Autoimmune Disease Treatments NY - Dr. Robert Lichtenstein DC, CNS

The immune system is designed to protect your body from foreign invaders, which can be anything from germs and bacteria to fungi and toxins. These are called pathogens. You'll only notice your immune system when it begins to stop working. In these instances, your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy parts of your body, causing short and long-term damage.

Autoimmune diseases affect more than 24 million Americans, and millions more have an increased risk of developing one of the related illnesses. Medical experts have detected more than 80 diseases in this category, ranging in severity from moderately inconvenient to life-threatening.

The problems can affect any part of the body and can begin at any stage of life. The most recent studies reveal that exposure to environmental toxins, genetics, age, and gender all play a role. However, cases continue to increase, and health professionals are uncertain why people seem more at risk.

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Why Does the Immune System Attack Healthy Parts of the Body?

There is some indication that genetics and ethnic groups may have something to do with initiating an autoimmune disease but there is not an exact known reason. There is also evidence of a poor diet contributing to immune attacks.

Diets consisting of high fat, high-sugar, and processed foods are known to cause inflammation in the body. Inflammation is known to trigger immune responses. As a Board-Certified Nutritional Specialist, Dr. Lichtenstein can help you evaluate the causes of your exact symptoms and help you develop a natural healing solution. 

Asthma

Asthma is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in the airways. As a result, people with asthma may experience chest tightness, lightheadedness, and wheezing. The disease can be exercise-induced, related to chemical exposure, or caused by allergies. People can have asthma during childhood only, develop it as adults, or have the condition throughout life.

Celiac Disease 

A sensitivity to gluten causes the symptoms of celiac disease. Some people with celiac disease will not have symptoms, and others will suffer extreme digestive complications. Symptoms appear more often in children with the disease.

If left unmanaged, celiac disease can cause permanent damage to the small intestine. People with the condition may suffer from malnutrition due to an inability of the damaged digestive system to absorb nutrients and because the discomfort can discourage people from eating properly.

Colitis

Colitis often develops because of IBD. The condition causes the interior lining of the colon to become inflamed. As a result, people with colitis will experience severe abdominal pain and can have a fever, irregular bowel movements, loss of appetite, and more. Many types of colitis exist, and all conditions can cause serious health risks if left untreated.

Crohn's Disease

A form of IBD, Crohn's disease can occur anywhere along the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and the location determines the specific type of disease people have. The condition causes inflammation in the intestine and can thicken the entire bowel wall. Patients can have numerous symptoms, but all typically experience weight loss and severe abdominal pain.

Diabetes

Doctors know that Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, but there are differing views on if Type 2 diabetes is also in the same category. Type 1 diabetes prevents people from processing enough insulin to turn the sugar from food into energy. As a result, the sugar remains in the bloodstream and, as it rises, can cause damage throughout the body.

Gluten Intolerance 

Gluten intolerance can mean Celiac disease, or it can be a wheat allergy or other non-celiac-related gluten intolerance. The various conditions can cause similar symptoms, but each has unique concerns. For example, people with a wheat allergy can experience anaphylactic shock when consuming wheat. On the other hand, brain fog rather than digestive complaints are the most common symptom in those with non-celiac gluten intolerance.

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis 

This autoimmune disease is a chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland. People with Hashimoto's often feel muscle aches and fatigue and experience constipation. Unexplained weight gain, changes in the menstrual cycle, and depression can also occur. In addition, some people may develop a goiter, a visible thyroid swelling.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

IBD is not one condition but several inflammatory disorders of the digestive system. IBD can cause permanent damage to the gastrointestinal tract and increase the risk of colon cancer. Crohn's disease and Ulcerative Colitis are the most diagnosed forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Interstitial Cystitis 

Pain and pressure in the bladder not caused by a urinary tract infection could begin because of interstitial cystitis. Pain, inflammation, and the constant urge to urinate can make the condition impossible to ignore. Unfortunately, no diagnostic tests for IC exist, so the medical community cannot accurately track the commonness of the disease. Experts estimate at least 12 million Americans have the condition.

Lichen Planus 

Lichen planus is a non-contagious rash that can affect many areas of the body. People with the condition may develop a rash in their mouth or on their sexual organs, arms, legs, and more. Lichen Planus can also become a more severe form of the disease that is difficult to treat and can increase the risk of certain cancers.

Lupus

Patients with lupus experience the illness differently, making diagnosis and treatment difficult. The autoimmune disease can affect any part of the body and causes an extensive list of symptoms. For example, many patients will experience chronic fatigue and have a butterfly-shaped rash on the face.

Multiple Sclerosis 

Multiple sclerosis is a severe autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack the central nervous system. As a result, people with MS can experience extended periods of regression of their symptoms and then suddenly worsen without explanation. Symptoms can include mood and memory issues, pain, paralysis, and blindness, among many other health concerns.

Psoriasis 

Easily distinguished by its appearance, psoriasis is an uncomfortable skin condition that can cause other health problems. The thick red skin and silvery scales that make psoriasis easy to diagnose can occur anywhere on the body and include small, quarter-sized sores to widespread irritation. Even areas like the mouth and toenails can become affected. In addition, patients with psoriasis often have other health conditions like heart disease or depression, and up to 20 percent of patients will also experience psoriatic arthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) typically begins slowly with small joints in the hands or feet feeling stiff each morning. RA can progressively grow worse if treatment does not occur. The stiffness, pain, and swelling can spread to the joints throughout the body. Health issues, like problems with the cardiovascular system, can occur. RA most often affects women and typically begins in middle age.

Contact Dr. Robert Lichtenstein for A Free Immune Deficiency Evaluation

Diagnosis and treatment for autoimmune diseases can reduce the risk of severe complications and improve the quality of life. Dr. Robert Lichtenstein is a Board-Certified Nutritional Specialist (CNS) and Chiropractor who offers a unique approach that can enable patients to take control of their recovery and improve their health.

Dr. Lichtenstein uses nutritional changes, diet modifications, and supplementation. A two-time stage-4 cancer survivor, the methods worked for him. So, take control of your health today and schedule a free phone or video telehealth consultation.