When the body attacks itself
Autoimmunity: the body’s internal coup.
It's arguably the most perplexing health challenge facing modern humanity. For centuries, our species thrived, in part, thanks to an immune system inherently designed to protect us from harm. We're meant to evolve, adapt, and continually improve. If Darwin's theories hold true, we should be developing stronger defenses, never even needing a term like 'autoimmune.'
Yet, the ideal often clashes with reality. This very protective system, our body's tireless guardian, has, for many, turned against itself. Imagine a loyal sibling suddenly betraying you, a trusted banker stealing your savings, or a healthcare provider exploiting your vulnerabilities for personal gain. This is the essence of autoimmunity – our internal defense mechanism becoming our most formidable foe.
The science behind autoimmunity is undeniably complex. The immune system itself demands a lifetime of study, let alone when it misfires. The intricate dance of genetics further complicates matters, with our inherited genes having the capacity to be switched "on" or "off" through processes like acetylation and methylation – which are sophisticated biochemical mechanisms. Given this complexity, it's clear that the brief consultation time typically allotted by doctors barely scratches the surface of what might be the most significant health issue in a patient's life.
But what if, contrary to prevailing beliefs, we could actually influence our immune system to our advantage? What if immune markers, often considered one-time assessments, could be used to continuously monitor our progress in the "autoimmune sea"? What if targeted lifestyle adjustments and addressing nutritional deficiencies could halt or even reverse autoimmune progression? And what about those inspiring accounts of individuals achieving years of remission from otherwise "incurable" autoimmune diseases, with both symptoms and biochemical markers vanishing?
Consider a nation embroiled in an internal conflict. The citizens are restless, the military fractured, the police force in disarray – something fundamental is amiss. A wise leader would recognise the early warning signs and act swiftly to restore order before the situation spirals out of control. This analogy perfectly captures the predicament of someone battling an autoimmune disease. It compels us to ask crucial questions:
Does the body have all the resources it needs to flourish?
Is any part of the body being deprived of essential support?
Are we sending clear, constructive signals to our body, or are we inadvertently creating confusion?
Have we ignored the subtle cries for help, dismissing symptoms as insignificant?
Are we so entrenched in our beliefs that we deny our body's internal struggle and underperformance?
Could we be fighting external battles we're not winning, leading the body to rebel internally?
These questions demand answers rooted in strict biochemical and physiological understanding before any effective path to remediation can be forged. The solutions will be highly individualised, dependent on each person's unique history and specific illness, and may not be universally replicable. This is the deeply personal journey of understanding your own body. As you begin to truly comprehend its intricate workings, you will start to see results. In time, you may very well reclaim control over your immune system.
If you are one of my patients reading this and have recovered from an autoimmune disease that other doctors diagnosed you with for life, I commend you for your effort, persistence and faith in walking the tortuous journey of rediscovering your health.