Hiya Smarties!
Check out this fabulous guest article by Mark Hyman, MD, from my blog archives. This information is always timely. Hope it helps! Take it away, Mark…
Inflammation is a “hot” topic in medicine. It appears connected to almost every known chronic disease: from heart disease to cancer, diabetes to obesity, autism to dementia and even depression. Other inflammatory diseases, such as allergies, asthma, arthritis and autoimmune disease, are increasing at dramatic rates. As physicians, we are trained to shut off inflammation with aspirin, anti-inflammatory medication, such as Advil or Motrin, steroids and increasingly more powerful immune-suppressing medication with serious side effects. But we are not trained to find and treat the underlying causes of inflammation in chronic disease. Hidden allergens, infections, environmental toxins, an inflammatory diet and stress are the real causes of these inflammatory conditions.
Autoimmune diseases now affect 24 million people and include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, thyroid disease, inflammatory bowel disease and more. These are often addressed by powerful immune suppressing medication and not by addressing the cause. That’s like taking a lot of aspirin while you are standing on a tack. The treatment is not more aspirin or a strong immune suppressant but removing the tack.
If you want to cool off inflammation in the body, you must find the source. Treat the fire, not the smoke. In medicine, we are mostly taught to diagnose disease by symptoms, not by their underlying cause. Functional medicine is the emerging 21st century paradigm of systems medicine that teaches us to treat the cause, not only the symptoms, and to ask why you are sick, not only what disease you have.
Functional medicine is a different way of thinking about disease that helps us understand and treat the real causes of inflammation instead of finding clever ways to shut it down. Medicine as it is practiced today is like taking the battery out of a smoke detector while a fire burns down your house!
Autoimmune conditions are connected by one central biochemical process: a runaway immune response also known as systemic inflammation that results in your body attacking its own tissues.
Autoimmunity: What is an Autoimmune Disease and How It Occurs
We are facing an epidemic of allergies (60 million people), asthma (30 million people) and autoimmune disorders (24 million people). Autoimmune diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, celiac disease, thyroid disease and the many other hard-to-classify syndromes in the 21st century. These are all autoimmune conditions, and at their root, they are connected by one central biochemical process: a runaway immune response also known as systemic inflammation that results in your body attacking its own tissues.
Your immune system is your defense against invaders. It is your internal army and has to clearly distinguish friend from foe — to know you from other. Autoimmunity occurs when your immune system gets confused and your own tissues get caught in friendly cross-fire. Your body is fighting something — an infection, a toxin, an allergen, a food or the stress response — and somehow it redirects its hostile attack on your joints, your brain, your thyroid, your gut, your skin or sometimes your whole body.
This immune confusion results from what is referred to as molecular mimicry. Conventional approaches don’t have a method for finding the insult causing the problem. Functional medicine provides a map to find out which molecule the cells are mimicking.
Interestingly, autoimmune disorders occur almost exclusively in developed countries. People in poor nations without modern amenities like running water, flushing toilets, washing machines and sterile backyards don’t get these diseases. If you grew up on a farm with lots of animals, you are also less likely to have any of these inflammatory disorders. Playing in the dirt, being dirty and being exposed to bugs and infections trains your immune system to recognize what is foreign and what is “you”.
In this country, autoimmune diseases are a huge health burden. They are the eighth leading cause of death among women, shortening the average patient’s lifespan by eight years. The annual health care cost for autoimmune diseases is $120 billion, representing nearly twice the economic health care burden of cancer (about $70 billion a year).1
Unfortunately, many of the conventional treatments available can make you feel worse. Anti-inflammatory drugs like Advil, steroids, immune suppressants like methotrexate, and the new TNF-alpha blockers like Enbrel or Remicade can lead to intestinal bleeding, kidney failure, depression, psychosis, osteoporosis, muscle loss, diabetes, infection and cancer.2
When used selectively, these drugs can help people get their lives back, but they are not a long-term solution. They shouldn’t be the end of treatment but a bridge to cool off inflammation while we treat the root cause of the disease.
