Auto Immune Disorders
Description
This is a general, “wastebasket” term for a host of diseases, frequently presenting as several conditions at the same time, with overlapping symptoms. The best-known of these, AIDS, is treated separately because it has become so dominant in the media.
Some examples selected for inclusion are:
Cardiomyopathy and myopathy, in general;
Raynaud’s syndrome;
Scleroderma.
Causes
While manifestations differ, the root cause remains the same: the immune system self-destructs, thereby initiating a vicious cycle whereby the immune system becomes weaker and more vulnerable as more and more challenges arise.
In experimental studies with animals, an inadequate diet, deficient in vitamin E and selenium, will provoke autoimmune diseases. Once these nutrients are restored, the immune system recovers.
There may also be a drain on creatine resources.
Signs & Symptoms
Once the immune system is weak, the patient is vulnerable to every infection, so there is general malaise, frequent colds, respiratory disorders, intestinal disorders etc.
Furthermore, being an auto-immune disorder, means that some portion of the patient's own body is being attacked by the immune defenses, destroying tissue and producing inflammation, as in rheumatic diseases, or various skin disorders e.g. lupus, or the best-known metabolic disorder, diabetes which involves the pancreas.
Consideration is given herein to myopathy and scleroderma:
Myopathy (chiefly cardio-myopathy) is a pathological condition of muscle fibers.
Scleroderma signifies a hardening of the skin. The most common symptom of this disease is Raynaud's phenomenon which is an exaggerated response to cold, such that the toes and fingers become white and extremely painful. Internally, there may be problems with other tissues and organs, of a similar nature.
Nutritional Supplements
Structure & Function:
Antioxidants
Immune System Support
---------------------------------
General Supplements
---------------------------------
| Beta Carotene | 15mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 20 - 50 mg |
| Vitamin C | 1000 - 3000 mg |
| Vitamin E | 200 - 400 i.u |
| Selenium | 200 mcg |
| Zinc | 15-30 mg |
* Please refer to the respective topic for specific nutrient amounts.
Note:
All amounts are in addition to those supplements having a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Due to individual needs, one must always be aware of a possible undetermined effect when taking nutritional supplements. If any disturbances from the use of a particular supplement should occur, stop its use immediately and seek the care of a qualified health care professional.
Dietary Considerations
General-
It is important to rule out associated disorders, for example, celiac disease may underlie myopathy. The gluten-free diet will avoid the problems of celiac disease while the myopathy may resolve, as well.
Most patients benefit if they eliminate: alcohol, caffeine, sugar, animal products and processed foods, generally.
Vitamin E is the primary supplement. Creatine and selenium would also seem to be indicated from the animal studies, while fatty acid metabolism is also key. Benefits have been shown from both Omega-3 fatty acids (primarily fish oils) as well as Omega-6 fatty acids, like gammalinolenic acid, from evening primrose oil.
These nutrients seem to work via inflammatory and immune pathways, including leukotrienes and T-cells, respectively.
In specific conditions, other nutrients may be specified e.g.
Cardiomyopathy
Alcoholism seems to be the root cause, so must be eliminated in any therapeutic program. As indicated elsewhere, the cornerstones to nutritional supplementation for this variety also hinge upon vitamin E and selenium.
Also, magnesium deficiency is highly likely. Hence, supplementation will prove beneficial.
Other strong candidates for consideration will include: L-Carnitine and coenzyme Q10.
Myopathy
Riboflavin seems to be beneficial in cases of mitochondrial myopathy. Additionally, a combination of Vitamins C and K may be useful. Carnitine, Coenzyme Q10 and phosphatidylcholine are some of the leading supplements worthy of consideration.
Vitamin A may be the key nutrient in cases of alcoholic myopathy. Magnesium will probably be required, as well.
Vitamin B6 is recommended for myasthenia gravis.
Raynaud’s syndrome
Treatment usually comprises: Vitamin E, magnesium, fatty acids and niacin.
Scleroderma
The most common symptom of Scleroderma is Raynaud’s phenomenon. The supplement protocol, then, remains basically the same.
Flaxseed oil has been recommended as the fatty acid component, although cold-water fish are included in the diet.
DHEA supplementation has also been recommended.
Homeopathic Remedy
Glandula lymphatica
Thymus Serpyllum
Treatment Schedule
Over-the-counter homeopathic remedies may be single strength (of fairly weak potency e.g. 6X ) or a blend of several weaker strengths (6X, 8X, 10X).
