by Stemedix | Dec 14, 2020 | Autoimmune
Autoimmune diseases are common and may develop at any age. Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn’s disease just a few examples of these conditions, although there are more than 80 which have been identified. Because these conditions are chronic, and thus lifelong, getting diagnosed with an Autoimmune Disease can be overwhelming. Yet, there are steps you can take to remain in control of your health.
First and foremost, it’s important to educate yourself about your condition, its risks, and available treatment options. Asking questions and exploring therapies are among the most effective things you can do to maintain your wellness after being diagnosed with an Autoimmune Disease. While partnering with specialists is an important aspect of disease management, you can also be your own advocate by performing research independently. As you do so, here are a few pointers to keep in mind.
Understand Comorbidities
Comorbidities are conditions that accompany other diseases. In autoimmune disease, an abnormal immune system response leads to an attack of healthy tissue. This attack can happen anywhere in the body, and in some diseases, more than one area will be affected. For example, in Crohn’s disease, the bowels are primarily targeted. Yet, in systemic lupus erythematosus, symptoms are experienced throughout the whole body.
The abnormal immune response in autoimmune conditions puts you more at risk for developing other conditions since the body’s immunity is already in overdrive. For example, people with Crohn’s disease are more likely to experience arthritis, liver disease, and colon cancer. By understanding the risks of potential comorbidities, you can take a proactive approach in watching for other conditions and treating them promptly should they develop.
Know Your Medication’s Side Effects
People with autoimmune diseases may only need medications briefly to encourage remission; or, they may need lifelong treatments to control symptoms. Every drug comes with potential risks and side effects, which should be considered carefully. Moreover, if you’re pregnant or trying to become pregnant, it’s especially important to go over risks with your doctor.
Many patients want to seek alternative methods to help manage or prevent oncoming symptoms. Regenerative medicine, also known as stem cell therapy, is an emerging option many have researched and considered for this purpose.
Find The Right Level of Monitoring
Some autoimmune disorders call for close monitoring. This might include reporting symptoms, going for imaging tests, and having blood work done. Following your diagnosis, speak with your specialist to determine how often you should have routine monitoring performed, and what parameters to look for to consider a treatment successful.
You might also consider having a comprehensive test done to find out what insufficiencies and deficiencies you may have that may be causing symptoms. These tests get to the root of the issue to support better overall health and a strong immune system.
Collect Information
The more informed you are about your condition, the better you’ll be able to make the decisions that are best for your needs. Use organizations such as the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (aarda.org) to gather resources and support. Additionally, consider consulting with several specialists, such as functional medicine providers, such as Stemedix, who can help you explore treatments outside of conventional drugs.
by Stemedix | Dec 7, 2020 | Autoimmune
Up to 23.5 million people in the U.S. are living with an autoimmune disease, and according to the National Institutes of Health, the prevalence of these conditions is rising. More than 80 chronic conditions make up the family of autoimmune diseases, some of which are very rare. Others, such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, are more common. Here is a guide to Autoimmune Diseases.
What Are Autoimmune Diseases?
Autoimmune diseases are characterized by an abnormal immune system response. Instead of fighting infections as they should, the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissue. This attack can happen anywhere in the body, and in some conditions, more than one area may be targeted. For instance, in type 1 diabetes, only the pancreas is affected. Yet, in systemic lupus erythematosus, symptoms are experienced throughout the whole body.
What Causes Autoimmune Disease?
Experts haven’t yet pinpointed the reason why the immune system misfires. With that being said, studies suggest factors such as gender, race, and ethnicity contribute to a person’s likelihood of developing an autoimmune condition. For instance, women are twice as likely as men to be affected.
Currently, researchers are looking into how factors such as sunlight exposure, poverty, agricultural chemicals, mercury, nutrition, and genetics could play into the development of various autoimmune diseases.
What Are the Symptoms of Autoimmune Diseases?
The immune system comprises various parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, thymus, tonsils and adenoids, appendix, bone marrow, and spleen. As such, the symptoms can be varied and far-reaching, especially when considering the dozens of different types of disorders. Although this list is by no means comprehensive, here are a few of the more common symptoms:
- Rash
- Vision changes or impairment
- Joint pain
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Numbness and tingling in the extremities
- Swelling and redness
What Are Some Common Autoimmune Diseases?
