Learn about the link between ticks, Lyme disease and autoimmune disease and how to protect yourself from this dangerous trio.
These itty bitty bugs climb out as cold weather fades. Particularly in woody, adventure-seeking communities like Colorado, people take to the outdoors (and so do the ticks!).
Ticks are No Treat
Ticks are tiny insects that attach themselves to the skin of animals and humans. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tick. The symptoms of Lyme disease can vary, but they often include”:
Fever
Headache
Fatigue
A distinctive rash known as erythema migrans
If Lyme disease is not treated, it can spread to the joints, heart, and nervous system. In some cases, Lyme disease can lead to an autoimmune condition. Autoimmunity occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. This can occur in people with Lyme disease if the bacteria spreads to the liver and triggers an autoimmune response. In severe cases, autoimmunity can cause organ damage and even death. Lyme disease is a serious condition that requires prompt treatment. Ticks can also carry other diseases, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever and babesiosis (Lyme co-infection), but Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne infection in North America.
There are more than 80 different types of autoimmune diseases, and they affect people of all ages. Lyme disease is a serious health problem and can lead to autoimmunity, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself from ticks and other insects that carry the disease. You should wear long pants and sleeves when you are outdoors in areas where ticks live. You should also use natural insect repellent (made with essential oils) on your skin and clothing. Be sure to check yourself and your pets for ticks after spending time outdoors, and remove any that are found promptly.
It’s often very difficult to diagnose a Lyme infection. Many people live with undiagnosed symptoms for years before getting to the root cause. Lyme disease is best detected by a blood test, which looks for antibodies to the Lyme bacteria. The test can be performed using either a whole blood sample or a serum sample. Antibodies to Lyme disease are typically produced within 3-6 weeks of infection, so it is best to wait at least 6 weeks after possible exposure before getting tested. It’s important to get proper testing as not all tests are created equal. Lyme disease can also be detected using a urine test, but this is not as accurate as the blood test. Lyme disease is a serious infection that can cause a wide range of symptoms, so it is important to get tested if you think you may have been exposed to the bacteria.
All Testing is Not Created Equal
It is important to use the proper type of testing for Lyme. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing can detect the DNA of the Lyme disease bacteria and if you have an active case of Lyme disease or if you had Lyme in the past. Use of IgM testing is recommended during the first 30 days of infection, after which only IgG tests should be used. Research shows that current western blot testing has shortcomings, and PCR testing is more valid in determining an active infection.
Supporting Lyme disease
Lyme disease is a serious illness that can have a significant impact on a person’s life. While there is no cure for Lyme disease, there are treatments available that can help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life. By seeking out natural treatments and support, Lyme disease sufferers can take an active role in managing their illness and improving their wellbeing.
If you think you may have Lyme disease, it is important to see your practitioner as soon as possible. Call Dr. Autoimmune 303-882-8447 or click the “Start Your Journey” button at the bottom of this page to find out more about how we can help.
Green tea has been used for centuries in Asia for its medicinal properties, and recent research has taught us that it may be an important tool for tackling autoimmunity. The extract from green tea has been shown to support T-regulatory cells, which help to suppress an overactive immune response and reduce inflammation. Sunphenon®, a decaffeinated and highly potent green tea extract, is a key ingredient in our proprietary supplement ImmunoXym that provides these benefits.
The Benefits
Green tea has been shown to have a number of health benefits thanks to its high polyphenol content. Polyphenols are antioxidants that help protect against oxidative stress and inflammation. Learn more about antioxidants, how they work, and another potent antioxidant in ImmunoXym here.
Green tea is also thermogenic, meaning it helps to boost metabolism and promote weight loss. In addition to all of this, green tea has been shown to protect against kidney damage, reduce risk of cancer, and control blood sugar levels. Simply put, green tea is a powerful tool for maintaining good health.
The Tea for T-Cells
According to research from Oregon State University, one of the beneficial compounds found in green tea has a powerful ability to increase the number of “regulatory T cells” that play a key role in immune function and suppression of autoimmune disease. Regulatory T cells (or “T-reg cells“) are a type of white blood cell that helps to keep the immune system in check, preventing it from overreacting and attacking healthy tissues. That’s why they are often referred to as the “police” of our immune system.
