Nutrition is one of the most overlooked aspects of Health. Unfortunately, traditional
western approaches to medicine have typically involved the use of man-made
medications that often carry unpleasant side effects. Those who suffer from
autoimmune diseases often end up suffering and entirely new range of symptoms that
have been brought on by medications that are prescribed to lessen their already
frustrated symptoms. What then can a person in this position do? Science has given
doctors the ability to see which minerals and vitamins can be the most beneficial in
these cases.
Vitamin D
This vitamin is relatively easy to achieve for people who live in areas that are fortunate
enough to have an abundance of sunlight, but if you live in an area that is known to be
gloomy at times, it can be very challenging. If you are a person who is living with an
autoimmune disease, this could be very problematic, because vitamin D is responsible
for the activation of T cells that help to provide major components of your immune
system. T cells are in charge of telling your immune system which cells are yours, and
which are invasive agents. Without these, you run the risk of your immune system
attacking important cells in your own body.
Selenium
Did you know that selenium has a major impact on autoimmune disease? In the last few
years, extensive research has revealed that selenium has a dramatic effect on diseases
that cause chronic inflammation. Without selenium, your thyroid wouldn’t function quite
as well. People who suffer from diseases like Hashimoto’s disease have also been
reported as having a reduced amount of antibodies that attack the thyroid or other
important cell groups.
Magnesium
Due to the extremely high content of sugar in nearly every food group, your body’s
storage of vital nutrients like magnesium in combination with constant stress create an
environment in your body that leave you depleted of this mineral. The lack of
magnesium has also been found to contribute highly to a buildup of cytokines, which are
responsible for providing an environment in your body that makes inflammation more
possible. This can become extremely serious for people who are at a high risk for heart
disease, because inflammation in circulatory tissues could cause strokes, blood clots, or
even heart attack.
Vitamin E
One of nature’s gifts, vitamin E is a highly antioxidant vitamin that helps fight free
radicals and reduces damage to your system including inflammation. Vitamin E can also
serve as a antimicrobial source.