Whether it’s named Hashimotos, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Type 1 Diabetes, or Graves Disease, all Autoimmune Diseases can be described as a condition in which the body’s immune system begins attacking its own tissues. This attack results in inflammation and pain, and can affect various organs and tissues.
We realize that this can sound like the plot of a scary movie, but in reality your body is trying to heal. It is important to remember that our human body is equipped with many complex functions that allow us to adapt, change and heal.
So why would our immune system attack our own cells?
There are very logical reasons why. In fact, your immune system is reacting normally. What has actually become abnormal is the environment and circumstances that your body is working with.
Did you know that every organ and gland in your body has its own specific cells (proteins)? Your body wants to keep those cells in their place – for example the thyroid has thyroid cells and they should not be circulating throughout the body. If this happens, the immune system comes in and ‘cleans up’ any of these proteins that may have leaked into the blood. This is actually a great system!
The problem arises when there are too many of these cells that have leaked from the organ and are now circulating. Now it requires a larger response from the immune system. Eventually, the organ that has the ‘leaky cells’ is itself is affected because the immune system has created such a greater immune response.
There are many reasons why this would happen – and every body is different. In order prevent or decrease this overreactive immune response, we need to ensure the organs stop leaking its proteins. This is why at NHHC we do a complete exam, gather medical history, and review your nutrition routine before tackling any symptoms associated with your autoimmune condition.
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