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Why Did I Get an Autoimmune Disease?
Or maybe the better question is, Why is my immune system attacking me?
Our bodies rely on natural defenses to keep us healthy and well. The immune system is supposed to protect us from foreign macro-molecules or invading organisms such as virus proteins, worms, or parasites. [1]
The immune system has two sides. You are born with innate immunity. Innate immunity is like the wall of a city--it can defend all attackers, and it is not specifically targeted for a particular pathogen. When it needs assistance, it signals the other side of our immune system, the adaptive or specific immunity. Adaptive immunity is your immune system’s adjustment for a different situation (adaptation) based on what antigens your body has been exposed to at any given time. [1]
The adaptive immune response is highly specific to the pathogens that it remembers. Any substance eliciting an adaptive immune response is called an antigen. [2] For example, if you had the chicken pox once, you will not get it a second time because of your adaptive immune system. However, that does not mean you would not get the mumps or measles, as these viruses are different than chicken pox and a specific memory has not yet been created in your immune system.
The job of the adaptive immune system is to destroy invading pathogens. The cells that make up the adaptive immune system have a the ability to distinguish something foreign from what is native. However, sometimes this fundamental ability fails and the immune system sees our tissue as foreign and attacks it. [3] This is called an autoimmune disorder.
When you have an autoimmune disorder, two things are happening simultaneously. First, your immune system has decided to attack healthy tissue. Second, you have inflammation, which can cause other health issues such as HPA-D (adrenal fatigue), insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, and permeable bowel syndrome. [4]
Let's use the autoimmune disorder, Hashimoto's disease as an example. In this case, the immune system decides to attack the thyroid tissue. Along with the enraged immune system, you may feel fatigued, have tender lymph nodes, or experience weight gain, hair loss, or depression. Most likely, you are on a synthetic hormone to replace what your thyroid can no longer produce, however, prescribing a thyroid hormone does not address the real issue of your immune system attacking healthy thyroid tissue. Hashimoto's is an autoimmune disease before it is a thyroid disorder. Similarly, multiple sclerosis is an immune disease before a demyelination disorder, and Rheumatoid arthritis is an immune disease before it is a joint disorder. This process is the same with each autoimmune disorder.
What causes an autoimmune disorder and the immune system to no longer be able to tell the difference between foreign and self is not known. Researchers have been asking this question for years. While there are many ideas of what happened, there are multiple factors, including the following:
Gender - Autoimmune diseases are more prevalent in women than in men. According to the American Autoimmune Related Disease Society (AARDA.org), the ratio is 10:1.
Genetics - If a family member has an autoimmune disorder, there is a higher chance that you may develop an autoimmune disorder, although it may not be the same disease. For example, while one family member could have lupus, another could have scleroderma.
Vaccinations - In an extensive research study done by a French scientist, it was discovered that vaccines were not the major cause of autoimmune disease. However, they also suggest that a potential link between vaccines and autoimmune diseases cannot be definitely ruled out and should be carefully explored during the development of new candidate vaccines. [5]
Chemical Toxins - It has been found the chemical contamination of the environment (for example: pesticides) plays a significant role in allergies and autoimmune disorders. Research proves that these harmful chemicals cause a shift in the balance of the immune system. This shift is medically associated with a wide variety of chronic illnesses, including (but not limited to) AIDS, CFS, multiple allergies, viral hepatitis, autoimmune disorders, and a host of other chronic infections. [6]
Metal Toxins - High levels of metals in the system are associated with autoimmune conditions. Heavy metals such as mercury (found in amalgam or metal fillings) can attach to collagen tissue in those individuals with multiple sclerosis. When heavy metals are present in the tissue, the body sees them as "not self" and mounts an immune attack. [7]
Food Toxins - All processed food is toxic. Processed food is anything that has been altered from its natural state. Unfortunately, a large number of foods consumed on a daily basis are processed. Consuming these foods multiple times each day may be toxic to you and can cause your immune system to react. [8]
Food Allergies - The top foods to cause allergies and intolerances in people are wheat (gluten), corn, soy, dairy, peanuts, sesame, sugars, grains, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, and eggs. [9]
Leaky Gut - Leaky Gut is a term that modern medicine will not discuss. Unfortunately, physicians do not know enough about the gut. The gut leaks when the tight junctions do not work properly and become permeable, allowing food particles into the body. "In a self-perpetuating viscous cycle leaky gut flares up autoimmune conditions, which in turn further damages the gut lining" [10]. My fellow holistic practitioners and I believe that every person with an autoimmune also has leaky gut.
