Autoimmune diseases are a group of disorders in which the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissue for no reason. This can lead to a wide range of symptoms, from joint pain to fatigue to digestive problems.
Ayurvedic treatment for autoimmune diseases uses a holistic approach to modulate immune system function and reverse the condition. Ayurvedic doctors at Medhya Herbals treat the whole person, not just the disease.
We take into account your physical, mental, and emotional health and thus advise on a healing lifestyle and diet along with herbal medicines. This holistic approach is very helpful for people with autoimmune diseases.
What is Autoimmune Disease?
In an autoimmune disorder, the immune system looses the ability to recognize or distinguish between healthy tissue and potentially destructive antigens. Thus, the body’s cells fail to recognize each other and mistakenly start attacking friendly healthy cells, a condition known as autoimmune destruction. The consequences of autoimmune diseases include the loss of healthy bodily tissues and an abnormal organ growth.
Women are more often prone to autoimmune diseases compared to men. 80% of individuals with autoimmune disorders are women.
If left untreated, autoimmune diseases create extensive inflammation throughout the body. As a result of inflammation and faulty immune system function, one becomes prone to a variety of diseases such as: Rheumatoid arthritis (most prevalent), Lupus, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Chron’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Guillaine-Barre Syndrome, Psoriasis, Rosacea, Multiple Sclerosis, Myasthenia Gravis, Vasculitis, Hashimotos Thyroiditis, Type 1 Diabetes-mellitus or Polymylesitis.
Types of Autoimmune Disease
There are more than 80 types of autoimmune diseases, with more being discovered all the time. Here are some of the most common:
– Rheumatoid arthritis: This is a chronic inflammation of the joints that can eventually lead to bone erosion and deformity.
– Lupus: This is a systemic disease that can affect any part of the body, but is most commonly seen in the skin, joints, and kidneys.
– Multiple sclerosis: This is a disease of the nervous system that leads to loss of motor control and paralysis.
– Type 1 diabetes: This is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin, resulting in high blood sugar levels.
– Crohn’s disease: This is a chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract that can lead to abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.
– Psoriasis: This is a condition characterized by red, scaly patches on the skin that can be itchy and painful.
– Celiac disease: This is a chronic inflammation of the small intestine that is triggered by ingestion of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.
Symptoms of Autoimmune Disease
Autoimmune diseases can manifest in a variety of ways, depending on which part of the body is affected. The most common symptoms are:
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches, weakness and widespread body pains
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Fever
- Skin rashes or lesions
- Hair loss
- Abnormal blood tests (e.g. high white blood cell count)
- Inflammation of internal organs (e.g. liver, lungs, heart, kidneys)
- Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
- Headache
- Gastrointestinal issues such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation.
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chest pain and shortness of breath
Autoimmune diseases can be hard to diagnose because the symptoms can mimic other conditions. A blood test can reveal whether you have an autoimmune disease. But it can’t tell which one you have. Your doctor may also use a physical exam and imaging tests to reach a diagnosis.
Causes of Autoimmune Disease
There are several possible causes of Autoimmune Disease, but the most common underlying factor is inflammation. Autoimmune diseases can be caused by a number of things, including:
- A build-up of toxins in the body: Toxins can interfere with the proper functioning of the immune system, which often leads to autoimmune diseases.
- A dysfunctional immune system: A weak or malfunctioning immune system may be unable to properly protect the body from harmful invaders, leading to Autoimmune Disease.
- Genetic predisposition: Some people may be more likely to develop Autoimmune Disease due to their genes.
- Certain environmental factors: Exposure to certain viruses or bacteria, or even stress, can trigger Autoimmune Disease in some people.
Autoimmune Disease: Ayurvedic Perspective
Autoimmune (AI) diseases can affect many parts of the body and appear to be unrelated at first. However, inflammation is a common element in all Autoimmune diseases. To discover the root cause of auto-immune disorders, Ayurveda looks at what caused the inflammation and works backward to provide an individual specific treatment involving herbal medicines, diet and lifestyle.
According to Ayurveda, toxin build up “Ama” formation inside the body triggers inflammation and blockade, which first starts at the weakest spot (body organ). If left untreated, this inflamation spreads throughout the body leading to unrelated symptoms of poor digestion, skin issues, hair loss, pain and fatigue.
