Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Autoimmune Disease: "A Body Gone Haywire"


Primarily our immune system protects us from disease.
Ideally, antibodies, which are part of the immune system, recognize and destroy infections like bacteria and viruses so we don't get sick. To do this successfully our body must be able to distinguish between "self" and "non-self" ...in other words bacteria and viruses.

When our "body goes haywire" autoimmune diseases occur.
The body misinterprets "self" as "non-self" resulting in the destruction of its own cells.

Scientists say immune system diseases appear when multiple genes work together to make an individual vulnerable and ultimately a trigger occurs that disrupts proper functioning of the immune system.
The trigger could be an infection, medication, or environmental exposure.

Autoimmune disease "family members" include: Multiple Sclerosis, Psoriasis and Lupus.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic disease resulting in inflammation that attacks and affects multiple parts of the body including skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs as well as any other parts not exclaimed.

It's of interest that two-thirds of people with rheumatoid arthritis are women. As with other autoimmune diseases, Rheumatoid Arthritis is thought to be be caused by a combination of genetics risks possibly triggered by infections or exposure to an unknown substance in a person's environment.

I highly recommend reading the book, "The Autoimmune Epidemic" by Donna Jackson Nakazawa. The book sheds light on why there's an increase in autoimmune diseases in developed countries.

http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/ra-tv

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rheumatoid_arthritis

Good Health to You!

© Copyright 2010 Sandy Guerriere. All Rights Reserved.

10 comments:

Donnachada said...

Sandy,

There's not a day that goes by that I don't think about you, and what you do for me personally and for the rest of the world out there.

You're a precious human being, and your presence not only in my life, but life in general.

You're so much better than a warm blanket on a cold night. You not only warm one on the outside, you warm them right down to the root of their soul.

Sandy, thank you for letting me partake in a roll in your life. Its a very special and precious gift, the best gift I have ever received.

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful explaination of a truly horrific condition for many. It is sad that these type of diseases are on the increase. I really think that much of it is due to environmental conditions and diet.

I know there are ways to arrest it naturally and I pray that you may find the right combination that does it for you.

As stated in a previous comment. You are such a treasure. Great information that is much needed.

Anonymous said...

That sounds like a really interesting book, I will be checking it out. Thanks Sandy!

Anonymous said...
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Prodigal said...

My wife was psoriatic arthritis, another of the auto immune ilk.She's about to be stepped up to a medication that will require self-injection. I can't remember what her medication is now but she refers to it as low-level chemo.

You're doing a good thing here. I pray that God will bless your effort and count on me for ongoing support.

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janie lierle said...

i have been in a full RA flare I have been in bed for two weeks. My Dr. says my autonomic system is waging full scale war. my urine has blood in it. i have had what feels like steam coming out my eyes and the pours in my face. :-(

Haley said...

Thank you for posting this. Most people have never heard of this disease and it is truly a daily battle between, essentially living or dying. My mom was diagnosed in 2008, and is still juggling with medications and "should we try this?". She hasn't given up yet, but there are days where she would rather just throw up her arms and quit, but it's people like you, who keep her going... knowing that the battle of rheumatoid CAN be won, as long as we choose to stay positive and to give knowledge out there. People... this entry is knowledge. And it should be acknowledged by all.

Thanks

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