What does all this information mean? As you have read, there are a number of things that lead to chronic disease states and autoimmune disorders. And, in reality, it does not matter if you have one or all of these interferences leading to an autoimmune disorder; you need to find those interferences and remove them.
The quieting of your immune system is not a mystery; it is a method—a roadmap. Together you and I will address the foundations of your autoimmune and determine where you are imbalanced, and it always starts with nutrition. Optimizing your nutritional status by teaching the body to digest properly, and by encouraging a whole foods, properly prepared, nutrient dense diet. We will work together to remove the foods that your body views as toxic. Proper nutrition leads to strengthening and healing the immune barriers, including your intestinal barrier.
I look forward to partnering with you to determine which chemical stressor(s) you have encountered in your environment. Together we will remove them so your body can heal and you can be balanced.
1. Sompayrac, L. M. (2012). How the immune system works. (4th ed.). New York, NY: Wiley-Blackwell.
2. Owen, J., Punt, J., & Stranford, S. (2013). Kuby immunology. (7th ed.). New York, NY: W. H. Freeman.
3. Manoff, M. (2012). An epidemic of absence: A new way of understanding allergies and autoimmune diseases. Scribner; Reprint edition.
4. SE Shoelson, L Jongsoon, and BG Allison, "Inflammation and insulin resistance," Journal of Clinical Investigation (2006): 1793-1801.
5. Wraith, D., Goldman, M., & Lambert, P. (2003). Vaccination and autoimmune disease: what is the evidence?. The Lancet.
6. Ehrman, J. (2009). Pesticide use linked to lupus, rheumatoid arthritis. Retrieved from http://nihrecord.od.nih.gov/newsletters/2011/03_18_2011/story4.htm.
7. Silberod, R. (1992). A comparison of mental health of multiple sclerosis patients with silver/mercury dental fillings. 70: 1139-51, Psychology Reports.
8. Campbell-McBride, N. (2010). Gut and psychology syndrome: Natural treatment for autism, dyspraxia, a.d.d., dyslexia, a.d.h.d., depression, schizophrenia . Medinform Publishing.
9. Guandalini, S., & Newland, C. (2011). Differentiating food allergies from food intolerances. Current gastroenterology reports, 13(5), 426-434. Retrieved from 10.1007/s11894-011-0215-7
10. Kharrazian, D. (2010). Why do i still have thyroid symptoms? when my lab tests are normal: a revolutionary breakthrough in understanding hashimoto's disease and hypothyroidism. Elephant Press.
