Understanding Autoimmunity

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system misfires and the body actually starts attacking itself.

By Krisha McCoy

Medically reviewed by Cynthia Haines, MD

The function of your body's immune system is to protect you against disease and infection. In a healthy person, the immune system will recognize infectious organisms like bacteria and viruses as foreign invaders and attack them. But in some people, the immune system doesn't function correctly, and it mistakenly misidentifies healthy tissues as being foreign, and attacks them as well. This can lead to a variety of conditions, known as autoimmune diseases, which can affect different areas of your body.
Facts About Autoimmune Diseases
It's estimated that 5 to 8 percent of people in the United States are living with an autoimmune disease. And researchers aren't sure why, but the prevalence of autoimmune diseases seem to be increasing.
Autoimmune diseases can affect anyone, but women of childbearing age are most likely to develop them. Women of African-American, Native American, and Hispanic descent are more likely to develop autoimmune diseases than Caucasian women. Genetics also play a big role in who gets autoimmune diseases, so if you have a family history of them, you are at increased risk.
Common Autoimmune Diseases
There are more than 80 different types of autoimmune diseases, but some of the most common ones are:

Graves' disease. Graves’ disease is a type of autoimmunity in which the thyroid gland becomes overly active. People who have Graves' disease may have trouble sleeping, irritability, unexplained weight loss, eyes that bulge, sensitivity to heat, muscle weakness, brittle hair, light menstrual periods, and hand shakiness. On the other hand, some people with Graves' disease experience no symptoms at all. A radioactive iodine pill, which destroys overactive thyroid cells, is used to treat Graves’ disease and cures the condition in about 90 percent of patients in just one dose. Ten percent of patients require a second dose, and only a small percentage of those need to have the overactive thyroid surgically removed.
Hashimoto's thyroiditis. An inflammation of the thyroid gland that results in hypothyroidism (that is, an underactive thyroid gland), Hashimoto's thyroiditis occurs when the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. Although there are sometimes no symptoms, Hashimoto's thyroiditis often results in a goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland, which may be visible as a bulge in the neck), fatigue, weight gain, depression, muscle weakness, cold sensitivity, dry hair and skin, and constipation. There is currently no treatment aimed specifically at Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, but hypothyroidism and goiter, if present, can both be treated with hormone replacement therapy to give the body the thyroid hormone that it needs.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus). In lupus, antibodies made by the immune system attack the body, resulting in swelling and damaged joints and organs, joint pain, rashes, and sun sensitivity. Lupus treatments vary depending on how severe your disease is, but can include pain relievers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), immunosuppressants, corticosteroids, and lifestyle changes — like reducing stress, avoiding sun exposure, using sunscreen, and making changes to your diet.
Type 1 diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, which is usually diagnosed in childhood or early adulthood (by age 30), the immune system attacks cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. When your insulin levels are insufficient, your body cannot control your glucose level, which can lead to a number of problems, including kidney failure, vision loss, circulation problems, stroke, and heart disease. Treatment for type 1 diabetes includes taking insulin as directed by a doctor, monitoring blood sugar, eating a healthy diet, and staying active.
Multiple sclerosis (MS). People who have MS may experience weakness, trouble with balance and coordination, problems speaking and walking, paralysis, tremors, and numbness in the extremities. There are a variety of medications that can help patients manage symptoms, treat flare-ups, modify the course of the MS, and improve function.
Rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of arthritis in which autoimmunity causes the immune system to attack tissues in the joints, leading to muscle pain, joint deformities, fatigue, weakness, appetite loss, weight loss, and sometimes confinement to bed. As with most autoimmune diseases, women are more likely than men to develop rheumatoid arthritis. However, unlike most other autoimmune diseases, the age of onset is usually between 30 and 50. Rheumatoid arthritis acts differently in different people; therefore, treatment options are custom-tailored to the patient and are designed to relieve pain, decrease inflammation, slow down or stop damage to the joints, and improve overall functioning.

