Autoimmunity is the reaction of cells (lymphocytes) or antibodies�of the immune system along with the body�s own tissues leading to certain pathology. Autoimmunity can produce various conditions, which depend upon the target of the attack.�While intrinsic factors, which include age, sex, and genetics contribute to autoimmunity, it is believed that extrinsic factors such as drugs, chemicals, microbes, and/or the environment can trigger the initiation of autoimmune responses.
Autoimmune Disease & Environmental Toxicants
Educational Objectives
Review air pollution, cigarette smoking, and citrullination as models for the genesis of autoimmune disease
Explore the role of general cell stressors in autoimmune disease
Discuss the impact of lung and gut barrier disruption by environmental toxins and food additives in autoimmune disease
Utilize the Functional Medicine ATM model to illustrate the various mechanisms by which toxicants could contribute to the pathophysiology of autoimmune disease.
�Mild forms of the autoimmune response probably occur naturally in most people. But, for people with a predisposition to autoimmunity, environmental factors, such as toxic chemicals, drugs, bacteria or viruses, may trigger a full?fledged response.�
�NOVEL CRYSTAL BALL: One day Y?shaped molecules called autoantibodies in a patient�s blood may tell doctors whether a patient is �brewing� certain diseases and may even indicate roughly how soon the individual will begin to feel symptoms.�
Autoimmune Disease: �Delayed Gratification�
Scientific American, March, 2007
Many autoimmune diseases do not develop spontaneously, but instead evolve through an extended germination period before they become clinically evident…
Well over 10 million people test positive for ANA, years before they have any symptoms.
This implies the presence of additional environmental factors that dampen or amplify the process over time.
Arbuckle MR, et al, N Engl J Med. 2003 Oct 16;349(16):1526?33.
Elevated Levels Of Antibodies Against Xenobiotics In A Subgroup Of Healthy Subjects
Vojdani, A, Kharrazian, D, Mukherjee, PS
Some environmental chemicals, acting as haptens, can bind to a high? molecular?weight carrier protein such as human serum albumin (HSA), causing the immune system to misidentify self?tissue as an invader and launch an immune response against it, leading to autoimmunity
The levels of specific antibodies against 12 different chemicals bound to HSA were measured by ELISA in serum from 400 blood donors.
10% (IgG) and 17% (IgM) of tested individuals showed significant antibody elevation against aflatoxin?HSA adduct.
The percentage of elevation against the other 11 chemicals ranged from 8% to 22% (IgG) and 13% to 18% (IgM).
Detection of antibodies against various protein adducts may indicate chronic exposure to these chemical haptens in about 20% of the tested individuals
J Appl Toxicol. 2015 Apr; 35(4): 383�397.
Could Environmental Toxins Be A Key Missing Link That Pushes The Immune System Over The Brink To Permanently Lose Control Of Its Tolerance To Self?Antigens?
(A Corollary Question: Does The Persistent Presence Of Autoantibodies Or Autoreactive T Cells Imply An Inevitable Progression To Full?Blown Autoimmune Disease?)
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Swan neck deformity from chronic synovitis
Anti?Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibody
Current method is 96% specific for RA
Elevated titers detected >10 years before onset of clinical disease
Sensitivity (likelihood of positive test) increases from 50% at Dx to >75% over course of disease
Likely involved in pathogenesis
Citrullinated Ags are highly expressed in inflamed joints
Citrulline is formed by posttranslational modification of arginine residues by peptidyl arginine deiminases (PADs)
PADs are upregulated by inflammation, injury, and toxicants
Inflammation and injury thus increases citrullination of multiple synovial proteins
Multiple HLA?DR variants (shared epitope) associated with RA preferentially display citrullinated Ags on MHCII � activating citrulline?specific autoreactive T cells
Smoking increases risk of +anti?CCP when coupled with HLR?DR shared epitope
Floris van Gaalen et al. J Immunol 2005;175:5575-5580
Autoimmunity To Specific Citrullinated Proteins Gives The First Clues To The Etiology Of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Four citrullinated whole protein antigens, fibrinogen, vimentin, collagen type II, and alpha?enolase, are now well established, with others awaiting further characterization All four proteins are expressed in the joint, and there is evidence that antibodies to citrullinated fibrinogen and collagen type II mediate inflammation by the formation of immune complexes Antibodies to citrullinated proteins are associated with HLA ‘shared epitope’ alleles
Porphyromonas gingivalis, pathogenic bacteria that is a major cause of periodontal disease, expresses endogenous citrullinated proteins
Thus, both smoking and Porphyromonas gingivalis are attractive etiological agents for further investigation into the gene/environment/autoimmunity triad of RA.
Wegner N, Lundberg K, Kinloch A, et al, Immunol Rev. 2010 Jan;233(1):34?54
�More than 20,000 physicians, after Luckies had been furnished them for tests, basing their opinions on their smoking experience, stated that Luckies are less irritating than other cigarettes.�
Mad Men?
Holy Smokes!!