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When it comes to improving your health and energy levels, the balance between sodium and potassium is crucial. These two minerals are involved in essential cellular functions, working together to maintain your body’s energy, hydration, and response to stress. If you're looking to enhance your mood, energy, and overall well-being, learning about this balance is vital. The Role of Sodium and Potassium in Your Body Inside each of your cells, the sodium-potassium pump helps regulate the movement of nutrients and waste. This process is essential for maintaining energy levels, proper hydration, and managing stress responses. The ratio between sodium and potassium determines how well this pump operates, making it critical for your health. Think of this balance like a tightrope: too much or too little on either side, and things can start to go wrong. Imbalances in sodium and potassium can lead to health problems that may already be affecting how you feel on a daily basis. Ideal Sodium-Potassium Ratio for Health In Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA), the optimal sodium-to-potassium ratio typically falls between 2.1 and 3.1, with 2.4 being the median. This ratio reflects how well your body manages stress, inflammation, and hydration. When your sodium-potassium balance is off, it can be a sign of deeper issues with stress and overall health. High Sodium-Potassium Ratio: A Signal of Acute Stress A sodium-potassium ratio above 3.1 suggests that your body may be dealing with acute stress or inflammation. Some common signs of an elevated ratio include: Water Retention and Bloating: High sodium levels can cause the body to retain water, leading to puffiness or swelling. High Blood Pressure: Increased sodium often results in elevated blood pressure, especially if excess water is being held in your system. Mood Swings and Irritability: Rapid changes in mood, heightened stress responses, and irritability can be tied to high sodium levels. Hormonal Imbalances: An imbalance in sodium and potassium can lead to estrogen dominance, affecting other hormones and potentially causing mood swings, bloating, and menstrual irregularities. Liver and Kidney Strain: If your ratio is excessively high—above 12—it can indicate significant stress on your liver and kidneys, two organs essential for detoxification. Factors such as exposure to heavy metals (like copper, mercury, or aluminum) or certain medications can also elevate your sodium levels, pushing this ratio higher. Low Sodium-Potassium Ratio: A Marker of Chronic Fatigue If your sodium-to-potassium ratio falls below 2.1, it’s often a sign of chronic fatigue or prolonged stress. A low ratio, also known as an "inverted ratio," is associated with several symptoms: Chronic Fatigue and Weak Immunity: A low ratio indicates that your body is exhausted, often resulting in feelings of extreme fatigue and a weakened immune system. Food Cravings and Digestive Issues: Low potassium levels can trigger cravings for sugar or stimulants, and may lead to digestive discomfort. Emotional Instability: Low potassium can also contribute to irritability, frustration, and feelings of being emotionally drained. Trauma Response: When the sodium-potassium ratio dips below 1, it can be linked to deep-seated stress or trauma, signaling that your body needs serious support. As with a high ratio, heavy metal toxicity or certain medical treatments can contribute to a lowered sodium-potassium ratio, making it essential to address both mineral imbalances and environmental factors. How to Restore Sodium-Potassium Balance Bringing your sodium-potassium ratio back into balance is key to improving energy and overall health. Here's what you can do: For a High Ratio: Increase Potassium-Rich Foods: Eat more potassium-rich foods like bananas, avocados, leafy greens, and sweet potatoes to help counteract high sodium levels. Reduce Inflammation: Investigate possible sources of chronic inflammation, whether it's diet-related, stress-related, or due to exposure to toxins. Lower Stress: Engage in stress management techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or gentle exercise to help reduce inflammation and restore balance. For a Low Ratio: Consider Potassium Supplements: If HTMA results show low potassium, supplementation may be necessary to correct the imbalance. Support Emotional Health: Chronic stress or trauma can often be at the root of low ratios. Seeking emotional support through therapy or stress-reducing activities can help. Check for Toxic Metals: If heavy metals are present, detoxifying your body may be required to restore proper sodium-potassium balance. Conclusion: Balance is Key to Wellness The sodium-potassium ratio may seem like a small detail, but it has a major impact on your health and energy levels. Whether you’re struggling with chronic fatigue, mood swings, or inflammation, maintaining the right sodium-potassium balance is crucial for overall vitality. Paying attention to this balance can help you manage stress, support your hydration, and guide you toward better health. By incorporating strategies to restore your sodium-potassium ratio, you can take control of your well-being and experience more energy, better mood stability, and improved resilience against stress. HTMA is the way to understand your own ratio. In a few days, the 'Special of the Year' will be revealed, allowing you to discover your personal ratio and learn how to enhance it, along with your health and energy! Make sure to sign up for my newsletter and open your emails!
