More often than not we only learn about autoimmune disorders when either us or a loved one is diagnosed with them. We receive the diagnosis (Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, Grave’s disease, Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, etc.) and then we and our doctors get hyperfocused on that particular disease and the organ that it targets. Conventionally, these are all treated as very different diseases. And although that is to some extent true, meaning they do target different organs and organ systems (such as thyroid, kidneys, skin, and joints) they have more in common than not.
But let’s start from the top - what is an autoimmune disease? Simply put, it’s a condition where your immune system mistakes your body’s (healthy) cells and tissues for foreign invaders that need to be destroyed. So, in essence an autoimmune disease is a self-destructive process!
And as you see… regardless of what organ and/or system is being targeted, the common thread here is that your immune system is confused. So, when it comes to treatment of these disorders it’s not only good but VITAL to keep this big picture in mind. Because as we see in many cases, someone with one autoimmune disorder (if left unaddressed) can go on to develop several autoimmunities.
So with this overarching theme in mind, let’s talk about a couple of systems that directly impact your immune system’s function. In essence, your whole body is connected, but to avoid being vague here let’s talk about concrete examples. Your immune system, your nervous system and your hormonal system are all directly connected. And the connections between each of these systems are bidirectional. Meaning, the health of your nervous system impacts your immune system and vice-versa.
And knowing this has therapeutic value! Because it tells us that in order to modulate the activity of your immune system (i.e. heal your autoimmune disease) we should also look into the health of your nervous system AND hormones. In other words, if you work on regulating your nervous system and balancing your hormones, you have a MUCH better chance at also re-establishing the health of your immune system.
This is an example of an integrative and holistic approach to health. This is how you’ll not only address the autoimmune condition, but also go way beyond the diagnosis and focus on cultivating lasting physical and emotional wellbeing.
We’ll continue this conversation…