Because some of the symptoms of these disorders can mimic other conditions, patients may go years without receiving an official diagnosis. Some conditions require lifelong medication to control progression and symptoms. A few of the most common conditions include:
- Type 1 diabetes
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Lupus
- Multiple sclerosis
- Guillain-Barre syndrome
- Psoriasis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
While there are currently medications available to help patients manage these and other autoimmune conditions, many cannot be taken long-term, have serious side effects, and fail to produce desired results. Fortunately, other options are being investigated, including the use of regenerative medicine, also known as stem cell therapy for autoimmune conditions, for instance. This alternative option is at the forefront of emerging treatments for autoimmune diseases, as these regenerative cells have the ability to reduce inflammation and repair areas that have already been damaged by the immune system response. Other options to find out the root cause of symptoms can be done through a Genova Diagnostic home comprehensive test provided by Stemedix. These tests can provide an extensive review of your current insufficiencies and deficiencies that will lead to the reasons of symptoms you may be experiencing. After reading this guide to Autoimmune Diseases if you would like more information, contact a Care Coordinator today!
by admin | Sep 25, 2020 | Autoimmune, Stem Cell Therapy
Humans cannot practically live without an immune system. The immune system helps us prevent and fight off infections and detect and destroy cancer cells. For some, however, experience conditions that affect the immune system. Autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, polymyositis, atopic dermatitis, and rheumatoid arthritis can make day to day activities challenging.
Patients who do not find relief from current therapies such as immunosuppressants and biologic agents, or those who cannot tolerate the side effects, are limited to optimal options. And when the autoimmune disease is severe, the patient’s quality of life is extremely low.
Researchers recruited patients with various, difficult-to-treat autoimmune diseases to study stem cell treatment outcomes. These patients had tried many other autoimmune disease treatments, and all had failed. The stem cell treatment used in these cases was called “compassionate use” since the patients had exhausted other treatment options and their conditions were all progressed. This compassionate use indication allowed researchers to use large numbers of stem cells—higher than are normally used in stem cell therapy.
The scientists took small amounts of stem cells from adipose tissue, i.e. fat tissue. Under laboratory conditions, they “expanded” the purified stem cells. In other words, the researchers took a relatively small number of stem cells and caused them to multiply them into millions of cells. Millions of cells were needed so that the doctors could have substantial treatment doses for each patient. The patients with autoimmune diseases received multiple doses of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells intravenously. These patients were then followed clinically to observe any change in their disease.
The first thing that the researchers noted was that high doses of stem cells did show to be safe. Multiple infusions of up to 1 billion stem cells infused over less than a month did not result in adverse events.
Just as importantly, people who had failed all other autoimmune disease treatments saw benefit from mesenchymal stem cell therapy. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis or polymyositis who could not stand or walk before treatment were showing success in standing and walking post-treatment. Patients with severe atopic dermatitis had substantial improvements in symptoms. Even a person with progressive autoimmune hearing loss had their hearing restored in one ear (and partially improved in the other ear) after mesenchymal stem cell therapy.
The astonishing results will need to be corroborated in a larger number of patients, but this study did reveal that high dose stem cells were safe in people with various autoimmune diseases. Those who do suffer from debilitating autoimmune diseases and who have not found relief from other treatments may want to research and consider stem cell therapy for a possible alternative option to help manage symptoms.
Reference: Chan Ra, J., et al. (2011). Stem cell treatment for patients with autoimmune disease by systemic infusion of culture-expanded autologous adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells. J Transl Med. 2011; 9: 181.
by Stemedix | Aug 31, 2020 | Ozone Therapy, Autoimmune
People with autoimmune conditions face significant challenges. Their symptoms may range from uncomfortable to debilitating, and oftentimes, the medications used to control them are ridden with unfavorable side effects. Understandably, these patients often seek alternative treatments to address their pain without further diminishing their quality of life. One such treatment is ozone therapy.
Ozone Therapy for Autoimmune Disease
While ozone therapy is in many ways an innovative treatment, the medical field has been leveraging its capabilities for over a century. In the 1840s, ozone was first used to disinfect hospital rooms. During the first World War, it was used to help clean wounds. Ozone doesn’t require harsh chemicals to kill bacteria; its unique molecular structure (three oxygen atoms instead of two) gives it the ability to seek out and destroy pathogens. The third atom breaks off, oxidizing the phospholipids and lipoproteins of the bacteria or other harmful agent.
With these unique capabilities, ozone therapy is a powerful option for treating autoimmune conditions such as lupus and Lyme disease. When the ozone runs through a person’s circulatory system, it kickstarts the immune system by triggering the release of key hormones and proteins. In doing so, it helps to regulate the immune response, thereby alleviating symptoms without the need for harsh drugs.
Although ozone therapy isn’t a cure-all, it does present an option for those seeking an alternative treatment for their autoimmune disease to help improve their quality of life. If your symptoms haven’t subsided through traditional means or you’ve been frustrated by the side effects of medications, this treatment could offer a new alternative worth exploring. Contact a Care Coordinator today for a free assessment!
by Stemedix | Aug 17, 2020 | Autoimmune, Stem Cell Therapy
Autoimmune diseases encompass more than 80 chronic conditions, many of which are debilitating with symptoms that can affect all body organs. In these conditions, the body’s own immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. An estimated 50 million people in the U.S. have some form of autoimmune disease, making it an extremely prevalent healthcare concern. While the traditional treatment for these conditions often includes the suppression of the immune system, stem cell therapy has led to much research for an alternative option for patients.