Cigarette Smoking Has Been Strongly Linked To Numerous Autoimmune Diseases
Cigarette Smoking & Autoimmune Disease: What Can We Learn From Epidemiology?
Rheumatoid arthritis and cigarette smoking:
Risk is highest in men: OR up to 4.4 X
Smoking increases risk of seropositive RA 2.4X in women
Smoking intensity and duration both greatly increase risk
Smoking increases severity of symptoms
Increased risk remains for 20 yrs after cessation
�Cigarette smoking is the most conclusively established environmental risk factor for RA�
Smoking & Air Pollution As Pro?Inflammatory Triggers For The Development Of Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Smoking initiates chronic inflammatory events in the lungs.
These, in turn, promote the release of the enzymes, peptidylarginine deiminases 2 and 4 from smoke?activated, resident and infiltrating pulmonary phagocytes.
Peptidylarginine deiminases mediate conversion of various endogenous proteins to putative citrullinated autoantigens.
In genetically susceptible individuals, these autoantigens trigger the production of autoantibodies to anti?citrullinated peptide, an event which precedes the development of RA.
Anderson R, Meyer PW, Ally MM, Tikly M, Nicotine Tob Res. 2016 Jul;18(7):1556?65
Floris van Gaalen et al. J Immunol 2005;175:5575-5580
Cigarette Smoking & Autoimmune Disease: What Can We Learn From Epidemiology?
Systemic lupus erythematosis
Highest risk in current smokers
Current smokers have higher levels of anti?dsDNA Ab
Multiple sclerosis
Increased risk of MS in both current & past smokers
Risk increases with intensity of smoking (more cigarettes per day)
Increased severity of MS in current smokers
Cirtrullination of myelin?basic protein ?? antigenic
Graves� hyperthyroidism
Smoking is esp. strong risk factor for opthalmopathy
Industrial Air Emissions & Proximity To Major Industrial Emitters, Are Associated With Anti?Citrullinated Protein Antibodies.
Randomly sampled 1586 subjects out of 20,000 population from Quebec, Canada
After adjusting for age, sex, smoking, and ethnicity, found
Positive association between anti?CCPA and annual industrial PM 2.5 and sulfur dioxide emissions (i.e. living closer to emitters increases anti?CCPA)
Negative association between anti?CCPA and to a major industrial emitter of both PM 2.5 and SO2 (living further away from emitters decreases anti?CCPA)
�These analyses suggest that exposure to industrial emissions of air pollutants is related to ACCPA positivity.�
Bernatsky S, Smargiassi A, Joseph L, et al, Environ Res. 2017 Aug;157:60?63
Air Pollution As A Determinant of Rheumatoid Arthritis
The induction by air pollution of an inflammatory environment with high citrullination levels in the lung may induce iBALT formation, thereby causing a transition toward a more specific immune response via the production of anti?citrullinated peptide antibodies.
Air pollution not only triggers innate immune responses at the molecular level, increasing the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species, but is also involved in adaptive immune responses.
Thus, via the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), diesel exhaust particles can trigger a T?cell switch to the Th17 profile.
Sigaux J, et al Joint Bone Spine. 2018 Mar 7. pii: S1297?319X(18)30043?5
The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Links TH17?Cell? Mediated Autoimmunity To Environmental Toxins
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand?dependent transcription factor that mediates a range of critical cellular events in response to halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons and non?halogenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as dioxin (TCDD)
In a murine model of multiple sclerosis, which is mediated by Th17 cells, activation of cells using the AhR exacerbated disease, whereas mice deficient in the AhR had attenuated autoimmune disease.
This paper thus links activation of Th17 cells with environmental toxins, suggesting a plausible hypothesis for the increase in such diseases with industrialization.
Veldhoen, M., Hirota, K., Westendorf, A.M, et al Nature. 2008 May 1;453(7191):106?9
J Inflamm (Lond). 2015; 12: 48.
Does Rheumatoid Arthritis (& Other Autoimmune Diseases) Start In The Gut, Or In The Lungs?
Gomez?Mejiba SE, Zhai Z, Akram H, et al. Inhalation of Environmental Stressors & Chronic Inflammation: Autoimmunity and Neurodegeneration.
Mutation research. 2009;674(1?2):62?72.
Citrullination & Autoimmunity
Environmental exposure to cigarette smoke and nanomaterials of air pollution may be able to induce citrullination in lung cells prior to any detectable onset of inflammatory responses, suggesting that protein citrullination could be considered as a sign of early cellular damage
Citrullination has been reported to be a process present in a wide range of inflammatory tissues. Indeed, citrullinated proteins have been detected also in other inflammatory arthritides and in inflammatory conditions other than arthritides (multiple sclerosis, polymyositis, inflammatory bowel disease and chronic tonsillitis)
Histone hypercitrullination can activate neutrophil extracellular traps (NETS)� high inflammatory
These data support the hypothesis that rather than being a disease?dependent process, citrullination is an inflammatory?dependent condition that plays a central role in autoimmune diseases.