The major compound in green tea that they studied is a polyphenol called EGCG. In a study with mice, EGCG significantly increased the levels and activity of T-reg cells. The research was focused on potential treatments for lupus, but the findings have much broader implications for other autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. As stated by Mitzi Nagarkatti, an OSU professor and vice president for research:
“This is one of the most potent ways we’ve seen to increase the numbers and function of T-reg cells. These results are very exciting and could have broad implications for treatment of autoimmune disease.”
Medical College of Georgia researchers also say that green tea may help protect against autoimmune disease. Researchers studied an animal model for type 1 diabetes and Sjogren’s syndrome, which is an autoimmune condition that damages the glands that produce tears and saliva. The study found that green tea helped to reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines, which are molecules that play a role in the development of autoimmune disease by causing inflammation.
The Caffeine Drawback
Clearly green tea has a lot of benefits, but it also contains caffeine. Caffeine interferes with cortisol levels– the “stress hormone.” Cortisol is a hormone that helps us to deal with stress. When our cortisol levels are too high, we can feel anxious and stressed out. Caffeine can interfere with the normal production of cortisol, which can lead to feeling more stressed. It can also cause other problems such as insomnia, headaches, and gastrointestinal upset.
Sunphenon® is a decaffeinated, highly potent green tea extract that is used in our proprietary supplement for autoimmune patients, ImmunoXym. Sunphenon® is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect cells from damage, and it has been shown to be effective in reducing the symptoms of autoimmune diseases by promoting T-reg cells.
ImmunoXym is a unique formula that is designed to support the body’s natural ability to stimulate these critical T-reg cells. Our supplement contains a blend of ingredients that are known to be effective in supporting immunity, and Sunphenon® is an important part of our formula. For the month of June, ImmunoXym will be 15% off in-office and 10% off online using code IAN10.
If you are ready to get to the root cause of your health issues and begin your healing journey, click the “Start Your Journey” button at the bottom of this page.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is the most common chronic disease in America. People with hypertension are at risk for heart attack, stroke, and kidney damage. Did you know that there is a connection between hypertension and autoimmune disease? Were you aware there are over 400 different causal factors in hypertension?
Autoimmunity is when your immune system attacks healthy cells in your body by mistake. The immune system is supposed to protect the body from infection and disease, but sometimes it breaks down and targets our own tissues.
Studies have shown that people with autoimmune diseases are more likely to develop hypertension, and vice versa. One study found that people with the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the most common type of lupus, were twice as likely to have hypertension than the general population. In fact, hypertension may even be autoimmune in itself. In this blog post, we will discuss the link between these two conditions and how our functional medicine approach can address them.
T Cells
T cells are a type of immune cell that helps the body fight infection. There are different types of T cells, including helper T cells and killer T cells. Helper T cells give instructions to other immune cells, and killer T cells kill infected or cancerous cells. Some T cells, called regulatory T cells or T-reg cells, help to keep the immune system in check. They are known as the “police” of the immune system.
Autoimmunity occurs when T-reg cells don’t work properly and other T cells become dysregulated. This can happen because of genetics, infections, exposure to certain chemicals or drugs, or hypertension. As a result, the immune system starts attacking healthy cells instead of fighting off infection. Autoimmunity can lead to a number of different diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), lupus, and multiple sclerosis (MS).
T Cells and Hypertension
T cells are a normal part of the immune system, but they can cause serious problems if they become overactive, as they do in autoimmune disease. T cells can cause high blood pressure, or hypertension. Hypertension is when the force of blood against the walls of blood vessels is too high. There is a bit of a vicious cycle because when hypertension damages the blood vessels, T cells are attracted to the area and cause inflammation. This can lead to further damage and make hypertension worse.
Oxidative stress, which can be caused by T cells, is another factor that can contribute to hypertension. This happens when there are too many free radicals in the body. Free radicals are molecules that can damage cells, and they are naturally created by T cells but can be worsened by things like smoking, pollution, and UV radiation from the sun. When oxidative stress happens, it can damage the arteries and make hypertension worse. Read more about how dysregulated T cells cause oxidative stress here.
Hypertension Leads to Autoimmunity
For many years, hypertension was thought to be caused by lifestyle choices or genetics. However, recent research about how dysregulated T cells lead to high blood pressure has shown that in some cases, hypertension may be an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy blood vessels.
Essentially, since hypertension can lead to immune dysfunction, it can also lead to autoimmunity.
