Category: Understanding AID

Autoimmune disease is a state where the immune system attacks your own body. It is a life long struggle for the individual who has it. It periodically gets worse, especially when situations get unpleasant. It affects certain parts of the body, such as joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, lungs, heart, and brain. Its symptoms vary though it always includes rash, joint pain, fatigue, and fever. Unfortunately, there is no cure for an autoimmune disorder. However, specific treatments, medication, as well as lifestyle changes, aid the condition.

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How COVID-19 Affects People With Autoimmune Disease?

In the latest information of COVID-19, the reports show that majority of the virus’s target is the elderly due to their weaker immune system. That is why most people assume that if a person is young, healthy, and active, there is no chance of him getting an infection. As long as he practices social distancing too, that person is also safe from contracting the virus. But contrary to that, people with autoimmune diseases are at higher risk of Coronavirus infection regardless of their age and physical health. That is because these individuals already have a weak immune system.

People with autoimmunity are already struggling. There are things that they can no longer do due to a malfunctioning health condition they have. So imagine the life of these individuals living with all the anxiety and fear caused by the pandemic. These people battle up with their bodies every day. What more now that there is another addition to the already torturing physical, emotional, and mental condition they have? The situation is terrifying.

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The Mental Struggle Caused By The Pandemic

Yes, some people with an autoimmune disorder can be overreacting. That is because they got this filed up mixed emotions. These individuals already feel scared for their health because they know any time; certain things can trigger their symptoms. And now that there is a pandemic, all they care about is staying healthy. That is another pressure they need to handle because it requires more than just eating healthy foods and sleeping well.

Anger can also take a toll on this situation. People who have autoimmune diseases already think that this pandemic is unfair for them. The trauma that this situation is causing is disturbing enough for those who only want to live a better life. So what more if the pressure doubled up? Most of these people with autoimmune disease are feeling discouraged. Some of them feel unstable and often look for something or someone to blame. Not because they are naturally angry, but because they are far more scared of what could happen to them.

Individuals with the disease are also prone to depression because some of them are not able to process the adjustment instantly. Their minds are battling between their desires to live a normal life and staying healthy. And since there is no certainty as to where the pandemic would end, these people’s hopes and dreams shatter. And sometimes, even if they happen to be filled with positive energy, the isolation alters their way of thinking, leaving them confused, sad, and lonely.

 

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Takeaway

No, individuals with an autoimmune condition are not asking for special attention. Other people should be mindful and considerate to understand that awareness of the situation is far more critical. The judgments are already mentally and emotionally draining, so it would be better not to add damage to these people’s situations. It is not the time for selfishness and inconsiderate manners. We are all affected by the virus. We have to recognize that the situation is more excruciating for these people who have a higher risk of getting infected.

The 2017 Athletes Conference awarded student-athletes who were outstanding in their academic performance in more than two terms. While it is essential to be exemplary in both curricular and extracurricular activities, it is vital to be wary of one’s health as well because there is a misconception that ALL athletes are healthy. Studies show that some are battling autoimmune diseases, even if these are a hindrance to their sports career. As a remedy, most athletes address this problem by following a strict diet and sticking with it. Read further to know the best autoimmune diets for athletes.

Take In Enough Fiber And Probiotic

Most parts included in the immune system can be found in the gut. Therefore, the presence of good bacteria in the intestinal area is essential. To be able to house a consistent growth of healthy bacteria in this area, athletes should include in their diet those foods that are rich in probiotics and fiber. They should undergo a plant-based diet, and primarily focus on the intake of fermented vegetables. Strict observance of food plans is crucial in ensuring that there is enough energy source from healthy food options.

Follow The Paleo Autoimmune Protocol Diet
This diet stemmed from the famous Paleo Diet, which was inspired by the kinds of food which our Paleolithic ancestors ate. The Autoimmune Protocol Diet focuses on an elimination-type of strategy where it aims to avoid food that might contribute to inflammation. Several examples of this include industrial seed oil, refined sugars, nuts, eggs, gum, emulsifiers, alternative sweeteners, food thickeners, legumes, dairy, grains, and processed food.

Go For Turmeric

The turmeric approach focuses on regulating inflammatory substances in the different areas of the body. This approach is through the help of curcumin, a powerful and effective compound found from this bright orange spice. It has been proven to alleviate inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and psoriasis.