Valesini G, Shoenfeld Y, et al Autoimmun Rev. 2015 Jun;14(6):490?7 Wang S,
Wang Y.Biochim Biophys Acta. 2013 Oct;1829(10):1126?35
Air Pollution In Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases: A Review
Environmental factors contribute to the onset of autoimmune diseases, especially smoking and occupational exposure to silica dust in rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus
Scleroderma may be triggered by the inhalation of chemical solvents, herbicides and silica dust.
Primary vasculitis associated with anti?neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) may be triggered by silica exposure
Air pollution is one of the environmental factors involved in systemic inflammation and autoimmunity
Farhat SC, et al, Autoimmun Rev. 2011 Nov;11(1):14?21
Silica, Silicosis & Autoimmunity
Exposure to respirable crystalline silica (<10 ?m in size) occurs most often in occupational settings � the �dusty� trades
Epidemiological studies link occupational exposure to crystalline silica dust with systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis
Findings from human and animal model studies are consistent with an autoimmune pathogenesis that begins with activation of the innate immune system leading to proinflammatory cytokine production (NLRP3 inflammasome), pulmonary inflammation leading to activation of adaptive immunity, breaking of tolerance, and autoantibodies and tissue damage
Pollard KM, Front Immunol. 2016; 7: 97.
Asbestos = Magnesium Silicate
Assessment Of Autoimmune Responses Associated With Asbestos Exposure In Libby, Montana, USA
The population in Libby, Montana, provides a unique opportunity for study because of both occupational and environmental exposures that have occurred as a result of the mining of asbestos?contaminated vermiculite near the community
Libby serum samples showed significantly higher frequency of positive ANA and ENA tests, increased mean fluorescence intensity and titers of the ANAs, and higher serum IgA, compared with Missoula serum samples
The results support the hypothesis that asbestos exposure is associated with autoimmune responses and suggests that a relationship exists between those responses and asbestos?related disease processes.
Pfau JC, et al Environ Health Perspect, 2005, Vol 113: 25-30
Air Pollution, Oxidative Stress & Exacerbation Of Autoimmune Diseases
Particulate matter present in air pollution can induce oxidative stress and cell death, both by apoptosis and necrosis of human cells leading to aggravation of chronic inflammation, i.e. the tissue damaging reaction observed in autoimmune diseases.
Therefore, identification of strong inducers of oxidative stress among components of PM seems to be crucial for their neutralization and elimination from the ambient environment.
It seems likely that PM 2.5 may exacerbate the onset of the SLE because they were attributed to a significant increase of the level of anti?dsDNA antibodies, and the presence of the renal casts in SLE patients
Exposure to ozone, sulphates, and other pollutants present in the air has been associated with type 1 diabetes in children
MS occurrence and hospitalization was associated with exposure to air pollutants such as PM10, SO2, NO2, and NOx
In addition to tobacco smoke and silica, pollution emissions from road traffic may be an environmental factor responsible for exacerbation of RA
Gawda, A, et al, Central European Journal of Immunology 2017; 42(3)
What Do Environmental Pollutants, Toxins, Infections & Unhealthy Diets Have In Common?
Increase inflammation and additional free radical production,
Which damages tissues (bystander effect), disrupts barriers, and/or modifies DNA…
Creating �foreign?like� tissues that break immune tolerance (eg anti?nuclear antibodies)
Cell Stressors
Macario, A. J.L. et al. N Engl J Med 2005;353:1489-1501
Damage Associated Molecular Patterns
Molecular structures that activate immunologic receptors
Released with cellular injury and/or necrosis after exposure to cellular stressors
DNA fragments
Mitochondria
Misfolded proteins
Advanced glycation end products have similar biological effects
Initiate and perpetuate inflammatory response (esp NLRP3 inflammasome)
Ojcius D, Sai?d?Sadier N. Alarmins, inflammasomes and immunity. Biomedical Journal. 2012;35(6):437.
Vakrakou AG, Boiu S, Ziakas PD, et al, Systemic activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in patients with severe primary Sjo?gren’s syndrome fueled by inflammagenic DNA accumulations.
J Autoimmun. 2018 Mar 15. pii: S0896?8411(17)30789?8.
Environmental Xenobiotic Exposure & Autoimmunity
We argue that localized tissue damage and chronic inflammation elicited by xenobiotic exposure leads to the release of self?antigens and damage?associated molecular patterns …
As well as the appearance of ectopic lymphoid structures and secondary lymphoid hypertrophy,
Which provide a milieu for the production of auto-reactive B and T cells that contribute to the development and persistence of autoimmunity in predisposed individuals.
