The human body is an intriguing and complex puzzle to solve.
While everyone is made up of the exact same organs that perform the exact same functions, everyone has different reactions to certain foods, chemicals, and environments.
For example, some people may be deathly allergic to strawberries meanwhile others can consume as many strawberries as they want without consequences. Additionally, some individuals have stronger immune systems than others.
As a matter of fact, out of 7.9 billion people in the world, approximately 4% of the world’s population is susceptible to autoimmunity.
While that may seem extremely small, mathematically that averages out to about 30 million people worldwide.
About 25 million of those cases take place within the United States and 80% of patients that suffer with a form of autoimmunity are women.
Interestingly, while these statistics paint a skewed image in our minds, things are actually a lot more complex than what meets the eye, especially with autoimmune diseases.
As of 2021, there are about 80 to 100 types of autoimmune diseases, and while they are caused by an abnormality in the immune system, every individual reacts differently, thus causing varying symptoms in people.
So, while many patients may suffer from completely different conditions that require different treatment methods, they all are induced by one common symptom: inflammation.
Autoimmunity is caused by an abnormal immune system that mistakes healthy cells with malevolent bacteria, making it attack itself.
Once these conditions develop, they become chronic and are often incurable, although they can be placed into remission with proper management.
However, it’s not uncommon for most autoimmune patients to experience flare-ups.
These flare-ups take place when inflammation has been triggered or irritated.
So, how can we tell when these flare-ups are happening?
In truth, different autoimmune conditions provide distinct signals of flare-ups, and it’s important to be able to know these signs when they’re happening.
Below are four autoimmune diseases and their flare-up warnings.
Autoimmune Hepatitis
A rare autoimmune condition known for affecting the liver cells and causing inflammation in the liver.
Studies show that certain medications and genes will trigger an autoimmune hepatitis flare-up.
Seek medical attention immediately if any of these symptoms occur, as this autoimmune condition can be easily confused with symptoms of liver or pancreatic cancer.
Early stages of development may not reveal any symptoms, however over time, a flare-up of this condition will include:
- Fatigue
- Joint Pain
- Acne/Rash
- Dark Urine
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Weight Loss
- Jaundice
- Edema (swollen lower legs)
Graves’ Disease
An overactive thyroid gland will lead to an excess amount of hormones in the body, thus leading to an autoimmune condition called Graves’ disease.
This condition can be managed and placed into remission with proper diagnosis and treatment, however frequent flare-ups can occur with certain environmental factors, stress, infection, or pregnancy.
Signs of a flare-up will include:
- Insomnia
- Weight Loss
- Frequent Hunger/Thirst
- Hypertension
- Anxiety
Multiple Sclerosis
A neurological autoimmune disorder that damages the fatty myelin sheaths that connect messages from the brain to the spinal cord, affects an individual’s way of thinking and reaction time.
In extreme cases, the condition can deteriorate nerves and even cause paralysis.
Therefore, if a flare-up occurs, it’s critical to seek immediate attention to prevent progression of the disease.
Flare-ups are often triggered by viral, fungal, or bacterial infections or recent vaccinations.
Signs of a flare-up include:
- Fatigue
- Neuropathy
- Dizziness
- Electrical shock sensation in the limbs
Ulcerative Colitis
As a common autoimmune bowel disease, ulcerative colitis occurs when inflammation spreads throughout the lining of the colon.
Those with this condition will experience active flare-ups followed by periods of remission.
Common triggers of this condition often include allergies, food sensitivities, antibiotics, bacterial infection, and environmental factors.
It’s important for those with this disease to manage it with proper diet and stress reduction.
Signs of a flare-up include:
- Frequent diarrhea
- Cramping/Abdominal Pain
- Fever
- Weight Loss
- Blood in stool
Treat Your Autoimmunity Using Natural Remedies
At LifeWorks Wellness Center, autoimmune disease is not a new condition that we deal with.
As a matter of fact, we’ve treated many patients who suffered from all types of autoimmunity using noninvasive, natural methods. Some examples of our treatment methods include intravenous therapies, ozone therapies, peptides, supplementation, and dietary changes.
Patients are required to consult with a LifeWorks practitioner to receive a treatment program that works best for them.
If you or someone that you know is experiencing an autoimmune flare-up or is suffering from other chronic illnesses, please call to schedule an appointment with one of our practitioners at 727-466-6789.
To learn more about our treatment methods, visit our website at www.lifeworkswellnesscenter.com.