Stem cells can be retrieved from a patient’s own adipose (fat) tissue or donated from healthy screened umbilical cord-derived tissue and have strong anti-inflammatory properties. When strategically redistributed to the patient, they can help control the inflammatory response seen in autoimmune disorders.
Which Autoimmune Diseases Can Be Treated with Stem Cells?
While the possibilities for treating autoimmune conditions with stem cell therapy span far and wide, these are just a few of the conditions that have already benefitted from the treatment:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lupus
- RSD-CRPS
- Crohn’s disease
- Multiple Sclerosis
What Are the Benefits of Stem Cell Therapy for Autoimmune Diseases?
Although conventional treatment for autoimmune conditions has improved significantly, it still often can be a challenge to help the full scope of symptoms patients face. Moreover, long-term use of certain medications can have serious side effects, including increased risk of infection and cancer risk.
Stem cells regulate the overactive parts of the immune system without compromising its ability to protect against disease. In addition to regulating the immune response, they can also promote widespread healing, making them an especially worthwhile treatment option to consider for people with autoimmune diseases. Moreover, stem cells are well-tolerated with low risk and require little to no downtime or recovery.
What Does the Stem Cell Therapy Process Entail?
The exact process by which stem cells are deployed can vary from one patient to the next. Most individuals with autoimmune diseases will receive stem cells intravenously. In certain cases, patients may also benefit from having stem cells administered at specific points in the body. For instance, people with rheumatoid arthritis may receive joint injections.
Looking Ahead
While the results of stem cell therapy for autoimmune disease will vary by each individual and condition, the stem cells offer an alternative option allowing the ability to modulate the immune system. As research evolves, experts will have an even better understanding of the precise modalities needed to promote the best possible treatment outcomes. Contact a Care Coordinator today for a free assessment!
by admin | Aug 5, 2020 | Autoimmune, Health Awareness
A healthy diet is important for supporting a high-functioning immune system. Nutrient-rich foods give your body the tools they need to fight infections and reduce the risk of chronic illness. While many fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and lean proteins are good options to consider, certain choices have more immune-boosting benefits than others. Here are some foods you can incorporate into your diet to help keep illness at bay.
Green Veggies
Broccoli has long been hailed for its health benefits, so it’s no surprise that the cruciferous veggie can also support immunity. It’s rich in immune-boosting micronutrients vitamin C and beta-carotene, but its sulfur compounds could also help to defend against free radicals.
Eggs
In addition to providing protein, eggs are micronutrient powerhouses. They contain vitamins E and D, as well as zinc and selenium, to support immune regulation. Eggs from chickens fed a vegetarian diet may be even higher in beneficial nutrients, such as omega-3s.
Yogurt
Another contender from the dairy category, yogurt has probiotics which support healthy gut flora. Research indicates the health of the gastrointestinal tract is directly tied to immunity. Eating probiotic-rich foods could therefore help to support a healthy microbiome, and thus, a strong immune system.
Chicken Soup
The idea that chicken soup could help to banish illness isn’t just an old wives’ tale. While there’s still debate as to whether or not it delivers any immune protection, it turns out the comfort food is actually rich with anti-inflammatory agents. Garlic, protein, and onions offer a blend of healthy nutrients.
Fish
Certain cold-water fish, including salmon and tuna, are also inflammation fighters. They contain omega-3s, which banish inflammatory agents, thus allowing the immune system to direct its efforts on the harmful pathogens which cause illness.
Lean Beef
While you may already know beef is a great source of protein, the meat also has other noteworthy benefits for promoting immune health. It’s got more than half of your daily recommended intake for key nutrients like selenium, zinc, and vitamin B6. Many people struggle to take in enough of these vitamins, and even minor deficiencies could compromise the immune system’s ability to some degree.
Bell Peppers
Vitamin C is a known immunity booster, which is why citrus fruits are so commonly recommended to fight off colds. Yet, bell peppers are even better sources. A medium red bell pepper has twice the amount of vitamin C as an orange, and it also comes with beta-carotene and vitamin E, which are beneficial antioxidants.
A healthy diet is no substitute for practices like immunizations and getting ample sleep, but it can certainly round out a strong defense against illness. Of course, it can be challenging to get all the key nutrients your body needs every day. If you think you might have a nutritional gap in your diet, talk to a specialist about supplements to help boost your body’s immune system.
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