I have crohns disease and I’ve been on and off steroids and TNF blockers for 6 years. I had a baby 6 months ago and my crohns got bad again. I started a routine of e3live, prescription probiotics, chlorella tablets, wheatgrass powder and vegan omega 3 and I’ve been feeling a lot better. Even had a colonoscopy last month and my doc said I am healing and had improvement!
I have a close person to me that has an autoimmune disease. The put her on Prednisone and harsh drugs like that. I don’t see any natural suggestions given to her. I’m e-mailing her this post and hope it will help her.
Suzanne Williams
Hi Suzanne,
I just read this article and saw your post. I hope your friend with the autoimmune disease is doing better. I was diagnosed with lupus in 1980. My doctor put me on prednisone but also put me on a very strict diet of no processed foods. I stopped taking prednisone after 3 years(under the doctor’s guidance) and have done very well. I’m not as strict about the processed foods as I once was but still believe avoiding processed foods is a good idea for everyone.
Wishing you wellness,
Gloria
I have rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, and thyroid disease. I’m on Lyrica for nerve pain, celebrex for inflammation and synthroid for my thyroid. I feel high within an hour of taking these meds ontop of two types of antidepressants, celexa and buproprian. I really want to eventually come off these drugs because I hate the side effects. I have degenerative disc disease in my neck and stenosis in my cervical spine. I really want to try a more natural approach but don’t know where to begin.
Hi Jennifer,
I was diagnosed early November 2014 with Hashimotos. I am reading Izabella Wentz’s The Root Cause. I love her book. There is practical information and interventions that have been proven to work. A lot of the time when the thyroid isn’t functioning properly it affects our mood. Depression and anxiety are common. So if we heal our thyroids our moods will be balanced as well. She goes on to explain the many things that can contribute to an autoimmune response. I highly suggest her book.
I have celiac disease (or a high level of intolerance…it was never officially diagnosed) coupled with over a decade of traditional dermatological acne treatment (antibiotics, Accutane, etc.). I just visited a Naturopathic doctor and she recommended a stool analysis to determine what, exactly, is/is not in my gut. I’m hoping she can put the puzzle together…it’s really disappointing to me that dermatology seems to unquestioningly put people on antibiotics (after topical treatments are ineffective), when it may actually make things worse. Gheesh. 🙂
Hi Sara,
I had acne for around 26 years and tried all kinds of things. Finally I heard about applying plain Milk of Magnesia to my acne prone areas before bedtime. It is amazing how my face cleared up. I wish I had known sooner. Cheep and no side effects.
Warmly,
Gloria
Thank you for this wonderful article. I was fortunate to find a functional MD when I was diagnosed with MS (unfortunately my neurologist is clueless and refuses to discuss functional medicine). While I am taking a disease modifying drug, I have also fixed my gut, cut out all allergens, tested for and cleansed of heavy metals (although that seems to be an ongoing process), regularly meditate and practice yoga, and take vit D, MV, EFA, ALA, ALC and probiotics. Oh, and I love my greens in all forms.
I am a testament to the fact that this approach works. Not only am I symptom free, my MS lesions have shrunk or disappeared (my neuro is stumped).
My dad has been living with MS for over 25, so you reversed the symptons with a better diet and meditation? Thank you
Thank you for this very informative article. And thank you everyone for the inspiring comments. I have recently been diagnosed with IgA and IgG deficiency as well as Hashimoto’s. I am waiting (impatiently) to see an Allergist/Immunologist in order to see if I have any further Autoimmune Diseases. The past few years I’ve gotten fat, extremely fatigued and very ill….which resulted in me being unemployed and having my gallbladder removed. Scared, I was thinking this could be a death sentence for me. But hearing I could live with these illnesses -pain free- with the help of a holistic doctor and herbs has given me hope. I’ve tried many, many herbs thus far and many different diets. Are there any suggestions you may have for me while waiting on my final diagnosis? Thanks in advance!
