Autoimmune Ebook

Autoimmune Disease - What Is It?
Autoimmune disease. We hear this phrase used as an

umbrella term to describe numerous diseases - but what
exactly does it mean for you?
We all depend on our immune systems to keep us healthy.

Like a trusted friend, a well-functioning immune system comes
rushing to your defense when your body is under attack by
harmful bacteria or viruses. However, if you have an
autoimmune disease, your immune system begins to act more
like an enemy, turning on your body’s healthy organs, tissues,
or joints and attacking them as if they were foreign invaders.
Needless to say, this causes a number of troubling (and
frustrating) health issues.
If you are suffering from an autoimmune disease, you are not

alone. Approximately 50 million Americans are affected by
autoimmune disorders. In spite of their prevalence, diagnosis
is not always easy. In fact, you may have been experiencing
symptoms for years without a definitive diagnosis. This may be
because the symptoms of autoimmune disease can be vague
and, at times, similar to those of other conditions.
Common Autoimmune Diseases
While there are many autoimmune diseases, here are a few of

the more common autoimmune diseases along with their
symptoms.
Thyroid Disorders
If your immune system is targeting your thyroid, it could result
in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (underactive thyroid) or Graves’
disease (overactive thyroid). Signs that you may have a thyroid
disorder include weight gain or loss, fatigue, depression or
anxiety, joint and muscle pain, sensitivity to cold or heat, hair
loss, dry skin, shaky hands, insomnia, or bulging eyes.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

This is the most common form of lupus and affects multiple
body systems. If you suffer from Lupus, you may experience
fatigue, joint or muscle pain, rashes (especially on your face),
fever, or sensitivity to the sun.
Type I Diabetes
This type of diabetes is usually diagnosed during childhood and
is caused when the immune system damages cells in your
pancreas, affecting its ability to produce insulin, which helps to
regulate your blood sugar levels. Signs of type I diabetes are
fatigue, weight loss, excessive thirst, dry skin, frequent
urination, frequent infections, and slow healing after injury.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
MS results when your immune system damages nerve fibers.
Symptoms may include numbness or weakness in your limbs,
pain or tingling, loss of vision, double or blurred vision, lack of
coordination, slurred speech, dizziness, or fatigue.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
If your immune system attacks the

tissues in your joints, it can lead to
rheumatoid arthritis. You may
experience swollen, painful, or
disfigured joints, stiffness, fatigue,
or weight loss.
Digestive Disorders
Both Crohn’s disease and Celiac disease affect your
intestines. Signs that you may have one of these disorders
include gas and bloating, weight loss, fatigue, diarrhea,
anemia, and joint pain.
As you can see, symptoms tend to vary depending on which

system in the body is under attack. They also tend to flare up
and then subside for a while, making it difficult to determine if
you have a health problem that needs attention or if you are
just a little under the weather.
If you suspect you have an autoimmune disease, it may be

helpful to keep a health journal - recording the nature and
frequency of your symptoms. This can help to zero in on the
problem and expedite a diagnosis.
The Downside of Conventional
Medicine
You have your diagnosis, now what?
The traditional way to treat an

autoimmune disorder is to
prescribe medications, many
of which will suppress your
immune system. While this
may provide you with relief,
these medications can be
expensive. They also have the
potential to cause some pretty
serious side effects, like
weight gaine, fatigue, frequent
infections, and even cancer.
Possibly the biggest downside to treating your autoimmune

disease exclusively with medication is that this approach
focuses only on your symptoms and ignores some of the most
important factors that contributed to your disorder in the first
place.
Although there is a genetic component to autoimmune

disorders, your environment and your lifestyle play a major
role in telling the rogue genes to switch on and wreak havoc
on your immune system. Medication that suppresses your
immune response will not address these factors.
Rather than simply suppressing your immune system, you

may prefer to work to support it and restore it to a healthy state
by making some key changes in your lifestyle. We call this a
whole body approach.
The Whole Body Approach
With the aim of feeling better and protecting your health for the
long term, taking your whole body into account is the best way
to approach autoimmune diseases. Instead of focusing on one
part of the body that is symptomatic, it's often best to look at
the big picture, including your immune system.
Your immune system is concentrated in your gut, so improving

gut health is a must. Resolve any issues that you’ve been
having with your gut, such as infections in your GI tract. Also,
keep in mind the vital role your environment plays. What
you’re taking into your body can have a helpful or damaging
effect on your immune system. Make sure that your diet is
balanced and nutrient-rich, and that you eliminate any toxins
from your surroundings.
It can be difficult to manage these things on your own. Having

a trusted nutritionist on hand, working with you and your body
to find what works, can be a tremendous help. A nutritionist
will be able to isolate and resolve any problems you’re having
with your gut health, as well as ensure that your body is
getting all the nutrients that it needs.
Avoid Your Triggers
Learning about and avoiding your triggers is an excellent way

to manage your autoimmune disease. Here are some common
triggers you may want to steer clear of.
Stress. Let’s face it - we lead stressful lives. Chronic Stress