If you have an autoimmune disease, you and your doctor will work out a plan to manage it. Symptoms of autoimmune diseases often come and go, and they may flare up from time to time, which means the symptoms may come on suddenly, requiring immediate medical attention.
There is currently no cure for most autoimmune diseases, but researchers are looking for new ways to treat them. Medications can help manage symptoms and, in some cases, may even help slow the progress of the disease. Additionally, lifestyle changes, such as a healthful diet, regular exercise, rest, and stress management may be incorporated into an autoimmune disease treatment plan.

5 Supplements for Glowy Skin and Gorgeous Hair

Beauty-boosting Pills

Are you frustrated with dry skin, cracked lips, or dull hair? A supplement could possibly be the answer. But while there’s no shortage of pills on the market, not all of them are created equally. Find out which nutrients have the power to give you younger-looking skin, shinier strands, and stronger nails. Just make sure to check with a doctor before adding any of these supplements to your routine.
- Biotin
  Found in foods like peanut butter and bananas, biotin is a B vitamin that supports your skin, nerves, digestive tract, and metabolism. Supplements can be used to help reduce hair loss and encourage nail growth. “Individuals with type 2 diabetes should also look into taking a biotin supplement,” says David Bank, MD, director of the Center for Dermatology in Mt. Kisco, N.Y. “Consuming biotin in combination with chromium picolinateh [a mineral found in certain foods] may help improve blood sugar levels.” The recommended daily intake of biotin is 35 micrograms a day, which you may already be getting in your diet, Bank says.
  - Fern Extract
    Fern extract has been researched for close to 20 years for its skin-saving abilities. In fact, a recent study found that it provides protection from ultraviolet rays. It can also be used to treat skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and vitiligo. “Fern extract has been shown to have a noteworthy anti-inflammatory effect on skin tissue,” Bank says. Ask your doctor for proper dosage if you’re interested in taking a supplement. “The dose is based on weight, which correlates with the amount of skin somebody has,” explains Bank.

10 Amazing Reasons to Eat Cherries

Health Envoy's Blog

Diana White

Spring is here, and that means you will soon enjoy cherries and their incredible benefits. In fact, there are many reasons why you should eat more cherries and use them in your recipes, but the major reason is because of their health benefits. I suggest you to enjoy tart cherry varieties, such as Montmorency, to reap all the health benefits of cherries. Without further ado, here are 10 amazing reasons why you should consume more cherries.

1. Boost your energy levels

Consuming cherries helps increase your energy levels naturally. The thing is, the majority of the calories in cherries come from natural sugars, which help boost your mood and increase your energy levels. So, next time you are feeling that terrible midday energy dip, eat a handful of fresh cherries and you will feel much better in no time.

2. Help sleep better

If you are prone to sleep issues, consider eating cherries regularly to improve your sleep. Cherries contain melatonin that helps provide better sleep. Next time you suffer from insomnia, don’t hurry to take a prescription medication that may have nasty side effects, try consuming some cherries every day and see if they help you sleep better.

3. Good for your eyes

Another incredible reason to eat cherries every day is because they are great for your eyes. Cherries contain plenty of vitamin A, and a part of this vitamin is beta carotene that helps promote good vision and keep your eyes healthy. Retinol is another part of vitamin A that helps keep your skin healthy. Cherries actually contain about 20 times more Vitamin A than either strawberries or blueberries, so why not eat them more often?

4. Help prevent cancer

Did you know that by consuming cherries regularly, you can fight certain types of cancers? Cherries are packed with natural, powerful antioxidants that lower your risk of cancer and help with healthy aging. This season, consider adding more cherries to your healthy diet.
Read also – 10 Important Nutrients Every Woman Needs

5. Improve digestion

Due to their high fiber content, cherries help improve your digestive system and help reduce your cholesterol levels. Sure, you don’t have to eat too many of cherries. A handful of them will be enough for you since it contains about a quarter of the fiber you need to get in a day.

6. Relieve pain and reduce swelling

Cherries are a great source of anthocyanins, which can help reduce pain and swelling from different chronic ailments, including gout and arthritis. If you suffer from arthritis pain, try consuming some cherries instead of taking pills, and see whether it works for you or not.