I read your response and wondering which disease modifying drug you are on…I am newly diagnosed and terrified of the drugs
I have Ulcerative colitis and still take immune suppressors and steroids to control my flare ups. I have been trying to eat a anti inflammatory diet, incorporating more alkaline foods and a more vegan lifestyle. Also adding green juices everyday as well as probiotics and other supplements. I am yet to know how this will go as I’ve just started down this path. I feel as if its the right one 🙂
I have interstitial cystitis…inflammation of the bladder wall lining, a progressive disease that eats away the mucus gag layer that protects your bladder walls. There is an increasing number of young women being diagnosed with this and I’d like to know why. I’m only 23. I was immediately prescribed Elmiron…a drug with side effects like hair loss, mental confusion, and vomiting blood. My first thought about hearing about this drug was that, if it causes hair loss, wouldn’t that mean that it’s causing a huge amount of stress on my body? How can a drug that causes so much stress on my already stressed out body, do me any good? And to top it off, their website states it is not understood why this drug works or how it works. My next step is to test for food allergies and gluten sensitivity, but I must be patient with myself. I made healthy changes in my lifestyle and diet. Probiotics cause me to have flare ups, but I take them once in a while to keep the flora numbers up. I take a multi-vitamin daily, a chorella powder once in a while. I’ve already seen improvements, but I’m not cured. I wanted to stop seeing doctors for a while and just focus on being gentle to myself, and learning to be peaceful. I advise people not to panic, and go out and have a million tests done at once. Before having tests done that are expensive and sometimes unnecessary, just listen to your body…if you find that you feel worse when you eat a certain food, write that down. Pay attention to yourself when you feel “good” and when you don’t feel your best. don’t dwell on it, or any physical problem and let it rule your life, and your mood. Don’t eliminate everything from your diet right away. Just take it one day at a time, and focus on your emotional health first and foremost as that will carry over into all aspects of health. If you are on a lot of medications, I advise telling your doctors how you feel about that. Share with them the side effects that are bothering you and robbing you of your emotional health. Be honest with your doctors. I told my doctor flat out that I was not going to take Elmiron, and even if I endured a sideways glare, I’m better for it. Only I am in control of my body. I refuse to believe that I need to live in the boundaries of “disease” or sickness. I go about my life like anybody else, so what if I have to pee more often…I’m not going to feel sorry for myself anymore and let it rob me of my inner joy, and my love for life.
Hi Chelsea, I got interstial cystitis in 2005..i suffered for years..i took elmiron,I took alot of courses of antibiotics,I think i went to at least 5 different urologists..by 2008, I decided to watch my diet real strickly,and by 2010, i started having relief..I get episodes of pain,but nothing like the excruciating pain I had.I have Fibromyalgia,which is acting up..but don’t give up hope,with diet,and staying away from acidic foods,in time you should feel better..best of luck..
I also suffer from Interstitial Cystitis throughout the last 2.5 years. Its a horribly painful condition and for me its like torture. Constant burning and discomfort in my bladder 24/. I have recently been prescribed Elmiron but I am eager to try Humira injections. ANYTHING to take this pain. I dont have thefrequency that many IC patients have as well – “just” the non-stop pain. I have done all the natural stuff and also trying to cut out all the acidic stuff, high oxalates etc. Nothing is really helping a lot.
Maria
How do I find a properly qualified functional MD in my area? I am following a mostly raw, vegan diet and it is helping all of my inflammation-related illnesses. I am mostly concerned about my children. They have peanut/tree-nut allergies and severe seasonal allergies. I am convinced that making changes like you have described will help them too. But many products that I use have nut warnings (my chia and flax seeds, for instance). And I am finding that it is difficult to have a completely plant-based diet without nuts. So, I’m looking for guidance as to how to find products that are key to a plant-based diet that don’t have nut warnings on the ingredient list (“made in a facilitiy that handles nuts”) *and* would love help in creating a plant-based diet for my kids that will cover all of their nutritional needs .
If there is a resource for finding a functional MD in my area, I would really appreciate guidance on this! Thank you!!
I have ulcerative colitis and I’m running out of medical options – short of having my colon removed. Steroids don’t work for me and Imuran has made my white blood cell count drop to dangerous levels. So now I’m exploring a vegan diet in an effort to help reduce the inflammation in my body. I’m also an elite cyclist (represented Canada at the 2010 World Cyclo-Cross Championships) so it is very important that I’m able to fuel my body and heal my body. I’m really interested in hearing how others find a vegan diet impacts their health.
