Our body has an innate immune system, which acts as a line of defence against pathogens, microbes, bacteria or viruses. It is like our internal army, which attacks the invaders and protects us. Autoimmunity develops when the internal defence system that fights any infection, allergen or toxin goes out of control and starts attacking its own tissues or organs. This condition is known as Autoimmune Disease.
Steroids: For suppressing the immune system
NSAID (Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs): For suppressing the inflammation and pain
Anti Rheumatic Drugs: Interfere with DNA and cell replication
This kind of treatment comes at a cost that on a myriad of side effects. Common Side effects include depression, mood swings, hair fall, dry skin, weight gain, bloating & constipation.
Sweating, metallic taste in the mouth, loss of appetite, swelling, abnormality in lipid profile, high liver enzymes and certain deficiencies are also common. There is actually an endless list you can’t imagine! The main goal of conventional treatment is to suppress the inflammation with medication.
Functional medicine takes an altogether different approach towards disease. It is a branch of medicine that helps us to understand and treat the real causes of inflammation rather than finding clever ways to shut it down. Autoimmune diseases are usually accompanied by systemic inflammation.
The first and foremost step is to identify the actual & root cause of inflammation. The underlying causes include stress, hidden infection, food allergies, toxic exposure, genetic predisposition, nutrient deficiencies, and leaky gut.
Maya, aged 35 was suffering from rheumatoid arthritis for 5 years and was regularly on steroids, pain killers and antacids. Her health was deteriorating day by day. When she came to me she complained of extreme hair loss, morning sickness and constipation. She was not feeling to have breakfast and was also suffering from extreme fatigue and mild depression.
We had a detailed discussion about all her problems. After the consultation, I came to know that she had a history of continuous migraine and headaches. She was taking painkillers at least 4-5 times per week or sometimes twice a dayfor a period of 10 years. She was having antibiotics at least twice or thrice a year due to recurrent urine and throat infections.
Maya was a strict vegetarian throughout her life. She got married at the age of 25. She faced many depressing events in her life after marriage. Three years after marriage she gave birth to a baby girl. But post delivery she started experiencing health and sleep disorders.
At the age of thirty, she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Maybe this must have provoked her to go on a typical diet in which she would have bread in the morning, rice at lunch and chapatis for dinner. Maya admits that she had a craving for yeast containing foods, cheese and bread.
After a thorough analysis, we came to the conclusion that her body was extremely inflamed, which was further confirmed by elevated hs-CRP levels (optimal levels < 1). Nutritional assessment questionnaire confirmed about possibility of the leaky gut syndrome.
Leaky gut has a strong connection to Autoimmune Disease. Extensive use of paracetamol such as pain killers damages the intestinal barrier. Antibiotics kill the friendly flora. This is a sure cause for SIBO (Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth).
We did a comprehensive stool analysis test (CDSA) and the result was as expected. Maya was suffering from yeast overgrowth (candida) and low counts of beneficial bacteria, especially lactobacillus.
We started Maya’s protocol by putting her on an elimination diet – by removing all known food allergens. Gluten is a proven causative food allergen in most cases of autoimmune conditions. We used anti fungal and antibacterial agents for removing pathogens. We support her Immune system with nutrients such as Vitamin D, A, zinc, B12 and Omega 3. Fasting proved to be an excellent tool in reducing the severity of disease in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Read more.
After one month, Maya reported that her pain had gone down by more than 50% and that she was feeling much better than before. She told me that she got relief from persistent gastric problems and excessive hair fall. She stopped taking antacids and slept properly for about 7- 8 hours every day.
After removing all kinds of infections from her intestine, we started gut restoration to rebuild the GUT. Our Digestive system regulates 80% of our immune system. So it is very important to restore all digestive functions and reintroduce the right kind of healthy bacteria.
For this purpose, I recommended her fermented foods or probiotic supplements. Zinc and glutamine for repairing the intestinal barrier. We replaced Painkillers with herbs like Boswellia and Curcumin. Both of then have anti-inflammatory properties.
To replace the steroids we supported adrenal glands with herbs like Rhodiola Rosea & ashwagandha. Nutrients like vitamin C and B5 also helps restore adrenal functions.
You can see that we did not treat the patient’s rheumatoid arthritis but the underlying causes of her disease.