7. Help prevent muscle cramps

Although bananas have more potassium per serving than ripe cherries, not everybody loves bananas, and you can easily get your potassium from cherries if banana isn’t your favorite fruit. Potassium helps ease and prevent muscle cramps, so it’s always a good idea to have some cherries before or after your exercise. You can also drink cherry juice, if you like. Cherries may also help relieve menstrual pain.
Read also – 5 Fun Ways to Eat Blueberries

8. Improve your brain function

If you’re feeling a little forgetful, cherries can help to ward off memory loss no matter what your age is. Cherries are known as “brain food” since they are high in powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins, which are great for your brain. So snack on some cherries and improve your brain power.

9. Good for your heart

Foods that are good for your heart are always worth eating, and it’s never too early or too late to begin looking after your heart’s health. Consuming cherries can help reduce your risk of heart disease, and overall cherries are good for your health. Isn’t it a valid reason to eat them more?

10. Have high anti-inflammatory properties

One of the most important health benefits of eating cherries is that they have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. This is great news for runners and athletes, who may be aching after workout, as well as for arthritis sufferers. So, if you’re suffering from this pain now, try drinking diluted tart cherry juice 3 times every day.
With a great number of amazing health benefits, it’s impossible to forget about cherries. You can get all those benefits from fresh cherries, or you can opt for cherry juice or dried cherries. When you buy cherry juice, make sure it’s without any added sugars. Do you love cherries? What is your favorite way to eat them?

5 Fun Ways to Eat Blueberries

Health Envoy's Blog

Not only are blueberries very popular and very tasty, but they are also full of important nutrients. Various studies have found blueberries to be good for memory, heart health, infections, inflammation, and even certain types of cancer, so there is no reason not to include some into your diet. Luckily, blueberries are as versatile as they are tasty, and can be eaten in a variety of ways. Below are some fun ideas for how to eat more blueberries.

1. In baked goods

You can add a handful of blueberries to just about any baked goodie that you might want to make. Add some to your pancake batter, your muffin recipe, your homemade bread, and even to cookies! This is a great way to liven up any baked goodie and to make it more nutritious.

2. In a smoothie

If you are in the habit of making smoothies, then consider adding some blueberries once in a while. Blueberries taste great in either green or fruity smoothies. Frozen blueberries are also good at adding some thickness to your smoothie and for turning it into a nice, cold treat.

3. In yogurt

Blueberries taste great in yogurt, and can go a long way to adding flavor to plain, unsweetened yogurt. Don’t eat tasteless yogurt in an effort to be healthier! Add some blueberries to turn it into a yummier and even more nutritious snack. You can either choose to leave the blueberries whole or to mash them up.

4. Make blueberry syrup

Blueberry syrup is very easy to make and is great on pancakes, though it can liven up yogurt, smoothies, baked goods, and many other types of food as well. To make blueberry syrup all you need to do is combine some blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and a little bit of water in a saucepan until the sugar dissolves. You may need to adjust the amount of sugar depending on how sweet you want the syrup. Start with about ½ cup of sugar per 2 cups of blueberries. Once the syrup is done you can also stir in another cup or so of blueberries.

5. Eat them plain

Though there are many fun ways to eat them, blueberries are also great by the handful. They make for a quick, tasty, and very nutritious snack, so grab some if you’re feeling a little peckish. You can also set out a bowl for you and your family to eat throughout the day.
What are your favorite ways to eat blueberries?

10 Important Nutrients Every Woman Needs

Health Envoy's Blog

Everyone’s nutrient needs are not exactly the same. While most people benefit from the same vitamins and minerals, a woman’s needs can be a little different because her body goes through different things throughout life. Here are 10 nutrients that are important for women to get.

1. Folic acid

Folic acid is especially important for women of child-bearing age, but all women benefit from this vitamin. For women of child-bearing age it’s an important vitamin because it promotes healthy pregnancy. Lack of folic acid can result in neural tube defects that lead to cerebral palsy. In addition to taking a prenatal vitamin for folic acid, you can get folic acid from leafy green vegetables, avocado, and liver.