Ama is a thick and gooey substance that clogs the body channels, thus reducing circulation and availability of nutrients to the body cells. It interferes with normal functioning of the immune system cells and confuses them such that they start misfiring.
Ayurvedic Medicines for Treatment of Autoimmune Disease
Ayurveda is based on a holistic view of treating an individual. By understanding the interplay between the body, mind and consciousness, an Ayurveda practitioner can help the patient restore balance naturally.
Balanced lifestyle and diet prevents 80% of all chronic disease. Early detection and prevention is the best solution for Autoimmune disorders.
1. Detoxification
Ayurvedic treatment of autoimmune disorders involves a systematic approach to detoxify the body and get rid of all the inflammation and “ama” from deep inside the body tissues. Herbal medicines such as haritaki, pippali, neem, guggulu, triphala and sarsaparilla are highly effective to pull the toxins out from the bone marrows and thus stimulate healthy blood cell production.
2. Modulate Immune System
Along with detoxification, Ayurveda works at rejuvenating the immune system, establish its normal functioning and calm down the overactive and reactive responses. Ghee, Guduchi, Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Shatavari, Shankhpushpi, Turmeric and Amla are some of best herbals to improve immunity.
3. Increase in Ojas (Vitality)
Ojas is a vital bodily fluid that aids in the nourishment of the immune system. It is naturally produced in a healthy body through the ingested foods. When metabolism is impaired, ojas production decreases significantly, but this process can be corrected with Ayurvedic medicines such as guduchi, haridra, amla, licorice, pippali , vasa , neem and guggulu . These remedies are highly effective in restoring proper metabolism and increasing ojas production.
Best Foods and Dietary Tips for Autoimmune Disease Treatment
A healthy diet is important for everyone, but it is especially important for those with Autoimmune Disease. Eating a balanced diet helps to support the immune system and can reduce inflammation. Some specific foods that are beneficial for people with Autoimmune Disease include:
-Raw, organic fruits and vegetables: These are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help to reduce inflammation and support the immune system.
-Wild-caught fish: Fish such as salmon and sardines are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
-Bone broth: Bone broth contains collagen, which can help to heal the gut and improve gut health.
-Probiotic-rich foods: Probiotics help to balance the gut microbiome and support a healthy immune system. Some good sources of probiotics include yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, and miso soup.
-Fermented foods: Fermented foods such as kombucha, kefir, and tempeh are rich in probiotics and can help to improve gut health. However, excessive consumption of fermented foods should be limited.
-Herbs and spices: Herbs and spices such as turmeric, ginger, garlic, and basil contain natural compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties.
Following a healthy diet is one of the best things you can do to support your immune system and reduce inflammation. By eating nutrient-rich foods, you will be giving your body the tools it needs to fight off disease and stay healthy.
Foods to Avoid for Autoimmune Disease Treatment
There are also certain foods that should be avoided if you have Autoimmune Disease. These foods can trigger inflammation and make symptoms worse. Some of the foods that you should avoid include:
-Processed foods: Processed foods contain additives and preservatives that can trigger inflammation.
-Sugar: Sugar promotes the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut and can increase inflammation.
-Dairy: Dairy products can contain inflammatory proteins that can trigger an immune response.
-Gluten: Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley that can cause gut irritation and inflammation.
-Nightshade vegetables: Nightshade vegetables such as tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplant contain compounds that can trigger inflammation.
By avoiding these inflammatory foods, you will be able to reduce symptoms and keep your Autoimmune Disease under control.
Healthy Lifestyle Tips for people with Autoimmune Disease
There are also some lifestyle changes that can help to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms. Some of the lifestyle recommendations for people with Autoimmune Disease include:
-Getting enough sleep: Sleep is important for healing and repair. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
-Reducing stress: Stress can trigger inflammation and make symptoms worse. Practice stress-relieving activities such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing.
-Exercising: Exercise can help to reduce inflammation and improve overall health. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
-Quitting smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for Autoimmune Disease. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your health.
Making these lifestyle changes can help to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms. By taking care of yourself, you will be able to better manage your Autoimmune Disease.
Helpful Yoga Asana for Treatment of Autoimmune Disease
Yoga is a great way to reduce stress and promote relaxation. It can also help to improve flexibility, strength, and balance. There are many different yoga poses that can be beneficial for people with Autoimmune Disease. Some of the best poses include:
-Downward facing dog: This pose helps to stretch the hamstrings and strengthen the shoulders.
