Autoimmune diseases are a group of disorders where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells, tissues, and organs as if they were foreign, invasive “enemies.”

Normally, the immune system functions to protect the body against bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances. However, in the case of autoimmune diseases, something goes wrong, and the immune system begins to attack the body’s own tissues. There are more than 100 different autoimmune diseases, and they can affect a wide range of organs and tissues in the body.

Some common autoimmune diseases include:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): An inflammatory disease that affects the joints, causing pain, swelling, destruction of joint cartilage, fatigue, and general discomfort.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): Affecting multiple organs, including the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, and lungs. Symptoms may include skin rash, joint and muscle pain, fever, fatigue, kidney problems, and involvement of other internal organs.

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis: Inflammatory bowel diseases with symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramps, bloody diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue.

Type 1 diabetes: An autoimmune disease where the immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, resulting in insulin deficiency. Symptoms include increased thirst and urination, hunger, weight loss, fatigue, and blurred vision.

Celiac disease: An autoimmune reaction to gluten found in wheat, barley, and rye, causing damage to the intestine. Symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea or constipation, skin rash, weight loss, and fatigue.

Multiple sclerosis (MS): An autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system, leading to various neurological symptoms such as balance and coordination problems, weakness, muscle spasms, vision problems, and emotional changes.

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: An autoimmune disease attacking the thyroid gland, potentially leading to hypothyroidism (low thyroid function). Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, sensitivity to cold, dry skin and hair, and swelling of the thyroid gland.

Psoriasis: A skin disease characterized by increased immune activity, resulting in inflammatory-like conditions and skin rashes. Symptoms include red, scaly skin lesions, itching, pain, and nail changes.

Sjögren’s syndrome: A chronic rheumatic disease affecting the body’s glands, especially the tear and salivary glands. Symptoms include dryness in the eyes and mouth, joint and muscle pain, and fatigue.

It’s important to note that autoimmune diseases vary widely in severity, and symptoms may come and go.

The causes of autoimmune diseases are complex and may involve genetic factors, environmental influences, lifestyle choices, and other unknown factors. Symptoms of autoimmune diseases vary depending on which organs or tissues are attacked and can include fatigue, pain, swelling, rashes, fever, and other general symptoms. Treatment for autoimmune diseases may include medication, lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and, in some cases, immunosuppressive therapy to suppress immune system activity and reduce inflammation.

As autoimmune diseases vary greatly in nature and severity, it’s crucial to consult with a doctor or specialist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Autoimmune diseases can affect different organs and tissues in the body, and symptoms vary depending on the specific disease and affected area.

Some people may experience mild symptoms, while others may face more severe complications. It’s important to involve your doctor if you have an autoimmune disease or suspect that you do.

I, and other complementary practitioners, come into play when seeking relief from symptoms and assistance in maintaining everyday life and quality of life despite an autoimmune disease. I have chosen to specialize in this area and have completed a two-year advanced training as a “Support and Care Practitioner for Autoimmune Diseases.”

When you book a consultation with me, needing help with autoimmune issues, we typically examine your diet, looking for any food your body may not tolerate, resulting in stress. We also look into potential vitamin deficiencies, habits, exercise, various factors that  in your life that act as a constant burden. We take a closer look into your health history as a whole. You will receive a personalized program to follow, incorporating solutions such as diet, exercise, vitamins, herbs, and homeopathy. Laboratory tests may be considered to take a deeper look into the underlying issues.

Additionally, I recommend booking a package that includes four sessions of manual therapy and follow-ups. This approach yields the best results, and my experience shows that it works well, providing strong support to turn your life in the right direction, allowing you more energy to continue with positive habits.