This may comprise a single remedy, or several remedies.
Doses are administered on a 3 times daily (tid), between meals,schedule and continued for 3 days.
Liquid preparations usually use 8-10 drops per dose.
Solid preparations are usually 2 or 3 pellets per dose.
Children use 1/2 dose i.e. 1 pellet.
If there is aggravation of the symptoms, stop taking the remedy and consult a homeopath.
References
Murphy, R. : Homeopathic Medical Repertory. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1993.
Murphy, R. : Lotus Materia Medica. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1995.
Pert, J.C.: Homeopathy for the Family. The Homoeopathic Development Foundation, London. 1985 edition.
Herbal Approaches
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Herbs
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Eleutherococcus (or Siberian ginseng)
Fenugreek
Hawthorn
Licorice root
Ligustrum
Red clover
Reishi and Maitaki (mushrooms)
Note: The misdirected use of an herb can produce severely adverse effects, especially in combination with prescription drugs. This Herbal information is for educational purposes and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice.
Discussion:
Fenugreek, Hawthorn, Licorice root and Red clover are reputed to enhance the immune response.
Ginseng (both Panax and Siberian) may offer both antioxidant and immunomodulating benefits.
Ligustrum (or in TCM: Nu zhen zi) is reputed to increase lymphocyte production as well as their maturation into T cells.
Reishi and Maitaki mushrooms are good immunomodulators, boosting interferon production.
Specific disease e.g. scleroderma:
Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) appears to reduce the excessive collagen sysnthesis associated with scleroderma.
Contraindications:
Although evidence is slight, it is always better to err on the side of caution.
Progressive conditions (e.g. multiple sclerosis and lupus as well as auto-immune disorders, including AIDS) are considered by some authorities to warrant a warning against the use of echinacea.
More research is needed to ascertain whether the whole extract, or which part, has this effect and if it translates to the clinical situation.
Newall has compiled the following list of immunostimulating herbs:
| Herb | Effects |
| Boneset | Stimulant in vitro |
| Calendula (Marigold) | Stimulant in vitro |
| Drosera | Stimulant &depressant (in vitro) |
| Echinacea | Stimulant in vitro, in vivo |
| Ginseng, | Stimulant, human |
| Mistletoe | Stimulant, human; |
| suppressant (high doses), human | |
| Saw Palmetto | Stimulant, in vivo |
References:
Blumenthal, M. German Commission E Monograph for Echinacea purperea herb. HerbalGram, 1994, 30:48.
Bodinet, C. et al: Host resistance increasing activity of root extracts from Echinacea species. Planta Med. 1993, 59(Supp): A672.
Bukovsky M et al., [Immunomodulating activity of ethanol-water extracts of the roots of Echinacea gloriosa L., Echinacea angustifolia DC. and Rudbeckia speciosa Wenderoth tested on the immune system in C57BL6 inbred mice] Cesk Farm, 1993 Aug, 42:4, 184-7.
DeSmet, P. et al. (Eds.), Adverse Effects of Herbal Drugs 2. Springer Verlag, Berlin, 1994.
Lersch C et al., Nonspecific immunostimulation with low doses of cyclophosphamide (LDCY), thymostimulin, and Echinacea purpurea extracts (echinacin) in patients with far advanced colorectal cancers: preliminary results. Cancer Invest, 1992, 10:5, 343-8.
Luettig B et al., Macrophage activation by the polysaccharide arabinogalactan isolated from plant cell cultures of Echinacea purpurea. J Natl Cancer Inst, 1989 May 3, 81:9, 669-75.
Mengs U et al., Toxicity of Echinacea purpurea. Acute, subacute and genotoxicity studies. Arzneimittelforschung, 1991 Oct, 41:10, 1076-81.
Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
See DM et al., In vitro effects of echinacea and ginseng on natural killer and antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity in healthy subjects and chronic fatigue syndrome or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients.
Wichtl, M. Herbal Drugs & Phytopharmaceuticals. CRC, Boca Raton, 1994.
Aromatherapy - Essential Oils
| Chamomile Essence, | Lavender Essence, |
| Tea Tree Essence, | Thyme Essence, |
| Vetiver Essence. |
Related Health Conditions
AIDS
Alcoholism
Alopecia areata
Arthritis
Diabetes Mellitus
Hyperthyroidism
Lupus Erythematosus
Multiple Sclerosis
Muscular Dystrophy
Osteomalacia
Osteoporosis
Scleroderma
Vasculitis
References
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