This research is still in its early stages, but it is hope for a better understanding of how to manage hypertension. This new information could lead to treatments that are more effective and have fewer side effects, as current blood pressure medications can lead to a variety of complications.
Other Triggers for Hypertension
DNA and Caffeine
Our risks for hypertension can be evaluated by looking at our DNA. An SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) is a variation in a single nucleotide – the building blocks of DNA – that occurs at a specific position in the genome. SNP information can be used to understand how different people respond to caffeine, a substance that can increase blood pressure and cause hypertension.
For example, people with certain SNP variants may metabolize caffeine more slowly, which could lead to higher levels of caffeine in the blood and increased risk of hypertension. On the other hand, people with other SNP variants may metabolize caffeine more quickly, which could lead to lower levels of caffeine in the blood and reduced risk of hypertension. Therefore, SNP information can be used to understand how different people respond to caffeine and help to predict risks for certain health conditions.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that can lead to high blood pressure. When you have sleep apnea, your breathing stops and starts repeatedly during the night. This means that your body isn’t getting enough oxygen, which can put strain on your heart and other organs. Over time, this can lead to high blood pressure.
The Functional Medicine Approach
Autoimmune diseases are caused by a combination of genetics, leaky gut, and environmental triggers. While there is no cure for these conditions, research has shown that functional medicine can be an effective way to manage them. Functional medicine is a holistic approach that focuses on identifying and treating the root cause of disease. This approach involves using natural methods, such as diet, supplementation, and lifestyle changes to promote healing.
At Dr. Autoimmune, we focus on addressing the root cause of your condition and developing a custom plan with you to help you reach your health goals. If you are ready to be brave and take the Dr. Autoimmune challenge, click the “Start Your Journey” button at the bottom of this page.
“The best wealth is health,” said the Roman poet Virgil. You may also have heard, “You can have all of the money in the world, but if you don’t have your health, you have nothing.”
Our most recent health crisis has surely made these quotes true. Mental Health of America has shared some alarming statistics that include:
Nearly 50M or 19.68 % of American adults experienced mental illness in 2019.
4.58% of adults report having serious thoughts of suicide. This has increased every year since 2011-2021.
10.6% or over 2.5 million youth in the U.S. have severe major depression.
11.1% of Americans with a mental health issue are uninsured.
8.1% of children had private health insurance that did not cover mental health services totaling almost 1 million children.
What are Anxiety and Depression?
They are two different conditions, but they commonly occur together. Having the blues occasionally is normal, and everyone experiences anxious feelings at times. These are a common response to a stressful situation. It’s when those feelings become severe or ongoing that you may want to get to the root cause of the trigger. If you or a loved one shows early signs of depression, seek out a practitioner who can help.
1 in 4 people are affected by mental health illness at some point in their life. What and why are these staggering numbers increasing each year?
Research suggests that the microbiome (a community of microorganisms including viruses and bacteria) in your intestines may be related to brain functioning. By this definition, if your gut bugs are out of balance, and/or your intestinal lining permeability is enough to “leak” toxins into your bloodstream—guess where that gunk goes? It travels via your veins, your organs, and straight to your brain. Think of an ice cream headache. News travels fast!
How are the Gut and Brain Connected?
Sometimes referred to as your second brain, the gut communicates with your brain both physically and chemically.
The graphic below shows how your gut health can affect your mental health, or visa versa.
Antibiotics ~Not~ to the Rescue
What happens when you have an infection of any kind and you go to your general practitioner? You have an ear infection from too many summer hours spent in the pool, you get chronic sinus or respiratory infections, strep throat, urinary tract infections, acne, and the list goes on. What do all of these infections have in common besides a weakened immune response? They all are prescribed a 10-day round of antibiotics. Exposure to broad-spectrum antibiotics prescribed for the treatment of infectious diseases is one of the most common environmental factors which can affect the microbiome (Mayer et al., 2014).
It’s public knowledge that antibiotic resistance is a real thing. Compounded years of taking these flora destroying medications, along with other environmental factors can contribute to the leaky holes in our gut. In fact, more than 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections occur in the US each year.
