Top Supplements to Support Autoimmune Health

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The War Inside​

Autoimmune diseases cause the body to attack itself. There's no cure, but according to science, these supplements help manage the symptoms.​

The United States has an advanced, extremely lethal defense system: the military. Managed correctly, our armed forces can repel just about any external threat. But what if the entire military system malfunctions? What if our armed forces lose the ability to differentiate between friendlies and intruders? They'd begin to attack not only themselves but also innocent civilians.

That's a simplified analogy of autoimmune disease. The immune system malfunctions and fails to differentiate between healthy cells/tissues and harmful attackers. It overreacts, and the body goes to war against itself.

There are a dozen underlying mechanisms involved. One is called self-tolerance. Basically, immune cells learn to distinguish between "self" and "non-self," or your body's own cells and foreign invaders like viruses and bacteria. In autoimmune diseases, self-tolerance breaks down. This self-attack leads to chronic inflammation and damage to organs, joints, skin, and other tissues.

There are over 80 known autoimmune diseases, and we don't know exactly what causes them. It could be a genetic predisposition triggered by environmental and lifestyle factors. Here are just a handful of the common ones:

1. Rheumatoid Arthritis
2. Lupus
3. Type 1 Diabetes
4. Hashimoto's
5. Graves'
6. Multiple Sclerosis
7. Psoriasis
8. Inflammatory Bowel Disease
9. Celiac Disease
10. Ankylosing Spondylitis
11. Sjögren's Syndrome
12. Pernicious Anemia
13. Autoimmune Hepatitis
14. Vitiligo
15. Myasthenia Gravis
16. Fibromyalgia

Currently, there's no cure for autoimmune diseases; they can only be managed with drugs, lifestyle changes, and therapies. In the future, gene therapy and stem cell transplants may offer hope.

Supplements are often overlooked in autoimmune disease management, but they too may provide relief and encourage remission by reducing inflammation, supporting immune system regulation, and improving overall well-being.


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Supplements That Help​

1. Vitamin D​

Many people with autoimmune diseases, like multiple sclerosis or lupus, have low vitamin D levels. Vitamin D plays a critical role in modulating the immune system. Researchers recommend 1000 to 5000 IU per day. Microencapsulated, high-absorption vitamin D is the best choice.

2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil)​

Omega-3s are powerful inflammation fighters and help reduce symptoms in autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Doctors recommend 3 grams of DHA and EPA combined, but progressive researchers think more is needed since inflammation is already out of control with autoimmune disease sufferers.

3. Curcumin​

Curcumin is also a potent anti-inflammatory, plus an antioxidant. Studies show it reduces joint pain and inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions.

Experts recommend high dosages, but most studies still use the previous generation (with added piperine). The micellar form of curcumin produces 95 times more free curcumin in the bloodstream than standard curcumin with piperine, so 400 mg may be enough to help manage symptoms.

4. Zinc, Selenium, and Magnesium​

Zinc is vital for proper immune function and helps modulate the immune response, which may be beneficial in conditions like autoimmune thyroid disease. Selenium helps in autoimmune thyroid diseases like Hashimoto's, and magnesium helps regulate immune function and reduce inflammation. (People with fibromyalgia often have magnesium deficiencies.)

5. Beta Glucan​

Beta glucan fiber is an immune system modulator. Instead of overstimulating the immune system, beta glucan helps "balance" immune activity by downregulating an overactive immune response while still supporting proper immune defense. Beta glucan also promotes a healthy gut microbiome by acting as a prebiotic. Many autoimmune diseases are associated with gut dysbiosis (an imbalance in gut bacteria).

The algal form of beta glucan is best (avoid the yeast or oat-derived form).

Remember, neither drugs nor supplements cure autoimmune diseases, but they can help manage the symptoms until a cure comes along.