AUTOIMMUNE CONDITIONS The immune system's job is to fight foreign substances in the body, like germs and viruses. But in autoimmune diseases, the immune system goes awry. It attacks healthy tissues, not germs, and immune complexes build up and cause inflammation, pain and tissue injury. Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, the two most common autoimmune diseases, are estimated to afflict 7 million Americans. Click this link to see a list of "56 Autoimmune Diseases" Nobody is sure of the underlying cause of autoimmune disorders. Genetics appear to play a role, and some experts believe that microorganisms may be involved. Other possible culprits include poor digestion, food allergies and "leaky gut," which allows partially digested proteins to cross the intestinal walls and enter the general circulation, where they prompt an immune response. The Conventional Approach Conventional doctors offer little relief for autoimmune disorders, except to prescribe powerful drugs such as immunosuppressives, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and steroids. Long-term use of these drugs can have serious side effects including gastrointestinal bleeding, retinopathy, headaches, and kidney failure. How We Help Autoimmune Disorders At the Essential2Health, Natural Health Center, we help our client's implement a personalized program that, unlike drugs, addresses the client's overall health as well as the potential underlying causes of the condition. Although there is no known cure for autoimmune disorders, we have great success in easing and eliminating symptoms and helping clients rebuild their immune system allowing them to get their conditions under control natually. Click here for a testimonial: Fibromyalgia Eliminate Digestive Stress and Allergens Autoimmune diseases are often associated with digestive stress, bloating, indigestion, reflux and contipation, food allergies and abnormal bowel permeability, making them closely linked to diet and lifestyle. During your your visit at our clinic, we will teach you to identify and avoid dietary stresses. There is a strong connection between diet and inflammation, and for autoimmune disease sufferers, inflammation means pain. Certain fats (processed vegetable oils, in particular) stimulate the formation of inflammatory chemicals, while others (the omega-3 fatty acids found in cold-water fish and flaxseed) actually reduce inflammation. During your visit at Essential2Health, you will learn how your diet can enhance your immune system and help control flare-ups. Exercise Is Strong Medicine When your condition allows, getting regular exercise is one of the single best preventive therapies you can undertake. Exercise will help you strengthen the musculature around affected joints, improve flexibility, sleep better, increase your energy, and even improve your mental attitude. We will instruct you on what exercise will be best suited for you. Nutritional Supplements Control Inflammation… Fish oil is a true blessing for autoimmune disease sufferers. The omega-3 fatty acids in cold-water fish have powerful anti-inflammatory effects, making them an excellent long-term therapy for autoimmune conditions. We also consider more immediate relief of pain. We use a number of natural pain relievers, including MSM (a natural sulfur compound), turmeric (the yellow-orange spice in curry), boswellia (a tree resin), white willow ("natural" aspirin), ginger, and other herbal extracts and natural supplements that have been clinically designed to help with Autoimmune related pain. …And Regulate the Immune System The autoimmune system needs a strong nutritional foundation over a long period of time to combat autoimmune diseases. In addition to using powerful antioxidant-rich whole food supplements and a mineral regime, Dr. Hoover is well-versed glyconutrient therapy and in the uses of the hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). DHEA’s effects on the immune system are nothing short of phenomenal – it can curb stress hormones, rejuvenate the immune system, and suppress certain unwanted immune-system reactions.   It is important that you do not reduce, change, or discontinue any medication or treatment without consulting your physician first. These recommendations are only for"generally informational” and not as specifically applicable to any individual’s medical problem(s), concerns and/or needs. To make an appointment or to learn more about our Naturopathic approach to Autoimmune Diseases at Essential2Health, Natural Health Center, please contact us at 883-0115 or toll free at 1-866-883-0115. Schedule your Free Initial Consultation today with Dr. Stuart Hoover and; "TAKE BACK CONTROL OF YOUR HEALTH TODAY!" Click here for other "Interesting Articles"