A study including 5,244 subjects, none with diagnosed or reported anxiety or depression suggests that particularly male children who received antibiotic treatment for an infectious disease, may be at increased risk for future anxiety or depression. The mechanisms behind this outcome due to the disruption of the microbial balance in the gut. More research is needed to determine which, if not both the chicken (the infection) or the egg (the antibiotics) came in first place as the trigger for anxiety and depression.
Inflammation and Depression
70% of our immune system is located in the gut. Maintaining the proper balance of diversity is important so we can fight off infections, possible chronic disease, and psychosocial stressors. Research shows us that those residing in urban areas exposure to inflammatory responses are greater than those who are hunter-gatherers (think Paleo) or have a diverse agricultural-based lifestyle. “You are what you eat” has never been truer.
Go with Your Gut
Probiotics are live bacteria that are similar to the ones that are already in our gut. You can find them in fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi. They’re also in supplements. Along with testing, probiotic treatments may provide potential support and preventative measures for depressive and anxiety disorders. Researchers think that probiotics might work by affecting the way the brain and the gut communicate. Not all pre and probiotics are made equal. Talk with Dr. Ian or your practitioner to see which one may be right for you.
If you suffer with anxiety or depression and have a history of antibiotic use, give us a call to schedule a new patient exam at Dr. Autoimmune. We now have remote care options, so wherever you are, you can still receive great care and achieve results.
What Are Antioxidants?
“Antioxidant” is probably a term you have heard before. It is used commonly to refer to health beverage ingredients, so-called ‘superfoods’, and supplements as an anti-aging tool. But what is an antioxidant?
To understand how antioxidants work, you will need to understand what “free radicals” are. Free radicals are unstable atoms that are naturally made in the body. They are unstable because they do not have enough electrons, so they want to steal electrons from other atoms. When they steal electrons from our body’s atoms, it causes “oxidative stress” on our cells.
Oxidative stress, or free radicals stealing electrons from our bodies’ atoms, has been linked to a number of diseases such as:
In addition to all of these conditions, oxidative stress from free radicals also causes the effects of aging such as wrinkles, gray hair, vision decline, and hair loss. As we get older, our bodies produce more free radicals and have a harder time fighting them.
Now that you understand how free radicals cause oxidative stress, you will understand how antioxidants work. Free radicals need to steal electrons in order to become stable and stop causing damage. Antioxidants are special atoms that can donate their own electrons to the free radicals. Check out the image below to see how this works:
Some common antioxidants include vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), and our focus for this article: alpha lipoic acid (ALA).
How Antioxidants Help Autoimmunity
Oxidative stress from free radicals has been known to lead to autoimmunity because it messes with the immune system and causes inflammation. Here’s how:
Immune cells use free radicals to destroy bacteria, but when they start to produce too many, T-regulatory cells use them to suppress the immune cells. This is one way that T-reg cells ‘police’ the immune system. When immune cells are dysregulated (T-reg cells aren’t working right), they produce more free radicals, which increases inflammation. This is how oxidative stress dysregulates the immune system.
In fact, one study found that oxidative stress was a huge contributor to damage done by the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the most common type of lupus. Free radicals increased inflammation, organ damage, and the chance of developing a second disease.
Since we know that oxidative stress can cause autoimmunity, it makes sense that antioxidants may help with managing autoimmune diseases. Studies have actually shown that this theory is true.
ALA and Autoimmunity
Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant that our cells make naturally. We can also supplement with it and get great results, as some scientists have already tested.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects your body’s nervous system. The version of this disease that mice can get is called EAE. When mice with this disease were given high doses of ALA early on, the disease was completely suppressed. The ALA helped regulate the immune system in the mice and was able to completely stop it from attacking their central nervous systems. The implications for humans with MS are very exciting. Even in mice that already had very serious symptoms, the ALA slowed down their disease progression and reduced their symptoms.
Our very own Dr. Ian Hollaman (a.k.a Dr. Autoimmune) developed a supplement formula for his autoimmune patients. Immunoxym is specifically made to support your T-regulatory cells, which are the ‘police’ of your immune system. One of the most important ingredients is ALA.
For the month of June, you can purchase Immunoxym for 10% off online using code IAN10 at checkout, and 15% off if you purchase in the office.
With an 85% success rate for resolution of symptoms, we are confident that we can get to the root cause of your condition and develop a custom plan with you that will help you reach your health goals. If you are ready to be brave and take the Dr. Autoimmune challenge, click “Start Your Journey” at the bottom of this page!