can lead to long term inflammation and eventually
autoimmune disease. You may not be able to cut down on the
demands you face at work, and your family responsibilities
may leave you feeling totally spent. However, you can work to
manage and relieve stress so as to avoid a flare-up. Practice
yoga or deep breathing, go for a short walk, or relax in a quiet
place with a cup of tea. The result is a better frame of mind, a
reduction in your body’s production of stress hormones, and
relief for your immune system.
Lack of sleep. We all know how difficult it can be to get a

decent night’s rest, but if you are trying to manage an
autoimmune disease it is especially important to get the
recommended 7-9 hours of sleep per night. It may mean
leaving that last load of laundry for the next day or going to
bed instead of staying up to watch your favorite late-night
show on TV. Whatever your situation, sleep needs to be a
priority. Set a sleep schedule and stick to it!
Toxins. We are surrounded by
pollutants and toxins. These
toxins can build up in your fat
cells, leading to increased
reactivity of your immune system.
While you can’t do anything about
air pollution from the factory three
towns over, there are other toxins
that you can control.
Throw out your harsh cleaning products and use natural ones
instead. Reduce your exposure to mercury by limiting the
amount of mercury-containing fish you eat. You may also want
to check into removing any old mercury dental fillings. Eat
more organic foods, and avoid eating processed foods, which
are loaded with chemicals. Not sure where to begin? This
article will help you get started.
Food sensitivities. Some foods can cause inflammation

which can result in autoimmune issues. This varies from
person to person, but some of the common culprits include
gluten, sugar, and dairy. A blood test can reveal if you have a
specific food allergy. However, you don’t need to be allergic to
a food for it to trigger a negative immune response. You may
want to consider systematically eliminating potential problem
foods for a time in order to determine if any of them are
contributing to your symptoms.
Feeling overwhelmed? A nutritionist can provide the guidance

you need to determine which foods may be affecting you.
Natural Relief for Your Autoimmune
Symptoms
You may have noticed that many triggers of autoimmune
disease are rooted in chronic inflammation. Use these natural
remedies to help you decrease inflammation and find relief
from the negative autoimmune response which it can cause.
Onions. Onions contain quercetin and allicin, which both have

anti-inflammatory properties. They can also help to increase
your levels of glutathione, a nutrient which is frequently
deficient in people with poor health and which may help to
reverse autoimmune response.
Turmeric. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, both

reduces inflammation and dampens autoimmune response. It
has been shown to be especially effective in managing the
symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
Green tea. Green tea is a natural anti-inlfammatory. If you are

a person who enjoys relaxing for a few minutes with a cup of
tea, including it in your routine may have the added benefit of
helping you to reduce stress.
Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3’s are one of your best natural

weapons against inflammation. Good sources include oily fish,
walnuts, and flax seed.
Vitamin E. This vitamin can help to protect you from

cytokines, proteins which regulate immune response. Green
leafy vegetables, avocados, sunflower seeds, and almonds
are all excellent sources.
You Can Feel Better, We Promise
Contrary to what you may have been told, having an autoimmune

disease does not automatically doom you to a poor quality of life.
A full, healthy life is possible, and you can even do it naturally!
If you learn how to manage your stress, reduce your toxic load,
and follow the right diet plan, you can manage the symptoms
caused by your autoimmune disease. You may be surprised at
how quickly you find relief.
Working with a certified nutritionist, helping you create the plan that
is right for you, is an excellent first step on your road to recovery.
Why not get started today?

It's Time to
FEEL GOOD
AGAIN
ARE YOU READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?
We’re so happy you've downloaded our guide living well with
an autoimmune disease! We hope that the information
contained here has been practical for you.
If you’d like to learn more about autoimmune diseases or

would like to jump-start your healing process with a
customized nutrition plan, please schedule your free
consultation now.
A publication by:
(201) 869 - 5990
atlasdrugandnutrition.com

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Autoimmune Disease - What Is It?

Autoimmune disease. We hear this phrase used as an

We all depend on our immune systems to keep us healthy.

If you are suffering from an autoimmune disease, you are not

While there are many autoimmune diseases, here are a few of

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

If your immune system attacks the

As you can see, symptoms tend to vary depending on which

If you suspect you have an autoimmune disease, it may be

The traditional way to treat an

Possibly the biggest downside to treating your autoimmune

Although there is a genetic component to autoimmune

Rather than simply suppressing your immune system, you

Your immune system is concentrated in your gut, so improving

It can be difficult to manage these things on your own. Having

Learning about and avoiding your triggers is an excellent way

Stress. Let’s face it - we lead stressful lives. Chronic Stress

Lack of sleep. We all know how difficult it can be to get a

Food sensitivities. Some foods can cause inflammation

Feeling overwhelmed? A nutritionist can provide the guidance

Onions. Onions contain quercetin and allicin, which both have

Turmeric. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, both

Green tea. Green tea is a natural anti-inlfammatory. If you are

Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3’s are one of your best natural

Vitamin E. This vitamin can help to protect you from

Contrary to what you may have been told, having an autoimmune

Why not get started today?

If you’d like to learn more about autoimmune diseases or

(201) 869 - 5990

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