Load Up On Omega-3s
Most anti-inflammatory diets have high levels of fat dedicated to nourishing the cells. One example of this is Omega-3. You can find this component in several foods such as walnuts, for your snacks, and fatty fish (salmon), if you are a vegetarian.

Being an athlete is not a guarantee of being healthy. Likewise, not all athletes are healthy. For athletes with autoimmune diseases, it is best to observe strict diet compliance.

It’s hard to be in a relationship where you are trying to be there for someone but seems like they don’t actually need your presence. It’s like they tell you to go away when all they wanted was for you to stay and always be there. It may sound complicated, but for most people with Graves’ disease, their relationship can be put at risk if they don’t start acting on it. 

Continue reading “I’m Living With Someone Who Has Grave’s Disease “

It was unfortunate to know that a particular condition can actually cause a marriage to fall. No one likes it, and the fact that people are struggling in dealing with the situation gives a more painful experience than anything else. 

Continue reading “Going Through The Pain Of Divorce (The Cause Is Autoimmunity)     “

 

Psoriasis is a skin disorder affecting any part of the body. It appears to be red plaques capped with silver scales and can mostly affect the elbows and knees, shin, lower back, and scalp. Typically, our skin is undergoing 15 cycles before it is completely renewed in 30 days. For people with psoriasis, the skin undergoes a fast renewal process and misses a specific process making it five cycles instead of 15. The affected area then forms scaly plaques which are itchy and inflamed.

 

Symptoms Of Psoriasis:

 

• Pain and swelling in the affected area
• Itchiness in the affected area
• Redness and bleeding in the affected area
• Silver scales on the red patches
• Cracks in the dry regions of the extremities
• Swelling joints
• Pitting of nails

 

Causes of Psoriasis:

 

 

• Genes
• Stress
• Infections
• Cuts
• Alcohol

 

Things To Know About Psoriasis:

 

• Some studies showed a decrease in psoriasis when patients avoided the consumption of acidic foods or drinks like coffee and soda.

 

• Some reports suggested that a vegetarian diet contributes to the improvement of symptoms of psoriasis. Eating less protein and more vegetables can aid in treating this condition.

 

• Alcohol plays a considerable part in the development of psoriasis. According to researchers, heavy drinking can trigger psoriasis, and it increases the risk of some infections.

 

• Vitamin D can also help in treating psoriasis. Studies show that vitamin D produced from sunlight aids in the treatment of psoriasis. Dr. Michael Holick, M.D., Ph. is a Professor of Medicine and an endocrinologist who studied vitamin D intensively.

 

• There are different types of psoriasis that can be diagnosed by a physician.

 

Different Types Of Psoriasis:

 

• Erythrodermic psoriasis is a rare but severe type of psoriasis. The skin almost all over the body appears to be burned.
• Guttate psoriasis consists of small pink to small red spots on the skin.
• Inverse psoriasis doesn’t cause the skin to be scaly, but it appears to be smooth and shiny on the affected area.
• Nail psoriasis affects the nails.
• Palmar-Plantar psoriasis affects the palms of the hand or soles of the feet.
• Plaque psoriasis is characterized by silver scaly plaques which commonly appear on elbows, knees, and lower back.
• Pustular psoriasis has pus inside the bumps.
• Psoriasis of the scalp appears in the head or the scalp.
• Psoriatic arthritis is a condition where a person with psoriasis also develops arthritis.

 

 

Treatment:

 

• Dovonex is a prescription cream or ointment known to treat psoriasis.
• Tegison is a prescription of superpotent vitamin A taken orally also known to treat psoriasis.
• Multivitamins composed of folic acid and iron are also beneficial in the treatment of psoriasis.

 

Traditional Remedies:

 

• Olive oil helps in the hydration of the skin.
• Garlic has a medicinal property which fights sickness and
• Licorice can help with skin inflammation.

 

Psoriasis is surely an unpleasant skin disorder to have. Just like other diseases, it affects all the aspects of a person’s life, but in psoriasis, a person may have poor social interactions due to fear of scaring people off. However, people should know that psoriasis is not contagious, so there shouldn’t be any fear of getting it by being around a person who has it.

 

It is crucial that the patient seeks the help of a physician in dealing with psoriasis. self-medication might cause a worsening of the condition.

