What is an Autoimmune Disorder?
The human body relies on a healthy immune response to protect it from antigens such as bacteria, viruses, cancer, and toxic substances. A healthy immune system mounts an intricate and well-coordinated defense against these threats. Autoimmune diseases disorders occur when the body’s immune system mistakes its own cells and tissues for invaders and targets them for destruction.
Symptoms of Autoimmune Diseases
While symptoms may vary greatly, many autoimmune disorders share common symptoms. These may include:
Fatigue
Pain in swelling of the joints and connective tissues
Digestive issues and abdominal pain
Skin rashes
Abnormal tissue growth
Changes in organ function
Types of Autoimmune Diseases
There are more than 100 known autoimmune disorders, and 24 million Americans suffer from one or more of these diseases. These disorders may target nearly all types of tissue and every system in the body.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)– The immune system targets myelin, the insulating sheath that surrounds nerve tissues in the brain and spinal cord that assist the communication of signals between nerve cells. Symptoms may include fatigue, muscle weakness and spasms, tremors, loss of coordination and balance, numbness and tingling in arms and legs, and memory and speech problems.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome- The immune system mistakenly targets proteins in the body that it mistakes for proteins in certain bacteria and viruses. Symptoms may include difficulty with breathing or swallowing, muscle pain and weakness, and numbness and tingling sensations in your hands and feet.
Psoriasis- Overactivity in the immune system causes inflammation and an increase in the rate of skin growth. Those affected by psoriasis may have pink or red patches of thickened skin on various areas of the body. Psoriasis is one of the most common autoimmune disorders, affecting 3% of Americans.
Type 1 Diabetes- Type 1 diabetes appears in childhood and continues throughout adulthood. The immune system attacks insulin producing cells in the pancreas, resulting in a potentially lethal level of glucose (sugar) in the blood stream.
Rheumatoid Arthritis- The immune system attacks connective tissues surrounding the joints. Symptoms usually include stiffness, swelling, and pain in the joints on both sides of the body, weakness, fever, and extreme fatigue.
Crohn’s Disease- Immune responses in the digestive system cause inflammation and irritation especially in the intestines and bowel. Symptoms may include chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, and damage to the anus, rectum, colon, and other organs of the digestive system.
Common Treatments for Autoimmune Disorders
Unfortunately, there are no cures for autoimmune disorders. Treatment typically focuses on reduction of inflammation and symptom management.
NSAIDS and glucocorticoid medications treat pain and reduce inflammation.
Immunosuppressants are powerful medications that decrease the action of an overactive immune system. These are often infused directly into the blood stream. Unfortunately, these medications are systemic in nature and may increase the chance of infection from bacteria and viruses.
Symptom Management may include a healthy diet, sufficient sleep, exercise when possible, and psychotherapy and or antidepressants to help manage psychological effects of living with chronic disease.
NAD+ IV Therapy for Autoimmune Disorders
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+) is an essential molecule found in every cell of your body. NAD+ assists your body in converting food to energy, and is the building block of healthy cells. As we age, levels of NAD+ in each cell naturally decline. Stress, inflammation, and chronic illness also depletes our stores of NAD+.
IV NAD+ infusion has been shown to decrease inflammation, decrease anxiety and improve mood. The team of experts at Thrive Wellness groups work with each client to create an individualized treatment plan to address your specific conditions, symptoms, and health goals. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation to discover how NAD+ can help you thrive.