I also have ulcerative colitis. I’m certain my activity level no where approaches yours but I was a university athlete so I understand the dietary needs. I personally think vegan is a little too far to go unless you have a lot of money and time to invest in finding the best protein options for you.
I’m currently tapering off all my meds (first it was Prednisone, next will be Lialda, then Humira) thanks to promising results from following an elimination diet (AIP). I’m hopeful that I’ll be able to re-introduce many foods back (especially eggs!) but I’m starting to get a hang of meat and vegetables pairings for every meal. I make snacks like jerky and veggie chips to munch at work. I ate too much fruit at one point and noticed yeast infection type smells and had to curb consumption back. I have had so many good stools this week (3 weeks into the AIP) though.
Best of luck to you!
I have type 1 diabetes and hashimotos thyroiditis.I have been dealing with chronic hives for 2 years because of these issues and LOTS of gut issues I’m having. Every time i see a “regular” doc,they want to put me on steroids.I’m not having it! Its just going to mask the problem,not help or heal it.I have been gluten,diary,soy and grain free for awhile .It has helped my stomach aches and losing weight but has not helped my hives or my fatigue. I finally found a great functional medicine Dr who did a DNA stool test and I got lots of useful information back. Unfortunately my insurance does not cover his practice but I just do lots of research on my own online now that I have some answers. I may need to start the GAPS diet which is a gut healing allergy free diet.Hopefully I will continue to heal 🙂
I have chronic hives too. 1 1/2 years now. I do take Zirtec to control them but that is all. Have not been able to find the cause. Would like to keep in contact with you. Maybe we can help each other. I cannot afford doctors and extensive testing either. My e-mail is [email protected]
Have you ever changed the brand of insulin you’re on? I found lantis was very irritating to my system, levimir wasn’t much better, but some better. I know we don’t have many choices as type 1 diabetics. Oh, and synthroid almost caused my death by debilitating migraines, so I switched to armour thyroid and feel much better.(But I’m holding my breath because that not always better for us with Hashimoto’s.) But always remember, any prescription is man made, and therefor has the potential for problems. The cure can be worse than the disease, the treatments for Hashimoto’s and type 1 diabetes are two perfect examples of this.
I very much recognize your situation. Have you tried PeaPlex from RS4supplements.com?
well said dr. hyman! and thank you. i know i feel inflamed and my problem areas, which are several, flare up when i have too much stress, and too many evenings in a row of rich food and wine. for over 25 years i have been eating mostly organic vegan food, and i understand how our health is simply as strong and clear as our diet. i feel almost perfect when i am eating vegan, including some top quality animal food a few times a week, and taking no alcohol or sweets. within a few days of eating differently, say on vacation, etc, although i may be having fun, my back becomes irritated, other areas in my body stiffen up like my jaw and shoulders and neck, my digestive system becomes inflamed, i feel tired and grouchy, even depressed, and then it becomes harder to get back on track with the food. i think of it as an addiction, and although i am fortunate that i have the resources to switch easily back to my supportive routine, i think this may be a hard thing for most people to do as they may not understand that the seemingly healthy food they think they are consuming may be making them sick. so many find this concept silly or ridiculous, but the function of the food that we put into our bodies becomes the function of our bodies, and just like a car quickly sputters and ceases normal movement if we add water to its gas tank, each individual needs to educate herself as to what fuel keeps her running smoothly. For most of us, the white stuff like sugar, bread, milk, cheese and all their seductive variations is poison in our fuel tanks.
I’ve been struggling with an unknown condition for a little over a year now — inflammation had manifested in one of my eyes and was attacking my vision. After an unbelievable number of inconclusive tests, in addition to presenting my case at a world conference, and stumping some of the best retinal specialists, my doc sent me to a rheumatologist where I was put on steroids and an additional immunosuppresant (CellCept). In conjunction, I started on a vegan, anti-inflammatory diet. I’ve been in remission since January, but still have not detected the root cause of the problem. I’m looking forward to finding a functional medicine practioner, and am toying with the idea of going to the Block Institute for additional nutritional/supplement help. My rheumatologists encouraged my dietary change, but didn’t put much faith in it to make a difference. It’s very frustrating knowing that at any time, the inflammation can return (and usually undetectably, until I notice that I’ve lost more vision) because we’ve never determined where and why this started. I wish more doctors practiced functional medicine, and continued to seek answers for the underlying causes of inflammatory/autoimmune issues.
