Page 1 - Attack from Within Autoimmune Diseases

8/30/2015 – ISJ Healthy Living

Attack from Within: Autoimmune Diseases
Women are disproportionately affected by autoimmune diseases. We explore their mystery.

Submitted by Bingham Memorial Hospital

Autoimmune disease is recognized as a major health crisis in the United States. Today, 50
million Americans—75 percent of whom are women—suffer one or more autoimmune
conditions. This translates into approximately 20 percent of the U.S. population, or one in five
people, that have autoimmune diseases.

David J. Bilstrom, MD—the Director of the Bingham Memorial Center for Functional Medicine
and International Autoimmune Institute—addresses questions surrounding these mysterious set
of diseases.

What is an autoimmune disease?
It’s a condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissue.
Some of the more common conditions include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, Hashimoto’s
thyroiditis and type 1 diabetes, but the National Institutes of Health estimates there are more than
80 types of autoimmune diseases.

“We now understand what will trigger the development of autoimmune diseases and can run
tests to customize treatments for each individual. Genetics, vitamin deficiencies, hormone
imbalances, disturbed gut function, environmental exposures, and chronic infections are some of
the triggers,” says Dr. Bilstrom. “All of the autoimmune diseases seem to be potentially just one
disease which could be termed ‘polyautoimmunity.’ It just attacks a person’s weak spot. And
different people have different weak spots.”

“You see it in families, but it may not be the same condition. The mother may have lupus and the
child could have Crohn’s disease. You can also have more than one autoimmune disease,” says
Dr. Bilstrom. He often sees entire families to clear the disease in those people already with the
issue and to prevent it for those not yet affected.

Are they difficult to diagnose?
Yes, they can be. Diagnosis often takes years because symptoms are diverse and similar to other
less-serious conditions. Common symptoms include extreme exhaustion, joint and muscle pain,
muscle weakness, inflammation, gastrointestinal problems, sleep disturbances, memory problems
and low-grade fevers.

“You have to be proactive,” says Dr. Bilstrom. “Research your family history and share it with
your physician. Keep a log of all symptoms, even those that seem unrelated. And, most
importantly, if you feel as though there is something wrong, be sure to speak with your doctor.”

What treatments are available?
Treatments depend on each individual’s needs. This should be personalized medicine at its best,
which is exactly what Dr. Bilstrom specializes in.