Pollard KM, Christy JM, Cauvi DM, Kono DH, Current Opinion in Toxicology, Volume 10, August 2018, Pages 15?22
The Functional Medicine Paradigm (Slightly Modified)
Immune disruption = increased susceptibility to triggers
Overload in hepatic detoxification pathways
Effect on triggers:
Synergistic action (immunotoxicant)
Adjuvant: chemical modification of self?antigen to make it appear foreign or immunogenic (neoantigens)
Enhanced apoptosis: danger/damage signals (DAMPs)
Effect on mediators:
Amplified inflammatory pathways
Increased oxidative stress
Disruption of pro?resolution counter?regulatory mechanisms
Functional Toxicology
Changes In Intestinal Tight Junction Permeability Associated With Industrial Food Additives Explain The Rising Incidence Of Autoimmune Disease
The incidence of autoimmune diseases and food additive consumption are both increasing in parallel
Dysfunction of intestinal tight junctions is common in multiple autoimmune diseases
Commonly used industrial food additives including glucose, salt, solvents, emulsifiers, gluten, microbial transglutaminase, and nanoparticles increase intestinal tight junction leakage.
Intestinal entry of foreign antigen activates the autoimmune cascade
Lerner A, Matthias T. Autoimmunity Reviews 14 (2015) 479�489
Autoimmunity Reviews 14 (2015) 479�489
Autoimmune Disease: �Two?Hit� Signal Theory
Barrier disruption allows immune system to be repeatedly exposed to a combination of an autoantigen & an �adjuvant� [Adjuvants can be toxicants, microbes, foods]
This triggers a genetically predisposed immune system to react to the autoantigen as a non?self �stranger�
�Danger� signals released at the site of clearance of dead cells amplify the process; shaping the features & severity of the resulting autoimmune disease
Persistent �Stranger + Danger� = loss of tolerance
Based on this model, strategies aimed at preventing the accumulation of dying cells lowering the adjuvant (toxic) load may be beneficial for the prevention & treatment of autoimmune disease
Anaya JM, Ramirez?Santana C, Alzate MA, Molano?Gonzalez N, Rojas?Villarraga A, The Autoimmune Ecology., Front Immunol. 2016 Apr 26;7:139
Oxidatively Modified Autoantigens In Autoimmune Diseases
Oxidative modification of proteins has been shown to elicit antibodies in a variety of diseases, including SLE, diabetes mellitus & RA.
Oxidatively modified DNA & LDL occur in SLE, a disease in which premature atherosclerosis is a serious problem. AGE pentosidine & AGE?modified IgG have been shown to correlate with RA disease activity.
In the face of overwhelming evidence for the involvement of oxidative damage in autoimmunity, the administration of antioxidants is a viable untried alternative for preventing or ameliorating autoimmune disease…�
Kurien BT, Hensley K, Bachmann M, Scofield RH., Free Rad Biol & Med, 2006, Vol 41: 549-556
Oxidative Stress In The Pathology & Treatment Of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.
Oxidative stress is increased in SLE, and it contributes to immune system dysregulation, abnormal activation and processing of cell? death signals, autoantibody production and fatal comorbidities.
Oxidative modification of self antigens triggers autoimmunity, and the degree of such modification of serum proteins shows striking correlation with disease activity and organ damage in SLE.
Reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) mostly originate from mitochondria, and T cells from patients with SLE exhibit mitochondrial dysfunction
In T cells from patients with SLE and animal models of the disease, glutathione, the main intracellular antioxidant, is depleted and serine/threonine?protein kinase mTOR undergoes redox?dependent activation.
In turn, reversal of glutathione depletion by application of its amino acid precursor, N?acetylcysteine, improves disease activity in lupus? prone mice; pilot studies in patients with SLE have yielded positive results that warrant further research.
Antioxidant therapy might also be useful in ameliorating damage caused by other treatments.
Oxidative stress (OS) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of a variety of autoimmune diseases (ADs) and many environmental agents participate in this process.
Environmental agents, including trichloroethylene (TCE), silica, pristane (TMPD in mineral oil), mercury, and smoke, are known to induce an autoimmune response, potentially through OS?mediated mechanisms.
Antioxidants can attenuate SLE disease activity by down regulating NLRP3 inflammasome activation and activating Nrf2 signaling.
Khan MF, Wang G. Curr Opin Toxicol. 2018 Feb;7:22?27.
Metals & Minerals Associated With Autoimmune Diseases
Heavy metals
Mercury
Cadmium
Lead
Gold
Minerals & Metalloids
Silica (crystalline silicon dioxide)
Asbestos (chrysotile = magnesium silicate)
Arsenic
Lithium
Iodine
Bigazzi PE., Metals and kidney autoimmunity. Environ Health Perspect. 1999 Oct;107 Suppl 5:753?65
Biologic Markers in Immunotoxicology National Research Council (US) Subcommittee on Immunotoxicology. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 1992.