It’s a safe bet that many people today are dealing with sluggish livers, even if they don't realize it. With the constant exposure to toxins in our modern environment, the liver, our body’s primary detox organ, is working overtime to clear out the “junk” we encounter every day. Whether it’s heavy metals, chemical pollutants, mold, or even stress, your liver is under constant pressure to keep up. While it’s easy to assume that most of us have some level of liver dysfunction, it’s important to understand how serious the situation is for each individual. A sluggish liver can lead to a variety of health issues, but it’s not always easy to pinpoint without the right testing. That’s where a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) comes in, offering valuable insights into liver function and overall health. Here’s how an HTMA can help assess liver health and why you should consider this test for yourself or your family. 1. Cobalt Levels: A Clue to Liver Health One of the best indicators of liver performance that shows up on an HTMA panel is cobalt. Cobalt is a mineral that has two sides: as part of Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin or hydroxocobalamin), and as a toxic metal in high amounts. When the liver isn’t functioning properly, the body can’t absorb Vitamin B12 efficiently, leading to cobalt accumulation in the liver. This build-up can manifest in various health issues, including thyroid problems, tinnitus, blood thickening, and even vision or hearing loss. Elevated cobalt levels in the hair can be a red flag that the liver is under stress. By paying attention to cobalt levels in an HTMA, you can get a clearer picture of your liver’s ability to detoxify and absorb essential nutrients. 2. The Sodium/Potassium Ratio: A Life-Death Indicator Another vital aspect of liver health reflected in HTMA results is the sodium to potassium (Na/K) ratio. Sometimes referred to as the “Life-Death” ratio, this measurement reveals a lot about your body's overall stress and energy levels. A low Na/K ratio typically indicates burnout, chronic fatigue, low stomach acid, and compromised immune function. All of these issues are connected to liver dysfunction. The body’s inability to detoxify and heal is often a result of chronic stress and infections, which can further impair liver function. If you have infections, the liver may be struggling to keep up with the detox demands, making the Na/K ratio a valuable marker for assessing overall liver health. 3. Heavy Metal Levels: A Key Sign of Liver Strain Heavy metals like mercury, lead, arsenic, cadmium, and aluminum are highly toxic to the body. When these metals show up in an HTMA panel, it’s a clear indication that the liver is working hard to detoxify the system. Interestingly, low levels of heavy metals can also signal liver trouble. If your HTMA shows little to no heavy metal excretion, it could mean the body is storing these toxins rather than eliminating them. This often points to an overburdened or sluggish liver that isn’t able to keep up with the detoxification demands. Either way, the presence (or absence) of heavy metals is an important clue that your liver might be overwhelmed, making it crucial to support proper detoxification pathways. 4. Oxidation Rate: Slow Metabolism, Slow Detox HTMA also helps assess the body’s metabolic rate through the oxidation rate, which is the balance between calcium and phosphorus. When this ratio is elevated, it indicates slow oxidation, meaning a slower metabolism. People with slow oxidation rates tend to be poor eliminators, meaning they struggle to detoxify and remove toxins from the body. This is another key indicator that the liver is sluggish and not able to efficiently process toxins. When your metabolism slows down, so does your liver’s ability to clear out harmful substances, leaving you feeling fatigued, bloated, and overwhelmed. 5. Lithium Levels: A Detoxification Powerhouse Lithium is a fascinating and often overlooked mineral when it comes to liver health. While most commonly known for its pharmaceutical use in treating bipolar disorder, lithium also plays an important role in detoxification. On an HTMA panel, low lithium levels can indicate poor detoxification, particularly in terms of glutathione production. Glutathione is the body’s master antioxidant, essential for detoxifying the liver and protecting cells from oxidative damage. If lithium is low, it may suggest that your liver is struggling to produce enough glutathione to keep up with detox demands. Although research on lithium’s role in detoxification is still emerging, clinical evidence points to its importance in supporting healthy liver function. The Bottom Line: Start with Minerals for Better Detoxification The liver is central to your body’s ability to detoxify, but it can’t do the job alone. Minerals are the foundation of every detox pathway in the body. Without adequate mineral support, detoxification can’t happen effectively, no matter how many supplements or herbs you take. This is why it’s so important to use HTMA testing to assess mineral levels and create a plan to restore balance. When you support the body with the right minerals, you can improve liver function, increase detoxification, and enhance overall health. Why Wait? Something Big is Coming! If you’re ready to get serious about your liver health and understand your body’s detox capabilities, there’s no better way to start than with an HTMA test. This test provides critical insights into your mineral balance, liver health, and overall metabolic function. And the best part? A major deal is coming your way this Thanksgiving! Keep an eye on your emails because you won’t want to miss out on what’s coming—a huge opportunity to get the testing and insights you need to take control of your health. Make sure you’re ready for this game-changing offer—it’s going to be the deal of the year!
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