-Child’s pose: This pose helps to stretches the back and hips. It also promotes relaxation and can help to ease anxiety and stress.
-Warrior I: This pose helps to strengthen the legs and open up the hips.
-Mountain pose: This pose helps to improve posture and promote relaxation.
Practicing yoga on a regular basis can help to reduce stress, improve flexibility, and promote relaxation. Yoga is a great way to ease the symptoms of Autoimmune Disease and improve your
Takeaway
Ayurvedic treatment is holistic. This means that the practitioner understands how the body, mind, and consciousness work together. They can use this knowledge to help the patient restore balance in their life. Diet and lifestyle are important for preventing chronic diseases.
80% of all chronic diseases can be prevented by having a balanced lifestyle and diet. Prevention is always better than cure, especially when it comes to autoimmune disorders.
Ayurvedic medicine is a safe and effective way to treat autoimmune diseases without steroids or immunosuppresant medicines. If you are interested in trying Ayurveda for your condition, it is important to consult with an experienced practitioner who can tailor a treatment plan specifically for you.
Consult with Medhya’s Ayurvedic Health Experts to get your personalised health plan involving prescription for Ayurvedic medicine, diet, yoga and lifestyle guidelines.
Can Ayurveda cure autoimmune disease?
There are multiple promising research studies that highlight the efficacy of Ayurvedic treatment in curing and reversing autoimmune diseases. Ayurvedic treatment takes a holistic approach to treat the root cause of inflammation in the body of patients with autoimmune conditions.
At Medhya Herbals, we have successfully treated chronic autoimmune conditions involving rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, asthma, endometriosis, fibromylagia, celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome and hashimoto’s thyroiditis disease. With a goal towards establishing balance, we usually observe significant improvement in the symptoms within 3-4 weeks even in severe cases.
How are autoimmune diseases treated in Ayurveda?
Autoimmune diseases are one of the most difficult types of diseases to treat. In Ayurveda, we take a holistic approach to treating these diseases. We treat the whole person, not just the disease. We do this by looking at all of the factors that may be contributing to the disease, such as diet, lifestyle, and stress levels. We then develop a treatment plan that is tailored to the individual. This includes herbal medicines, dietary changes involving an anti-inflammatory diet, and practicing stress-relieving methods like yoga and meditation. Ayurvedic treatment for autoimmune diseases not just helps to manage the symptoms and but also improves the quality of life of our patients.
What can trigger an autoimmune disease?
Autoimmune diseases can be triggered by a number of different factors. One of the most common triggers is an infection. When our bodies are fighting off an infection, the immune system produces more white blood cells to help fight the infection. In some cases, these white blood cells can also attack healthy tissues, leading to autoimmune disease.stress and certain medications can also trigger autoimmune disease. When we are under stress, our bodies produce more of the hormone cortisol. Cortisol suppresses the immune system, making us more susceptible to autoimmune disease. Similarly, certain medications, such as corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, can also suppress the immune system and trigger autoimmune disease. Finally, genetics can also play a role in triggering autoimmune disease. If you have a family member with an autoimmune disease, you are more likely to develop one yourself. Knowing the possible triggers for autoimmune disease can help you to stay healthy and avoid triggering an autoimmune response.
How do I calm my immune system?
The first step in calming your immune system is to understand the root cause of your imbalance. There are many factors that can lead to an autoimmune reaction, including stress, inflammation, and a diet high in sugar and processed foods. Once you have determined the cause of your imbalance, you can begin to take steps to address it. For example, if stress is the trigger, you may need to implement some stress-reduction techniques, such as yoga or meditation. If inflammation is the issue, you may need to add anti-inflammatory foods to your diet or begin taking supplements. By taking a holistic approach to healing, you can calm your immune system and bring your body back into balance.
What is an overactive immune system?
An overactive immune system is a condition in which the body’s immune system attacks healthy cells, tissues, and organs. The immune system is a complex network of cells and proteins that work together to protect the body from infection. In people with an overactive immune system, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. This can lead to inflammation and damage to the affected organs. Overactive immune systems can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic disorders, infections, and certain medications.
References
Concept of Vyadhi Kshamatva w.s.r. to Autoimmune Disorders in Women : A Review