 

  

 

Autoimmune pancreatitis, also called AIP, is a medical disorder where the immune system attacks the pancreas. There are instances where there is a misdiagnosis, and symptoms could be that of chronic pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer. It responds to steroid therapy such as a corticosteroid specifically prednisone.

 

Two Types Of Autoimmune Pancreatitis:

• AIP Type 1 is common to the elders and is IgG4-related. A blood test may reveal a high level of an immunoglobulin known as IgG4. This type of autoimmune pancreatitis affects other organs in the body such as the liver, kidneys, salivary glands, and lymph nodes. People who have AIP type 1 may experience a relapse or the reoccurrence of the condition.

 

• AIP Type 2 also known as idiopathic duct-centric pancreatitis is common to younger people and only affects the pancreas. Patients who have this condition do not experience a relapse or reoccurrence.

 

Causes Of Autoimmune Pancreatitis:

Like any other autoimmune diseases, the origin of autoimmune pancreatitis remains unclear. Studies show that it could run in the blood or hereditary, but it is still ongoing to finally reveal what’s causing our immune system to attack its own.

 

 

 Symptoms Of Autoimmune Pancreatitis:

 

• Dark and cloudy urine can be a sign of this condition. The color of our urine can say a lot about our overall health that’s why it is smart to pay close attention to it sometimes, especially when we are feeling something odd about our body.

 

• Believe it or not, the color and composition of our stool can also say something about our health. Watch out for pale stools or if they are floating in the toilet.

 

• Is your skin or eyes yellow? Jaundice often correlates with problems in the pancreas, so having a pale or yellow skin or eyes is not normal and could be a warning that there is something wrong with it.

 

• Pain could always be a symptom of a problem in our internal organs. Be alert for any discomfort in the upper abdomen or middle region of the back.

 

• Nausea and vomiting are signs of medical issues, and if you experience them along with any other symptoms, these could be warning signs that you should consult a doctor.

 

• Are you experiencing unexplainable fatigue? You think you get enough rest and eat the right amount of food but still feel weak. You also don’t engage in hard labor yet you experience extreme tiredness. These could be signs of something else like autoimmune pancreatitis.

 

• Do you notice something different from your eating habits? It is not normal to lose appetite, especially when you are not taking any medications to cause

 

• Do you experience unexplainable weight loss? There are many medical health problems that contribute to unexplainable weight loss, but if you are having some symptoms of autoimmune pancreatitis, it is best to get a medical opinion.

 

Diagnosis Of Autoimmune Pancreatitis:

Several tests should be undertaken to determine if a person has autoimmune pancreatitis such as:

 

• Imaging Tests

 

• CT scan
• MRI
• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatograph (ERCP)

 

• Blood Test

Blood tests could reveal the increased level of the immunoglobulin called IgG4 which is produced by the immune system, but it doesn’t automatically mean that you have autoimmune pancreatitis. Some medical conditions such as pancreatic cancer can cause this as well.

 

• Endoscopic Biopsy

Through the use of an endoscope, the doctor will get a sample of pancreatic tissue which could determine autoimmune pancreatitis.

 

• Steroid Trial

Autoimmune pancreatitis responds to steroid treatment. During the steroid trial, the doctor will test if the IgG4 of the patient will be affected by steroid therapy.

 

 

 

Treatment Of Autoimmune Pancreatitis:

• Biliary Stenting

It is a procedure where the doctor will need to drain the biliary ducts which are usually for patients with jaundice.

 

• Steroid Therapy

Autoimmune pancreatitis responds to steroids particularly corticosteroids.

 

• Immunosuppressants

Immunosuppressants are used to counter the side effects of prolonged use of steroids.

 

There may be other treatments and therapies that can help the condition of autoimmune pancreatitis. Early diagnosis is the key to treating medical health problems. If you experience one or more of the symptoms mentioned above, it is best to consult a doctor to deal with the health issue at once.

 

What Is Graves’ Disease?

 

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland. It is a condition where the body produces an antibody to fight against bacteria and viruses which then causes the thyroid to produce excessive hormones. Although it is still unknown as to what causes autoimmune disorders, Graves’ disease is found to be inherited. It commonly affects women than men and usually occurs before 40.

 

 

 

What Happens When The Thyroid Gland Produces Excessive Hormones?