Dear Elizabeth, I get auto-immune inflammation which starts in my eyelids (twitching/spasms), red eyes, pain up behind top eyelids, then into my forehead/sinus area, follwed by brain. I also notice more pronounced veins/arteries. This happens if I take any hormones (combined pill/mini pill and now even Mirena coil). Expect this is what is happening to thousands of women! Drs deny it. Specialists have never heard of it! How can I get any treatment? I wonder if you had been on hormones?
My father has been suffering with colitis for so long. He has started Remicade infusions and continues on steroids. Each time he tries to stop the cycle of steroids he has to get right back on them. Basically, he is housebound and can NOT leave, he has no life. My father is ready to retire in 6 months and he deserves to have a quality of life. He lives in Pittsburgh PA . . .any suggestions on a physician that can provide some alternative help other than a prescription and a dismissive glance.
Thank you so much.
Hi Kimberly,
I don’t know if you will see this after all this time, but I have ulcerative colitis and no longer have symptoms. Someone in a forum I visited said he was eating a lot of spinach and sunflower seeds and his symptoms went away. I tried it and for two weeks I got worse but then started noticing my symptoms decreasing and disappearing. It took a couple months. Bye should eat a half cut to a cup of cooked spinach and three or four tablespoons of Sunbutter every day. He should NOT eat raw spinach or raw sunflower seeds – too rough.
You should know that I was on a TON of medication and nothing but this has ever worked. I had very severe pancolits (whole colon effected).
Several people on the forum also had luck with it. I was totally housebound and now I have my life back. I hope your dad is doing okay and I hope this helps.
Good luck!
Katie
Thank you Dr. Hyman. Will start adding your 9 steps that I have not incorporated into my life yet. Been sick for 2 1/2 years after being healthy my whole life, felt sick one day and didn’t get over it.
Hospitalized for the first time in my 50 years a total of 4 times in 8 weeks not counting the ER visits….. typical Doctor blah blah…..labels and prescriptions….steroids are their main answer…..interesting though that the nurses refuse to take medications….after all those visits to hospital I got to know the staff very well.
Now the latest label is Rheumatoid Arthritis, GERD…. decided to take matters into my own hands. Am seeing a chiropractor 3 times a week, have stopped all sugar, gluten and dairy, do Qi Gong every morning, go to beach every afternoon after work for a couple of hours, taking Milk Thistle, Tumeric, Probiotics and Cod Liver Oil. Eating healthy and plan on learning to meditate. Just started doing EFT as well.
In 2 months I have seen a great improvement physically and mentally. Doctor’s nurses are calling me now asking me ” where are you? Why aren’t you coming in?” What should I tell them?
My fiance told me the another night “Em it’s so good to hear you laugh.” It’s funny how we start to discover the little things we used to do and how wonderful it feels when they start to come back after disappearing or fading away from our life.
Doctor Hyman I wish Doctors were all enlightened like you. There would be true Health Care. And maybe those awful pharmaceutical commercials would all disappear!
Keep doing what you’re doing. BRAVO!!!
I have had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, environmental allergies and general malaise and migraines for the past 26 years of my life. These past 3 years have been difficult as I seem to be going into early menopause. I have been seeing an environmental doctor for years but every treatment I try I react to. I am now trying hypnotherapy and my friend has suggested the PH miracle diet. I am too young to feel this sick, I feel like I am 95, not 45.
Perhaps you had an allergic reaction to hormones which causes auto-immune inflammation. I have it now from Mirena coil and I am trying to prove to drs that it was caused by hormones. Drs deny it. Specialists have never heard of it! No wonder there is an auto-immune epidemic. Stop giving women hormones! I now suffer with migraines, throbbing temples, painful right arm, aching joints, pain behind eyes, inflammed veins on eyelids, red painful eyes, numb forehead, tingling (just like MS). I am sensitive to all toxic smells, eg. paints, chlorine, exhaust fumes. I cannot drink any alcohol at all because I get pain behind my eyes. I wonder if this is similar to you? I have not been able to get any treatment yet except Lyrica for nerve pain but I haven’t tried it yet. Thinking of putting myself on asprin.
