests. Tests specific to autoimmune diseases, such as autoantibodies, may also be necessary. Early diagnosis is essential for effective management of the disease.
Several autoimmune diseases can cause significant fatigue. For example, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is known to cause extreme fatigue, as are rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and multiple sclerosis (MS). This fatigue can be debilitating and significantly affect patients’ quality of life. Fatigue associated with autoimmune diseases may be due to chronic inflammation, anemia, persistent pain, sleep disturbances, and other disease-related factors. It can vary in intensity from one individual to another and can sometimes be debilitating. Managing fatigue related to autoimmune diseases may require lifestyle adjustments, medications to control inflammation, and stress management strategies.
There is no specific autoimmune disease that consistently causes weight loss. However, some autoimmune diseases, such as Crohn’s disease, can cause unintentional weight loss due to problems with nutrient absorption, chronic diarrhea, and abdominal pain. This weight loss can be concerning and requires medical management to stabilize the patient’s nutritional status. It is important to note that weight loss due to autoimmune disease is often undesirable and should be managed in conjunction with a healthcare professional to minimize potential complications.
A key medicinal mushroom in integrative oncology, Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor) is renowned for its effects on immunity and the microbiota. What does science have to say about its PSK and PSP extracts used to complement cancer treatments?
Our joints are put to a severe test every day (walking, sport, standing for long periods, etc.). While normal wear and tear occurs, certain diseases can also be the source of joint pain. Let’s take a look at them together. What are the main joint diseases that cause pain? Pain in a single joint can … Read more
Peladia, also known as alopecia areata, is an autoimmune disease that manifests itself as localised or generalised hair loss. It affects both men and women, regardless of age, and can have a significant impact on quality of life and self-esteem. Although its exact causes remain partly mysterious, the condition is often linked to genetic, environmental … Read more
Ozempic (semaglutide) is widely recognised for its efficacy in the management of type 2 diabetes and weight loss. However, recent discussions on GLP-1 peptides reveal a range of beneficial effects that go well beyond weight loss. This article explores these positive side effects based on information provided by experts such as Dr Tyna Moore. [Warning: … Read more
Bell ‘s Palsy strikes suddenly, causing weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles. This often temporary condition can affect anyone, at any age, leaving many patients uncertain about its cause and treatment. In this comprehensive article, we take a deep dive into Bell’s palsy: from its precise medical definition to the signs and symptoms that … Read more
Fecal transplantation, also known as faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), is a revolutionary medical procedure that involves transferring a medically treated faecal sample from a healthy person into the digestive tract of a sick patient. Although the idea may sound unappetising, the method offers significant therapeutic benefits thanks to the thousands of beneficial microorganisms it introduces … Read more
Vitiligo is an autoimmune skin disease that affects around 1% of the world’s population. A recent study published by the British Association of Dermatologists explores the potential impact of house dust mites on this condition. This article provides a full overview of the results of this ground-breaking study. What is Vitiligo? Vitiligo is an autoimmune … Read more
Joint pain can have a significant impact on our quality of life. Whether it’s osteoarthritis, arthritis, tendonitis or other forms of joint pain, it can make everyday tasks difficult. But have you ever thought that your pain could be linked to your gut microbiota? What is joint pain? Joint pain refers to discomfort, pain or … Read more
If you are concerned about your heart health, eating a minimum of two portions of fish per week may have a beneficial influence on the risk of heart disease. What is Omega 3? Oily fish contains unsaturated fats which are called fatty acids or Omega 3. In fact, these Omega 3 fatty acids may be … Read more
Psoriasis is a common chronic autoimmune disease. It is characterised by red patches covered with white scales. In fact, psoriasis causes a rapid accumulation of skin cells. This accelerated desquamation of the epidermis has different etiologies. What causes psoriasis? According to naturopathic principles, psoriasis develops when the brain and nervous system are overwhelmed and the … Read more
Verneuil’s disease is also known as hidradenitis suppurativa or reverse acne. It is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. The disease mainly affects the sweat glands and manifests itself mainly as deep, painful nodules. What is Verneuil disease? Hidradenitis suppurativa is a condition that causes the formation of subcutaneous nodules. These nodules develop in areas of … Read more
The AIP protocol is a short-term elimination diet. This method allows people with autoimmune diseases to determine whether they have food allergies or sensitivities. This so-called “Paleo AIP” diet helps to increase the nutritional quality of the plate on a daily basis. As a result, the intestinal flora, as well as the entire body, returns … Read more
Haemorrhagic rectocolitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (or IBD). IBD is a group of diseases that affect the gastrointestinal tract. What is RH? This severe inflammation produces tiny sores called ulcers on the wall of the colon. In fact, the inflammation generally starts in the rectum and spreads upwards. However, it can affect the … Read more
Nervous system disorders and multiple sclerosis The multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune neurological disease of the central nervous system. A dysfunction of the immune system leads to lesions causing motor, sensory, cognitive, visual or even sphincter disturbances (most often urinary and intestinal). In the more or less long term, these disorders can however progress towards an irreversible … Read more
The thyroid is an endocrine (or hormonal) gland, located against the esophagus and which is schematically shaped like a bow tie. It is essentially made up of vesicles with walls made up of a single layer of cells, and which contain the colloid, mainly made up of thyroglobulin. The two hormones secreted by the thyroid … Read more
Graves’ disease, also known under the name Graves , is an autoimmune disease affecting the thyroid gland, which causes hyperthyroidism or hyperfunction of this gland. Graves’ disease represents 76% of hyperthyroidism in particular. It preferentially affects relatively young women, but it can nevertheless occur at any age. A little history Robert James Graves was an Irish surgeon. Having described exophthalmic goiter in 1835, he gave … Read more
Gougerot-Sjögren’s syndrome (GSS) is an immune disease primarily affecting the exocrine glands. Due to lymphocytic infiltration of the salivary or lacrimal glands, or sometimes both, the main clinical manifestations are dry saliva and/or dry eyes. Dentists are generally called in to treat complications and oral discomfort caused by instability in the quantity and quality of … Read more
Juniper, whose botanical name is Juniperus communis L., belongs to the Cupressaceae family. The essential oil comes from the fruiting cones or “Juniper berries”. Juniper essential oil, from a tree with a rich history, has been considered a panacea for centuries. Its origins date back to prehistoric times, when its properties were already recognised and … Read more
Crohn’s disease is a transmural chronic inflammatory bowel disease . It usually affects the distal ileum and colon , but can occur anywhere in the digestive tract. Symptoms include diarrhea and abdominal pain. Abscesses, internal and external fistulas as well as obstruction of the intestine can occur. Extra-intestinal symptoms, including arthritis, may also occur. A little history The name of Burrill Bernard Crohn quoted thousands … Read more
Gemmotherapy is a specialised form of phytotherapy which uses the buds, young shoots and rootlets of trees and plants. Known as “global embryonic phytotherapy”, it has been studied in depth by experts such as Dr Henry and Drs Bergeret and Tétau. Gemme: borrowed from the Latin gemma “bud” and by analogy of shape and colour … Read more