 

Most of us would want to speed up metabolism to prevent us from gaining weight, and in the condition of the overactivity of the thyroid gland, our metabolism speeds up causing unpleasant symptoms like:

 

• Anxiety is a mental health issue where a person experiences nervousness, panic, trouble sleeping, rapid heartbeat, cold and sweaty extremities, and shortness of breath.

 

• Hyperactivity is the condition of the body where it has too much energy. A hyperactive person may seem to not tire and could not stay still.

 

• Weight Loss is also noticeable with no explainable reason. It is due to the boost in metabolism which contributes to unexplainable weight loss.

 

• The swollen gland forms a lump in the thyroid commonly called goiter.

 

Where Did It Get Its Name?

 

Graves’ disease got its name after an Irish doctor named Robert J. Graves first noticed and described its symptoms on a patient in 1835. Five years later, a German doctor named Karl Adolph Van Basedow, unknowing of Graves’ findings, also gave the same description of the symptoms on his patient that’s why this disease is commonly known as Basedow’s disease in Europe while it’s called Graves’ disease in the United States.

 

What causes Graves’ Disease?

 

The cause of Graves’ disease is still a question just like with any other autoimmune disorders. Results of most studies about the condition connect it to family history, but then again, more studies are required to prove this theory.

What Are The Symptoms Of Graves’ Disease?

 

• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Tremors
• Insomnia
• Unexplained weight loss
• Sweaty hands and feet
• Swelling of the gland (goiter)
• Changes in menstrual cycles
• Erectile dysfunction or decreased libido
• Frequent bowel movements
• Bulging eyes
• Fatigue
• Thick, red skin on the tops or shins of the feet
• Palpitations or rapid heartbeat
• Vision problems
• Pressure in the eyes
• Puffy eyelids
• Reddened or inflamed eyes

 

What Are The Kinds Of Food To Avoid When A Person Has Graves’ Disease?

 

• Food Allergens

 

When you have allergies to a particular food, avoid eating it. The symptoms of Graves’ disease can somehow be similar to that of allergies, so eating food that you’re allergic to can aggravate the symptoms.

 

• Caffeine

 

Caffeine is known to cause nervousness and palpitations which are also symptoms of Graves’ disease. It is not wise to consume products that can contribute to the worsening of symptoms.

 

What Are The Kinds Of Food A Person With Graves’ Disease Should Eat?

 

• Fruits And Vegetables

 

Fruits and vegetables are the primary food source of vitamins and minerals needed by the body to function well. Some of these foods, especially berries, have an antioxidant component that can strengthen the immune system. Although they cannot cure Graves’ disease, they will aid in giving the body extra strength and protection.

 

• Protein-Rich Food

 

Fatigue or weakness is one of the symptoms of Graves’ disease. Eating foods rich in protein can help strengthen the muscles and gain more energy.

 

• Food Rich In Vitamin D

 

Vitamin D is an essential vitamin needed by the bones. It works together with calcium to give proper nourishment to the body.

 

• Dairy Products Such As Milk

 

Milk and cheese are examples of dairy products and are excellent sources of calcium, which work hand in hand with vitamin D to strengthen the bones.

 

 

Can Graves’ Disease Be Cured?

 

Yes, Graves’ disease is curable with some treatment methods.

 

Can Graves’ Disease Cause Death?

 

Yes, Graves’ disease if left untreated can cause severe heart problems and weakened bones. The body overall may weaken and eventually die.

 

 

 

What Are The Treatments For Graves’ Disease?

 

When you’re diagnosed with Graves’ disease, you will be prescribed with antithyroid medications or may undergo radioactive iodine or removal of the thyroid. These treatments are effective in re-establishing the proper function of the thyroid gland, but there is a chance of relapse.

 

Graves’ disease is indeed a grave medical condition. Just like any disorder, it can affect how a person lives not only physically but psychologically as well. A person diagnosed with this condition may have to deal with it for a long time.

 

This disease can cause isolation and poor self-esteem because it can hinder a person from doing outdoor activities due to poor vision and visible manifestations physically, especially the eyes and skin. Though it is still unclear as to what causes Graves’ disease, observing a healthy lifestyle is always the key to being healthy. If you experience the symptoms above, don’t think twice. See a doctor.