Learn about the link between ticks, Lyme disease and autoimmune disease and how to protect yourself from this dangerous trio.
These itty bitty bugs climb out as cold weather fades. Particularly in woody, adventure-seeking communities like Colorado, people take to the outdoors (and so do the ticks!).
Ticks are No Treat
Ticks are tiny insects that attach themselves to the skin of animals and humans. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tick. The symptoms of Lyme disease can vary, but they often include”:
Fever
Headache
Fatigue
A distinctive rash known as erythema migrans
If Lyme disease is not treated, it can spread to the joints, heart, and nervous system. In some cases, Lyme disease can lead to an autoimmune condition. Autoimmunity occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. This can occur in people with Lyme disease if the bacteria spreads to the liver and triggers an autoimmune response. In severe cases, autoimmunity can cause organ damage and even death. Lyme disease is a serious condition that requires prompt treatment. Ticks can also carry other diseases, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever and babesiosis (Lyme co-infection), but Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne infection in North America.
There are more than 80 different types of autoimmune diseases, and they affect people of all ages. Lyme disease is a serious health problem and can lead to autoimmunity, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself from ticks and other insects that carry the disease. You should wear long pants and sleeves when you are outdoors in areas where ticks live. You should also use natural insect repellent (made with essential oils) on your skin and clothing. Be sure to check yourself and your pets for ticks after spending time outdoors, and remove any that are found promptly.
It’s often very difficult to diagnose a Lyme infection. Many people live with undiagnosed symptoms for years before getting to the root cause. Lyme disease is best detected by a blood test, which looks for antibodies to the Lyme bacteria. The test can be performed using either a whole blood sample or a serum sample. Antibodies to Lyme disease are typically produced within 3-6 weeks of infection, so it is best to wait at least 6 weeks after possible exposure before getting tested. It’s important to get proper testing as not all tests are created equal. Lyme disease can also be detected using a urine test, but this is not as accurate as the blood test. Lyme disease is a serious infection that can cause a wide range of symptoms, so it is important to get tested if you think you may have been exposed to the bacteria.
All Testing is Not Created Equal
It is important to use the proper type of testing for Lyme. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing can detect the DNA of the Lyme disease bacteria and if you have an active case of Lyme disease or if you had Lyme in the past. Use of IgM testing is recommended during the first 30 days of infection, after which only IgG tests should be used. Research shows that current western blot testing has shortcomings, and PCR testing is more valid in determining an active infection.
Supporting Lyme disease
Lyme disease is a serious illness that can have a significant impact on a person’s life. While there is no cure for Lyme disease, there are treatments available that can help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life. By seeking out natural treatments and support, Lyme disease sufferers can take an active role in managing their illness and improving their wellbeing.
If you think you may have Lyme disease, it is important to see your practitioner as soon as possible. Call Dr. Autoimmune 303-882-8447 or click the “Start Your Journey” button at the bottom of this page to find out more about how we can help.
Green tea has been used for centuries in Asia for its medicinal properties, and recent research has taught us that it may be an important tool for tackling autoimmunity. The extract from green tea has been shown to support T-regulatory cells, which help to suppress an overactive immune response and reduce inflammation. Sunphenon®, a decaffeinated and highly potent green tea extract, is a key ingredient in our proprietary supplement ImmunoXym that provides these benefits.
The Benefits
Green tea has been shown to have a number of health benefits thanks to its high polyphenol content. Polyphenols are antioxidants that help protect against oxidative stress and inflammation. Learn more about antioxidants, how they work, and another potent antioxidant in ImmunoXym here.
Green tea is also thermogenic, meaning it helps to boost metabolism and promote weight loss. In addition to all of this, green tea has been shown to protect against kidney damage, reduce risk of cancer, and control blood sugar levels. Simply put, green tea is a powerful tool for maintaining good health.
The Tea for T-Cells
According to research from Oregon State University, one of the beneficial compounds found in green tea has a powerful ability to increase the number of “regulatory T cells” that play a key role in immune function and suppression of autoimmune disease. Regulatory T cells (or “T-reg cells“) are a type of white blood cell that helps to keep the immune system in check, preventing it from overreacting and attacking healthy tissues. That’s why they are often referred to as the “police” of our immune system.