Garza, A, Drug?Induced Autoimmune Diseases. Pharmacy Times 1?20?16
http://www.pharmacytimes.com/publications/issue/2016/january2016/drug?induced?autoimmune?diseases
�Lupus Erythematosus & Other Autoimmune Diseases Related To Statin Therapy: A Systematic Review�
28 published cases of statin?induced autoimmune disease:
10 cases SLE (2 with autoimmune hepatitis)
3 cases subacute cutaneous SLE
14 cases dermatomyositis & polymyositis
Most cases needed systemic immunosuppression
In many patients, antinuclear antibodies were still positive many months after clinical recovery
Anaya JM, et al, The Autoimmune Ecology., Front Immunol. 2016 Apr 26;7:139
Messages To Take Home
Autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases are steadily increasing in our society
The rise in exposure to environmental pollutants and other toxins is increasing the total body burden of xenobiotics
A central theme in the development of autoimmune diseases is the loss of immune tolerance
Immune tolerance can be broken by disruption of barriers (skin, lung, gut, brain) and/or immune dysregulation
Numerous xenobiotics have been shown to disrupt healthy barriers and dysregulate immune responses
Xenobiotics may play a central role in the initiation and perpetuation of autoimmune disease
Explosion Of Autoimmune Diseases: The Mosaic Of Old & Novel Factors
Modern life and exposures to novel chemical and xenobiotic compounds may lead to the development of new complexes of symptoms that do not necessarily belong to one of the well?known autoimmune diseases
As physicians and scientists, we must continue to study novel pathogenic mechanisms and susceptible alleles to help us identify new therapeutic venues.
Agmon?Levin N, Lian Z, Shoenfeld Y. Cell Mol Immunol. 2011 May; 8(3): 189�192.
IFM Annual International Conference Hollywood, Florida May, 2018
Robert Rountree, MD
Robert Rountree, MD is a speaker, consultant, and advisory board member for Thorne and Balchem. He is also a clinical trial board member for Thorne Research.
Everyone has stiff, sore muscles now and then. From overdoing it at the gym to sleeping in an awkward position, there are many reasons you might feel some muscular aches and pains. Some medical conditions or illnesses can also cause soreness. Several studies have found a remarkable, effective, inexpensive cure that is natural and safe � magnesium.
Pain � It�s All In Your Head
Well, it�s in your brain, anyway. A chemical in the brain, NMDA, is responsible for pain. When this brain chemical is overly stimulated, the body experiences pain. The way the brain processes pain in an individual determines how that person will experience it and manage it.
There are very few medications that deal directly with NMDA, balancing it and decreasing its production. However, the side effects of these drugs are usually significant and undesirable. Magnesium has been found to calm production of NMDA without causing the side effects or toxicity. What�s more, magnesium is very inexpensive. It is far cheaper than pharmaceuticals at just pennies a dose. One drawback is that the FDA has not yet put its stamp of approval on the mineral that is often called the �gateway to health.�
Clinical Studies Find Magnesium Is An Effective Way To Relieve Pain
A study published in The Journal of Physiology in October 2010, explores the effectiveness of magnesium in decreasing nerve pain. The study, conducted on rats, found a strong link between magnesium deficiency and pain. In fact, that authors of the study suggest that pain is increased, or the sensitivity to pain is increased, due to magnesium deficiency.
As people are moving away from fresh foods, processed foods are becoming more prevalent. While processed foods offer easy, quick preparation and gratification, the trade-off has been a significant decrease in nutrition, leaving most people magnesium deficient. However, adding a magnesium supplement that provides 250 to 500 mg of the mineral will not only eliminate the deficiency, but decrease the pain as well. This usually happens surprisingly quickly � after only a few weeks you will notice a definite difference.
Chia Seeds Are High In Magnesium.
Other Benefits Of Magnesium
Magnesium has a wide range of uses and benefits for the entire body. It has long been used to treat indigestion as well as constipation when taken by mouth. For heartburn and indigestion, magnesium hydroxide has been noted as the fastest acting. It is also given to pregnant women to treat high blood pressure (pre-eclampsia and eclampsia). When given as a shot or by IV, magnesium helps lower blood pressure during pregnancy. It is also the treatment of choice for eclampsia because it reduces the risk of seizures that accompany the condition.
Magnesium, given intravenously, is effective in treating torsades de pointes, a type of irregular heartbeat. Additionally, it is believed to help these other conditions:
Various types of pain including nerve damage associated with certain cancers, pain after surgery, pain after hysterectomy, and chest pain.
A healthy diet, regular exercise, and reducing the stress in your life will also help with your pain management. When your body is properly nourished it functions at a more optimal level, meaning not just less pain, but better management of it. Exercise causes your brain to produce endorphins which not only minimize pain, but also boost your mood.
Stress can make you more sensitive to pain, causing you to feel it more and experience it on a more intense level. It decreases your ability to tolerate pain and manage it. Even learning relaxation techniques and breathing exercises can help you better manage stress that you may not be able to eliminate completely. Adding magnesium to your diet can help improve your overall wellbeing as well as decrease your pain.
Foods: Arthritis pain can be debilitating. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), between the years of 2010 and 2012, an estimated 22.7 percent, or 52.5 million, adults in the United States alone were diagnosed by a doctor with arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout, or fibromyalgia � annually. Also during that time, almost 50 percent of adults 65 or older were diagnosed with arthritis. It is estimated that by the year 2040, 78 million Americans ranging in age from 18 years old to 85-year-old will be diagnosed with arthritis. What�s more, nearly 1 in every 250 (around 294,000) children in the U.S. under 18 years old suffer from a form of arthritis or rheumatic condition.