2. Iron

Iron is important for growth and development. Deficiency of iron can result in fatigue, insomnia, and lack of concentration. Iron stores and carries oxygen around the body. Women lose blood on a monthly basis during menstruation, which results in iron loss because iron travels through the blood. It’s important that woman make sure they get enough iron during this time to replenish what is lost. Good sources of iron include red meat, broccoli, kidney beans, and liver.

3. Calcium

Calcium is an important mineral for keeping bones and teeth healthy and strong. It’s needed throughout life and even more so as we age because around age 35 we begin to lose calcium. Calcium is also a factor in staying slim and reducing PMS symptoms. Good sources of calcium include milk, cheese, spinach, kale, almonds, and black beans.

4. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is an important vitamin that many people don’t get enough of. If you want to know if you’re getting enough, you can ask your doctor to check your levels. Most people get vitamin D from the sun, but it’s not always as easy as that. A supplement is a good idea if you avoid the sun or live in a place that doesn’t get sun for months on end. Vitamin D is beneficial for mood, breast health, and the absorption of calcium, which is important for bones and teeth.

5. Magnesium

Magnesium is involved in many of the chemical reactions that happen in the body. It is an important nutrient for nerves, muscle tone and keeps bones strong. It also helps keep osteoporosis at bay. Magnesium can help to prevent cardiovascular disease and regulate blood pressure. Sources of magnesium include pumpkin seeds, spinach, black beans, halibut, and almonds.

6. Vitamin E

Vitamin E, which is found mainly in fatty foods like oils, nuts, and seeds, is a powerful antioxidant. It fights free radicals, the unstable oxygen molecules that are formed as a result of normal metabolism and exposure to strong ultraviolet rays, air pollution, and cigarette smoke. Vitamin E is key for strong immune system and healthy eyes and skin.
A woman over age 19 needs 15 milligrams of Vitamin E each day, so make sure you snack on almonds or sunflower seeds and add them to cooked whole grains, salads, and steamed veggies. A nut butter sandwich on whole wheat or whole grain bread is also a perfect snack.

7. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

One of the good fats, omega-3 fatty acids are another essential nutrient every woman needs. Omega 3’s help reduce blood pressure, inflammation and lower your risk of numerous chronic diseases including heart disease and cancer. Every woman needs 1.1g of these good fats per day. Wild salmon, non-white tuna, halibut, herring and sardines are all excellent sources of omega 3 fatty acids.
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8. Potassium

Potassium plays a significant role in transmission of nerve impulses, normal muscle contraction, and fluid balance. It also serves to promote healthy and strong bones, and it’s essential for energy production. Many foods are rich in potassium. All meats, chicken and red meat, and fish like cod, salmon, sardines, and flounder are great sources of potassium. Some other sources include fat-free yogurt, sweet potato, spinach and broccoli. Potassium-rich foods can reduce your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. A woman over age 19 needs 4,700 mg of potassium each day.

9. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an important nutrient for maintaining a healthy immune system. It is a powerful antioxidant that can help ward off cell damage. Vitamin C is also crucial for the production of collagen, the essential part of the connective tissue that helps keep skin, muscles, and other tissues healthy. Women 19 and older need 75 mg of Vitamin C per day. Sweet red pepper, oranges, kiwi, strawberries, cantaloupe are some of the best sources of Vitamin C.

10. Fiber

Fiber helps promote normal bowel movements and prevent other intestinal problems, including diverticular disease. Women 19-50 years need 25 grams of fiber per day, and women 51 and older need 21 grams each day. Some of the best sources are fruits and vegetables, whole-grain breads and cereals, and whole grains like millet, quinoa, barley, wild rice and cracked wheat. Fiber-rich foods help reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
Vitamins and minerals are needed by everyone, but women need to be sure to get certain ones because they go through pregnancies, menstruation, and even dieting that can deplete the nutrients that are needed the most. It’s important to get vitamins and minerals from food sources whenever you can. Don’t rely on supplements alone to give you what you need. A supplement is an addition to what you’re already getting as kind of a safeguard.