Chelsea,
I too had and have similar problems, beginning when I was 15. I have had multiple surgerys and many complications, and now have had reconstruction with urostomy. I am now 31 and am the best I have been in years, no more IV antibiotics and lengthy stays with sepsis….
I swear by high dose cranberry tablets, doesn’t work for everyone, but does for me.
Hope you continue to improve, its nasty.
Thank you so much! I’ve lived with Fibromyalgia since 1995. A couple of years ago I stopped the prescription drugs used to treat it and became extremely ill. I’ve been recovering from a severe B12 deficiency and have also had a range of inexplicable symptoms some doctors thought were MS. I’ve gotten nowhere with my doctors. The neurologist I was sent to see for MRI results (no MS thankfully) told me right out of the gate there was nothing any doctor could do to treat me – I would never find an answer for what’s been making me sick. I was angry more at his callousness and poor bedside manner than anything else. I know there is something wrong, but conventional medicine isn’t capable of finding it, and I can’t afford to opt for anything else.
I’m not one to give up though – I do my research and present my questions and findings with my physicians. If it weren’t for my being proactive much of what I know about my health would have gone undiscovered. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge with us – it really gives people like me a lot of encouragement and hope.
Peace. 😉
I am sure it could have been caused by any hormones you took. Any form of artificial hormones give me auto-immune inflammation starting in my eyelids, then forehead/sinuses, then brain, then joints and so on. Have many MS symptoms now. My eyelids go into spasm even if I put in artificial tears! My body is trying to rid itself of the Mirena coil even though I no longer have it! No wonder there is such an auto-immune epidemic amongst women.
It’s a wonderful idea to promote “healthy immunity”, however I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis at age 3. I lived in a near-rural environment, played outside a lot (I can still remember making mud pies as a child in the creek outside my home) … so by your logic I should have a very healthy immune system that got “lots” of practice.
I don’t doubt your methods, but painting everyone with immune disorders as kids who didn’t get enough “exposure” is crazy. Also, 3rd world nations do have immune disorders. You know what happens to people with IBS or Chrone’s in a 3rd world nation, they usually die from malnutrition because they can’t absorb enough nutrients – or they develop a secondary disease or infection because their body is just so compromised. To say that these diseases don’t exist in the poorest nations in the world is just false. There are many people who have moved from these countries (supposedly living lives that give their immune systems lots of practice) only to be diagnosed with these “modern world” diseases once they start living in places with decent healthcare systems.
But, for all my nay-saying above, I agree that pumping our bodies full of toxic chemicals is *NOT* the answer. Yes, it provides much-needed relief, but we all need to understand *WHY* our bodies are attacking themselves. I try to eat as much whole foods as possible, get regular exercise, attend hot yoga and drink lots and lots of water. I also think simplifying our lives can do a lot to relieve stress. Too many of us are trying too hard to be “ON” all the time, be it for work, family or otherwise. The body needs downtime to repair and recharge.
My daughter, 7, was diagnosed with vitiligo and thryoid- both autoimmune and apparently connected in about 10% of the cases. The Vitiligo has spread very quickly over her entire body. She is on synthroid for the thyroid. Not sure what to do if anything. She is very active, gymnastics, playing, running, etc. When I ask about what we may be able to do with diet, vitamins, etc. there is no answer. I fear the “spots” will be a burden emotionally moving forward.
I have ulcerative colitis for almost 2 yrs now. I hate doctors, hospitals & meds. i was prescribed sulfasalazine, but i only take it when i can’t control my flare ups naturally. i have found that aloe help ALOT. also eating less meat, bread,sugar & dairy. i take aloe in juice & pill form, acidophilus, turmeric & tons of filtered water. i still have flare ups, but not near as bad. i really need a destresser. i am a military spouse w/ a 3 yr old boy, no family support & we seem to ove every 2 yrs or more………..