A Case For Healthy Eating
As medications and treatments get more expensive and drugs have significant unpleasant (and sometimes horrifying) side effects, more people are looking toward natural ways to treat their arthritis pain. In most cases they need look no further than the foods that they eat. While there is not nutritional magic bullet, studies have shown that getting the right nutrition from certain foods can help to minimize inflammation and pain that comes from arthritis. It can also help with your overall health and influence the symptoms as well as progression of conditions that may be related to arthritis.
There are certain foods that act as anti-inflammatories while other can increase inflammation. Arthritis sufferers who learn what foods to eat and which ones to avoid can enjoy better pain management, improved mobility, a more active lifestyle, and a more positive outlook on life. These foods provide great benefits for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, gout, and other forms of inflammation caused by arthritis.
Foods That Fight Arthritis Inflammation
Different types of foods seem to affect different types of arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation offers some very good guidelines on dietary recommendations for arthritis sufferers based on their type of arthritis.
Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, phytochemicals, and antioxidants have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. These types of foods are the core of the Mediterranean style diet which consists of olive oil, fish, fresh vegetables, fruits, beans, seeds, and nuts. It should be stressed that choosing fresh foods in these categories is best. The key is to select foods that are as minimally processed as possible and contain no additives or preservatives. This means that most canned foods should be excluded. However, many supermarkets now have olive bars and other fresh, healthier food options that direct consumers away from processed, unhealthy food items. Fiber also plays a significant part in reducing arthritic inflammation.
Specific foods to incorporate into your diet to combat arthritis pain include:
Salmon
Extra virgin olive oil
Tuna
Mackerel
Egg yolks
Milk
Green tea
Oatmeal
Wild and brown rice
Barley
Quinoa
Beans
Tart cherries
Berries � blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries
Broccoli
Brussels sprouts
Cabbage
Foods That Increase Arthritis Inflammation
Just as there are foodstuff that help alleviate arthritis pain, there are also foods that increase it. The Arthritis Foundation offers advice on foods that should be avoided by arthritis sufferers as they have been shown to increase pain and inflammation.
Sugar � Read the labels! Anything ingredient that ends in �ose� is a form of sugar. This includes sucrose and fructose.
Saturated fat � Cheese, pizza, red meat, pasta dishes, full fat dairy
Trans fats � Processed snacks, cookies, crackers, stick margarine, fast food, donuts, anything fried, frozen breakfast products
Refined carbs � Crackers, rolls, bread, white potatoes, white rice
MSG � A food additive found in soy sauce and many Asian prepared meals, deli meats, prepared soups, salad dressings
Gluten and casein � Dairy and wheat products, whey protein, rye, and wheat
Aspartame � Most diet sodas, artificial sweeteners, many �diet� or �sugar free� products
Alcohol
Paying attention to what you put into your body will not only help you better manage pain and inflammation, it will also help you feel better both physically and emotionally. A healthy, fresh diet can literally change your life.
Injury Medical Clinic: Elderly & Geriatric Fitness
The human body needs vitamin D in order to build strong muscles and bones. When the body does not get enough vitamin D, it is not able to absorb calcium effectively. This makes it very important for good bone health. Children who do not get adequate vitamin D develop rickets, a condition that causes weak bones, deformities in the skeleton, and a stooped posture.
What Is Vitamin D?
Most people believe that vitamin D is a vitamin; it isn�t. It is actually a hormone. A vitamin is a nutrient that the human body requires but is unable to produce. This means that it can only be obtained through supplements and food.
However, the body is able to manufacture this vitamin. When the skin is exposed to the appropriate sunlight, the body begins a process that produces vitamin D. It should also be noted that vitamin D plays a part in a strong immune system and can prevent certain chronic diseases in older adults.
There are supplements for people who do not produce enough vitamin D or who do not get adequate amounts in the food that they eat (fish liver oils, certain fish, and egg yolks are good sources). Children and adults typically do not get enough from their foods and activities. People spend a great deal of time indoors with adults at work and children at school. The emergence of digital devices and video games has managed to keep children inside as they engage in these activities.
This vitamin is not measured in milligrams like many other supplements, but in International Units (IU) instead. Research has caused the daily recommended allowance for vitamin D to increase over the years, and the current recommendation is 400 IU. It has been determined that this amount is the most beneficial in promoting healthy bones.
The Role Of The Skeletal System
The skeletal system has several functions. The first and most obvious is that it is the structural support for the body. It also protects vital organs.
For instance, the skull protects the brain and the rib cage protects the lungs and heart. It is also an anchor point for muscle so it helps with mobility. The red bone marrow provides illness fighting white blood cells, as well as red blood cells. Calcium is stored in the marrow, as is phosphorous. Certain minerals and fats are stored in the yellow marrow which is found in the long bones of the body.
