Scleroderma may seem like a far out topic but it is a good example of an autoimmune condition and many of the principles related to it apply to other autoimmune disorders. Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease of the connective tissue. It is characterized by thickening and hardening of the skin and internal organs if they are involved in the disease. The disease can be confined to the skin or can involved other tissues. It is often accompanies by Raynaud's phenomenon.
Environmental Exposures
One factor involved in the condition is toxic exposures. The disease can be induced by exposure to organic solvents, plastics, drugs, silicone, and other pollutants. These may attache to collagen and trigger the immune system to attack the tissues themselves rather than the pollutants. Plastics and solvents are everywhere in the environment. Avoidance of problem exposures can slow the progress or reverse the course of the disease. Detoxification can therefore be helpful.
Digestion
Another contributor to this autoimmune condition can be digestive issues. Those with scleroderma can develop slow transit time and reduced motility of the digestive tract. This can alter the microbiome-- the bacteria living in the digestive tract. Some of these alterations can contribute to autoimmunity. Trials of digestive aids and probiotics are often helpful at addressing digestive issues.
Nutrient Deficiencies
One of the hallmarks of many autoimmune conditions is deficiency of vitamin D. This vitamin plays a role in the development of the immune system. Deficiencies contribute to the development of autoimmune conditions. Half of those with scleroderma in one study were quite deficient in vitamin D. Another common deficiency in scleroderma is inadequate zinc. Loss of taste, a characteristic of zinc deficiency, often takes place during treatment for scleroderma. Scleroderma is a condition in which the tissues become rigid and unresponsive. This is called fibrotic. Several nutrients tend to help prevent fibrotic conditions including vitamin D, vitamin E, and PABA, a B vitamin. All of these have been used to try to treat scleroderma, often with good results. The active polyphenol in tea, EGCG, also appears to have an anti-fibrotic effect. Oxidative damage is increased in those with scleroderma. Vitamin E helps address oxidative damage along with its ability to prevent hardening of the tissues. Oxidative damage leads to inflammation which moves the disease process along. Unresolved inflammation leads to fibrotic conditions. Resolution of inflammation is regulated by resolvins which are manufactured from omega-3 fatty acids.
References: Vitamin D deficiency associated with hypertension and skin involvement. The role of resolvins in systemic sclerosis. Polyphenols and fibrosis. Natural remedies for scleroderma.
ASIA
ASIS stands for Autoimmune Syndrome Induced by Adjuvants. It is also known as Shoenfeld's syndrome. Adjuvants in vaccines are used to enhance the immune response to a vaccine. These adjuvants can trigger autoimmune conditions. Common adjuvants in many vaccines include mercury, aluminum. and other substances.
Article on ASIA.
The Bottom Line
There are over 80 different types of autoimmune conditions. The nature of the problem is simple. The body's immune system attacks its own tissues. There are doubtless many factors that can trigger this process yet at its root is oxidative damage and inflammation. It is estimated that about one in ten people in the United States have an autoimmune condition. These conditions can be triggered by exposure to toxic compounds in the environment or those introduced into our bodies through diet (aluminum), surgery (silicone breast impants or mercury in the teeth), or vaccines and the adjuvants they contain. Autoimmunity can often be treated, but best results will be achieved by improving health to decrease the abnormal functioning of the body.
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