The major compound in green tea that they studied is a polyphenol called EGCG. In a study with mice, EGCG significantly increased the levels and activity of T-reg cells. The research was focused on potential treatments for lupus, but the findings have much broader implications for other autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. As stated by Mitzi Nagarkatti, an OSU professor and vice president for research:
“This is one of the most potent ways we’ve seen to increase the numbers and function of T-reg cells. These results are very exciting and could have broad implications for treatment of autoimmune disease.”
Medical College of Georgia researchers also say that green tea may help protect against autoimmune disease. Researchers studied an animal model for type 1 diabetes and Sjogren’s syndrome, which is an autoimmune condition that damages the glands that produce tears and saliva. The study found that green tea helped to reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines, which are molecules that play a role in the development of autoimmune disease by causing inflammation.
The Caffeine Drawback
Clearly green tea has a lot of benefits, but it also contains caffeine. Caffeine interferes with cortisol levels– the “stress hormone.” Cortisol is a hormone that helps us to deal with stress. When our cortisol levels are too high, we can feel anxious and stressed out. Caffeine can interfere with the normal production of cortisol, which can lead to feeling more stressed. It can also cause other problems such as insomnia, headaches, and gastrointestinal upset.
Sunphenon® is a decaffeinated, highly potent green tea extract that is used in our proprietary supplement for autoimmune patients, ImmunoXym. Sunphenon® is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect cells from damage, and it has been shown to be effective in reducing the symptoms of autoimmune diseases by promoting T-reg cells.
ImmunoXym is a unique formula that is designed to support the body’s natural ability to stimulate these critical T-reg cells. Our supplement contains a blend of ingredients that are known to be effective in supporting immunity, and Sunphenon® is an important part of our formula. For the month of June, ImmunoXym will be 15% off in-office and 10% off online using code IAN10.
If you are ready to get to the root cause of your health issues and begin your healing journey, click the “Start Your Journey” button at the bottom of this page.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is the most common chronic disease in America. People with hypertension are at risk for heart attack, stroke, and kidney damage. Did you know that there is a connection between hypertension and autoimmune disease? Were you aware there are over 400 different causal factors in hypertension?
Autoimmunity is when your immune system attacks healthy cells in your body by mistake. The immune system is supposed to protect the body from infection and disease, but sometimes it breaks down and targets our own tissues.
Studies have shown that people with autoimmune diseases are more likely to develop hypertension, and vice versa. One study found that people with the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the most common type of lupus, were twice as likely to have hypertension than the general population. In fact, hypertension may even be autoimmune in itself. In this blog post, we will discuss the link between these two conditions and how our functional medicine approach can address them.
T Cells
T cells are a type of immune cell that helps the body fight infection. There are different types of T cells, including helper T cells and killer T cells. Helper T cells give instructions to other immune cells, and killer T cells kill infected or cancerous cells. Some T cells, called regulatory T cells or T-reg cells, help to keep the immune system in check. They are known as the “police” of the immune system.
Autoimmunity occurs when T-reg cells don’t work properly and other T cells become dysregulated. This can happen because of genetics, infections, exposure to certain chemicals or drugs, or hypertension. As a result, the immune system starts attacking healthy cells instead of fighting off infection. Autoimmunity can lead to a number of different diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), lupus, and multiple sclerosis (MS).
T Cells and Hypertension
T cells are a normal part of the immune system, but they can cause serious problems if they become overactive, as they do in autoimmune disease. T cells can cause high blood pressure, or hypertension. Hypertension is when the force of blood against the walls of blood vessels is too high. There is a bit of a vicious cycle because when hypertension damages the blood vessels, T cells are attracted to the area and cause inflammation. This can lead to further damage and make hypertension worse.
Oxidative stress, which can be caused by T cells, is another factor that can contribute to hypertension. This happens when there are too many free radicals in the body. Free radicals are molecules that can damage cells, and they are naturally created by T cells but can be worsened by things like smoking, pollution, and UV radiation from the sun. When oxidative stress happens, it can damage the arteries and make hypertension worse. Read more about how dysregulated T cells cause oxidative stress here.
Hypertension Leads to Autoimmunity
For many years, hypertension was thought to be caused by lifestyle choices or genetics. However, recent research about how dysregulated T cells lead to high blood pressure has shown that in some cases, hypertension may be an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy blood vessels.