How Vitamin D Benefits The Skeletal System
Getting enough vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium which is a bone building mineral. In addition to that task, it also promotes good muscle health.
Stronger muscles can work much more effectively in protecting the muscles and supporting the skeletal system. This can help with joint health as well. Older people who have adequate vitamin D do not fall down as often and people of all ages have fewer broken bones.
Results Of Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency is a serious condition mainly due to its essential role in the body�s ability to absorb calcium. Muscle weakness and bone pain are two common symptoms, but are typically seen in more severe cases.
A simple blood test can check for vitamin D levels � and it should be checked regularly. Even �minor� cases of low vitamin (those without any symptoms) have been linked to some serious health conditions including:
Increased risk of death due to cardiovascular disease
Vitamin D is generally very accessible. You can get it through foods and sunlight or via a supplement. People who may have some trouble getting adequate amounts are those who have limited exposure to sunlight, fail to consume the necessary levels of the vitamin, and people who have dark skin. If you think that you may have low vitamin D, it is best to talk to your doctor so you can come up with a plan to get your body back in balance.
5 benefits of�walking in order to achieve better health is not new. Doctors and fitness experts have been touting its benefits for decades. When you walk, you engage more than 200 muscles � this includes your pelvis and spine. This makes it an exceptional complement to chiropractic treatment. However, if you aren�t convinced, these five compelling reasons that chiropractic patients should walk are sure to win you over.
5 Benefits Of Walking
Helps With Weight Loss & Weight Management
When you are carrying around excess weight it can lead to back pain and impaired mobility. Fat around your middle, especially in the stomach area, throws your body off balance. There is extra weight in front and it pulls that portion of your body forward, causing a swayback effect.
The pain in the lower back that is caused by this pressure can be excruciating. Over the long term this can cause damage to your spine and cause misalignment. While girdles or slings may help, the permanent remedy is to lose the weight. Walking is an excellent, low impact exercise that helps you lose weight, stay active, and stay healthy.
Improves Mobility & Flexibility
As we age we become less flexible and we don�t have the mobility of youth. As you walk, your circulation increases and that helps improve flexibility and mobility.
Add a little light stretching to the mix, along with regular chiropractic treatments and you will have a much better range of motion. Your posture will improve and you will reduce your chance of injury during physical activity. All this greatly enhances your spinal health making walking a great complement to chiropractic care.
Relieves Back Pain
Back pain is one of the top reasons that Americans miss work and worldwide it is the number one cause of disability. It is also expensive. Each year, Americans spend upwards of $50 billion trying to escape back pain.
Walking is recommended by the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) to help ease back pain. It is a very good, low impact exercise that helps you manage your weight and stay active � excess weight can cause your back to hurt. Walking helps relieve back pain, but it can help to prevent it as well. Even walking for just 30 minutes a day 3 to 5 times a week is beneficial.
Rehydrates Spinal Discs
There are small, fluid filled disks that lie between each vertebrae, acting as a cushion. As you move about during the day, gravity and certain movements cause your spinal disks to compress, squeezing the water out of them. This can lead to back pain and mobility issues.
The increased circulation from walking helps to force water into this area and the disks absorb that water and are rehydrated. This allows them to continue doing what they are supposed to � act as shock absorbers for your spine. It also helps if you drink plenty of water and stay hydrated throughout the day.
Improves Circulation
Good circulation is integral to spinal health as well as a properly functioning central nervous system. When you walk it increases your circulation allowing your blood to carry vital nutrients to your spine, organs, and your entire body. The soft tissues are enriched and nourished as toxins are flushed out.
Another benefit of this increased circulation is a decrease in blood pressure. It brings your body into balance so your muscles, ligaments, and joints are nourished. This, in turn, helps to make your chiropractic treatments more productive and beneficial.
5 benefits of walking is beneficial for whole body wellness. It can help you reduce your risk of many serious health conditions including diabetes, heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure. It is also great for giving you a mental health boost and make you less prone to osteoporosis. So commit to walking just 30 minutes a day, 3 to 5 days a week. You will be astounded at the difference it will make.
Injury Medical Clinic: Elderly & Geriatric Fitness
Health Wellness: Chiropractic has been increasing in popularity over the last few years as the medical community is recognizing its value for treating many conditions as well as improving overall health wellness. There was a time when chiropractic was used to treat back pain, but studies are showing that it can be used to effectively treat a wide variety of health issues. This is due, at least in part, to chiropractic�s whole body approach to health care. It is much, much more than just spinal adjustments.
Health Wellness
Better Neck & Back Health
This is the most obvious and prevalent benefit of chiropractic care � what most people think of when they think about chiropractic care – but its merit goes deeper than may first meet the eye. The traditional spinal alignment is very beneficial for treating pain and improving mobility.
When the spine is aligned the neck and back is healthier which leads to a decrease in tension, better posture, reduced pain, and the central nervous system functions far more efficiently. When the central nervous system is working the way it should, overall health is improved and the body as a whole functions better.
