What
is Autoimmune Disease?
Under ordinary circumstances, the immune system only
reacts when the body is threatened by injury or disease. An autoimmune disease
is characterized by the body attacking its own healthy tissues.
Common
Causes of Autoimmune Disorder
Conventional doctors often claim they have no idea
what causes autoimmune disorders. Most naturopathic and osteopathic physicians
have a different viewpoint.
They believe autoimmune disorders are caused by the
following:
- Poor Diet
Poor diet is one of the leading causes of all health
problems among women. Processed foods, fast food, donuts, cookies, candy, and
soda are not only completely devoid of nutrients, they contain a bunch of
chemicals that can really wreck havoc on your immune system.
Some of these chemicals include:
- Aspartame – Aspartame is a proven neurotoxin that can cause your immune system to malfunction.
- High Fructose Corn Syrup – Scientifically-proven to cause obesity, HFCS can also decrease your body’s ability to fight off disease.
- Food Dyes – Food dyes have been linked to the development of autoimmune disease, mental health problems, and cancer.
- Lead – Many brands of soda contain lead, which can lead to learning disorders and autoimmune disease.
- BPA – Bisphenol A (BPA) is a powerful endocrine disruptor commonly found in canned food.
- MSG – Monosodium glutamate has been known to cause allergic reaction, brain damage, headaches, obesity, and hormonal imbalances.
- Trans Fats – These are the worst. Not only do they cause extreme weight gain and heart disease, they also do serious damage to your immune system.
If you want to improve your immune system health, ditch
the junk food and load up on organic produce, meat, fish, and dairy products.
Become a label-reader and make it a rule that if you can’t pronounce it, you
won’t eat it. Unless it’s organic yogurt containing lactobacillus acidophilus.
You need more of that in your diet as it boosts your immune system in a serious
way!
- Environmental Toxins
Autoimmune disease can also develop on account of
constant exposure to environmental toxins. Conventional household cleaners,
make-up, laundry detergent, shampoo, conditioner, and air fresheners all
contain a potent cocktail of dangerous chemicals designed to do serious damage
to your health.
Some of these chemicals include:
- Parabens – These dangerous chemicals have been linked to infertility, developmental disorders, autoimmune disease, and cancer.
- Propylene Glycol – These endocrine disruptors mimic the effect of estrogen on the body and can lead to cancer and decreased immune system function.
- Formaldehyde – This highly-toxic cancer-causing substance can do a serious number on your immune system, especially with chronic exposure.
- Phthalates – These chemicals have been proven to cause lupus.
To improve your health and decrease your chances of
developing an autoimmune disorder, get rid of all of the toxic chemicals in
your home. You can use pure castile soap in place of bar soap, shampoo, shaving
cream, and laundry detergent as it contains no harmful chemicals. Switch your
store-bought cosmetics for mineral make-up and you’re one step closer to
leading a more natural, chemical-free life!
- Stress
When doctors tell you stress can kill you, they’re
not making it up. Stress taxes the adrenal glands. Your adrenal glands are
small glands that sit on top of your kidneys. When something stressful happens
in your life, those glands release cortisol, testosterone, epinephrine,
and norepinephrine so you’re able to
protect yourself or get out of the situation.
However, your adrenal glands were never meant to
produce these chemicals on a daily basis. If they do, you can develop a
condition called adrenal fatigue. Women with adrenal fatigue are often
chronically tired, emotional, pale, and weak in their muscles.
Even if you’re the burn-the-candle at both ends type
of woman, it’s important to make time for yourself. Even twenty minutes a day
of quiet reflection in a darkened room can do wonders for your health. You can
also take up a relaxing hobby such as hiking or yoga to get your stress levels
down and your immune system up.