Essentially, since hypertension can lead to immune dysfunction, it can also lead to autoimmunity.
This research is still in its early stages, but it is hope for a better understanding of how to manage hypertension. This new information could lead to treatments that are more effective and have fewer side effects, as current blood pressure medications can lead to a variety of complications.
Other Triggers for Hypertension
DNA and Caffeine
Our risks for hypertension can be evaluated by looking at our DNA. An SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) is a variation in a single nucleotide – the building blocks of DNA – that occurs at a specific position in the genome. SNP information can be used to understand how different people respond to caffeine, a substance that can increase blood pressure and cause hypertension.
For example, people with certain SNP variants may metabolize caffeine more slowly, which could lead to higher levels of caffeine in the blood and increased risk of hypertension. On the other hand, people with other SNP variants may metabolize caffeine more quickly, which could lead to lower levels of caffeine in the blood and reduced risk of hypertension. Therefore, SNP information can be used to understand how different people respond to caffeine and help to predict risks for certain health conditions.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that can lead to high blood pressure. When you have sleep apnea, your breathing stops and starts repeatedly during the night. This means that your body isn’t getting enough oxygen, which can put strain on your heart and other organs. Over time, this can lead to high blood pressure.
The Functional Medicine Approach
Autoimmune diseases are caused by a combination of genetics, leaky gut, and environmental triggers. While there is no cure for these conditions, research has shown that functional medicine can be an effective way to manage them. Functional medicine is a holistic approach that focuses on identifying and treating the root cause of disease. This approach involves using natural methods, such as diet, supplementation, and lifestyle changes to promote healing.
At Dr. Autoimmune, we focus on addressing the root cause of your condition and developing a custom plan with you to help you reach your health goals. If you are ready to be brave and take the Dr. Autoimmune challenge, click the “Start Your Journey” button at the bottom of this page.
“The best wealth is health,” said the Roman poet Virgil. You may also have heard, “You can have all of the money in the world, but if you don’t have your health, you have nothing.”
Our most recent health crisis has surely made these quotes true. Mental Health of America has shared some alarming statistics that include:
Nearly 50M or 19.68 % of American adults experienced mental illness in 2019.
4.58% of adults report having serious thoughts of suicide. This has increased every year since 2011-2021.
10.6% or over 2.5 million youth in the U.S. have severe major depression.
11.1% of Americans with a mental health issue are uninsured.
8.1% of children had private health insurance that did not cover mental health services totaling almost 1 million children.
What are Anxiety and Depression?
They are two different conditions, but they commonly occur together. Having the blues occasionally is normal, and everyone experiences anxious feelings at times. These are a common response to a stressful situation. It’s when those feelings become severe or ongoing that you may want to get to the root cause of the trigger. If you or a loved one shows early signs of depression, seek out a practitioner who can help.
1 in 4 people are affected by mental health illness at some point in their life. What and why are these staggering numbers increasing each year?
Research suggests that the microbiome (a community of microorganisms including viruses and bacteria) in your intestines may be related to brain functioning. By this definition, if your gut bugs are out of balance, and/or your intestinal lining permeability is enough to “leak” toxins into your bloodstream—guess where that gunk goes? It travels via your veins, your organs, and straight to your brain. Think of an ice cream headache. News travels fast!
How are the Gut and Brain Connected?
Sometimes referred to as your second brain, the gut communicates with your brain both physically and chemically.
The graphic below shows how your gut health can affect your mental health, or visa versa.
Antibiotics ~Not~ to the Rescue
What happens when you have an infection of any kind and you go to your general practitioner? You have an ear infection from too many summer hours spent in the pool, you get chronic sinus or respiratory infections, strep throat, urinary tract infections, acne, and the list goes on. What do all of these infections have in common besides a weakened immune response? They all are prescribed a 10-day round of antibiotics. Exposure to broad-spectrum antibiotics prescribed for the treatment of infectious diseases is one of the most common environmental factors which can affect the microbiome (Mayer et al., 2014).
It’s public knowledge that antibiotic resistance is a real thing. Compounded years of taking these flora destroying medications, along with other environmental factors can contribute to the leaky holes in our gut. In fact, more than 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections occur in the US each year.