Stronger Immune System
Regular chiropractic treatments have been linked to a stronger immune system. When the spine is in proper alignment, the central nervous system is able to function much more efficiently and effectively. This means that the body is better able to receive messages from the brain.
When the spine is out of alignment, the messages that that are sent and received by the central nervous system can�t complete their path like they should, leaving the organs and other parts of the body not operating as it should. This translates to a better functioning immune system, which means that you may find that you are sick as lot less often.
More Effective Pain Management
Another benefit of a properly functioning central nervous system is better pain management. Chiropractic is an effective treatment for migraines, injuries, fibromyalgia, and pain caused by other conditions.
When the spine is out of alignment it can affect various nerves and conditions like sciatica may occur. Bringing the spine into alignment can relieve the compression of nerves, alleviating pain.
Chiropractic is regularly used to treat sports related injuries for pro athletes to weekend warriors � and everyone in between. Even more, there are many studies that show chiropractic is an effective form of pain management.
Improved Activity Level
A lesser known or recognized benefit of chiropractic that improves your overall health is its ability to improve your activity level. Pain management definitely plays a part in this, but regular treatments also help improve mobility and flexibility. This, in turn, helps to reduce your risk of injury, allowing you to be more active.
When you are more mobile you are better able to stay active which means it is easier to get the exercise that you need to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This is particularly important for older people. As we age, we tend to lose our mobility and flexibility. By starting chiropractic care early, it helps stave off some of those effects of aging. However, even elderly patients have noticed a marked improvement in just a few treatments.
Chiropractic care is a very good way to give your health wellness a great boost. When you make it a part of your regular routine, you are much more likely to enjoy fewer sick days, less pain, the ability to be more active, and a healthier neck and spine. The whole body approach means you will be exposed to not only spinal adjustments, but also recommendations on diet, supplements, exercise, and lifestyle changes that can definitely change your life.
Allergy Sufferers!�As winter gives way to spring, seasonal allergies can really get you down. Whether you get a few sniffles and some sneezing or you are down for the count with every terrible allergy symptom known to man, it can make spring pretty unbearable.
There is no shortage of allergy medications on the market, but they come with their own issues. The majority of them cause drowsiness and other unpleasant side effects, leaving you barely able to function. Those that are made from a �non drowsy� formula sound great, but if you have certain health conditions, like high blood pressure, you are out of luck � and stuck either taking the ones that make you sleep sucking it up and dealing with your allergies sans medication.
That�s no way to live.
What Are Allergies?
When your immune produces histamines in response to an allergen that you encounter the physiological reaction that you experience is broadly referred to as allergies or hay fever. The allergens may be simple substances that normally do not affect people, but when your body is out of balance, it can cause a variety of problems.
Symptoms of allergies include:
Runny nose
Stuffy nose
Headache
Sneezing
Itchy eyes
Coughing or scratchy throat
Skin Rash or Hives
Swelling
Diarrhea
Nausea
Fatigue
Anaphylaxis, severe, life threatening allergies can include swelling of the airways, tongue, and throat, inability to breathe due to blocked airway, and other dangerous symptoms.
The allergens can be something you come in contact with, like poison ivy, something you breathe in, like mold or dust, or it can be something you ingest, like strawberries or peanuts. Different people will have different allergies, but those who are allergic to the same things may not have the same reaction. Often a doctor or allergist will diagnose your allergies.
Chiropractic Care For Allergy Sufferers
Chiropractic treatments have been found to be very effective for relieving allergy symptoms and even stopping allergies at their source. It reduces the severity of allergy symptoms as well as the frequency of occurrence. It does not work like allergy medications which have an anti-histamine effect and only work as a short term fix for your allergy symptoms.
Chiropractic treatments help your body become more balanced so that it is better equipped for combating allergies at the source. When your spine is not aligned it can impact your nervous system leading to a variety of problems � including allergies. Your immune system can be affected, causing it to malfunction.
A chiropractor can help relieve the stress on your nervous system by aligning your spine. This takes the pressure off of nerves, allowing your immune system to function at a more optimal level. This makes it easier for your body to ward off infections while recognizing allergens as harmless.
When your immune system encounters allergens it doesn�t overreact to them. Instead, the reaction is much more subdued, or even nonexistent. Chiropractic has also been found to help asthma patients breathe easier. Asthma symptoms are diminished.
Chiropractic care is more than just spinal manipulation, though. It promotes whole body wellness. Patients are taught exercise, stress relief, and nutrition so that the entire system is treated. The whole body treatment plan for chiropractic patients will help you be allergy free in a short time.
It is important to follow your chiropractic plan thoroughly and consistently. Get plenty of rest and take time to destress. The more you can relax and take care of yourself, the healthier you will be overall. Chiropractic care can help so many health conditions; it can actually make you healthier. Allergy sufferers or if you are struggling with allergies for the first time, give chiropractic care a try you just might be surprised.
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IFM Annual International Conference Hollywood, Florida May, 2018
Relieves Back Pain
Chiropractic Care For Allergy Sufferers