A study including 5,244 subjects, none with diagnosed or reported anxiety or depression suggests that particularly male children who received antibiotic treatment for an infectious disease, may be at increased risk for future anxiety or depression. The mechanisms behind this outcome due to the disruption of the microbial balance in the gut. More research is needed to determine which, if not both the chicken (the infection) or the egg (the antibiotics) came in first place as the trigger for anxiety and depression.
Inflammation and Depression
70% of our immune system is located in the gut. Maintaining the proper balance of diversity is important so we can fight off infections, possible chronic disease, and psychosocial stressors. Research shows us that those residing in urban areas exposure to inflammatory responses are greater than those who are hunter-gatherers (think Paleo) or have a diverse agricultural-based lifestyle. “You are what you eat” has never been truer.
Go with Your Gut
Probiotics are live bacteria that are similar to the ones that are already in our gut. You can find them in fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi. They’re also in supplements. Along with testing, probiotic treatments may provide potential support and preventative measures for depressive and anxiety disorders. Researchers think that probiotics might work by affecting the way the brain and the gut communicate. Not all pre and probiotics are made equal. Talk with Dr. Ian or your practitioner to see which one may be right for you.
If you suffer with anxiety or depression and have a history of antibiotic use, give us a call to schedule a new patient exam at Dr. Autoimmune. We now have remote care options, so wherever you are, you can still receive great care and achieve results.
“Antioxidant” is probably a term you have heard before. It is used commonly to refer to health beverage ingredients, so-called ‘superfoods’, and supplements as an anti-aging tool. But what is an antioxidant?
To understand how antioxidants work, you will need to understand what “free radicals” are. Free radicals are unstable atoms that are naturally made in the body. They are unstable because they do not have enough electrons, so they want to steal electrons from other atoms. When they steal electrons from our body’s atoms, it causes “oxidative stress” on our cells.
Oxidative stress, or free radicals stealing electrons from our bodies’ atoms, has been linked to a number of diseases such as:
In addition to all of these conditions, oxidative stress from free radicals also causes the effects of aging such as wrinkles, gray hair, vision decline, and hair loss. As we get older, our bodies produce more free radicals and have a harder time fighting them.
Now that you understand how free radicals cause oxidative stress, you will understand how antioxidants work. Free radicals need to steal electrons in order to become stable and stop causing damage. Antioxidants are special atoms that can donate their own electrons to the free radicals. Check out the image below to see how this works:
Some common antioxidants include vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), and our focus for this article: alpha lipoic acid (ALA).
How Antioxidants Help Autoimmunity
Oxidative stress from free radicals has been known to lead to autoimmunity because it messes with the immune system and causes inflammation. Here’s how:
Immune cells use free radicals to destroy bacteria, but when they start to produce too many, T-regulatory cells use them to suppress the immune cells. This is one way that T-reg cells ‘police’ the immune system. When immune cells are dysregulated (T-reg cells aren’t working right), they produce more free radicals, which increases inflammation. This is how oxidative stress dysregulates the immune system.
In fact, one study found that oxidative stress was a huge contributor to damage done by the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the most common type of lupus. Free radicals increased inflammation, organ damage, and the chance of developing a second disease.
Since we know that oxidative stress can cause autoimmunity, it makes sense that antioxidants may help with managing autoimmune diseases. Studies have actually shown that this theory is true.
ALA and Autoimmunity
Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant that our cells make naturally. We can also supplement with it and get great results, as some scientists have already tested.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects your body’s nervous system. The version of this disease that mice can get is called EAE. When mice with this disease were given high doses of ALA early on, the disease was completely suppressed. The ALA helped regulate the immune system in the mice and was able to completely stop it from attacking their central nervous systems. The implications for humans with MS are very exciting. Even in mice that already had very serious symptoms, the ALA slowed down their disease progression and reduced their symptoms.
Our very own Dr. Ian Hollaman (a.k.a Dr. Autoimmune) developed a supplement formula for his autoimmune patients. Immunoxym is specifically made to support your T-regulatory cells, which are the ‘police’ of your immune system. One of the most important ingredients is ALA.
For the month of June, you can purchase Immunoxym for 10% off online using code IAN10 at checkout, and 15% off if you purchase in the office.
With an 85% success rate for resolution of symptoms, we are confident that we can get to the root cause of your condition and develop a custom plan with you that will help you reach your health goals. If you are ready to be brave and take the Dr. Autoimmune challenge, click “Start Your Journey” at the bottom of this page!
