“Mystery” Diseases
Humans are growing increasingly susceptible to several diseases that, although well known and well researched, remain mysterious. Researchers and doctors can identify the symptoms and even predict the people who are the greatest risk of developing them, yet are at a loss as to explain exactly what causes them — or why they're becoming so widespread.
Autoimmune Disorders
Autoimmune disorders are characterized by an abnormal immune response — the body mistakes its own tissues as a threat and attacks them — and can affect any part of the body, including the heart, skin, and endocrine and digestive systems. Some of the most well known are lupus, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), celiac disease, and type 1 diabetes; other diseases that may be linked to autoimmunity include multiple sclerosis and psoriasis.
Autoimmune disorders are the third most common kind of disease in the United States, right behind cancer and heart disease.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome, or CFS, was once dismissed as psychosomatic “yuppie flu.” CFS is now recognized as a serious health problem that affects more than a million Americans — and it is four times more common in women than men. Symptoms include overwhelming exhaustion, persistent muscle and joint pain, sleep disturbances, headaches, and impaired concentration and memory.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread pain, abnormal pain processing (sensitivity to things other people wouldn't find painful), fatigue, sleep disturbances, and psychological problems. It affects more than 5 million Americans, mostly women (the ratio of women to men is seven to one).
Fibromyalgia creates “tender points” in the patient's body — on the neck, arms, shoulders, back, hips, and legs — that hurt at the slightest pressure. Like other autoimmune diseases, fibromyalgia is more common in people with rheumatoid arthritis and other immune-related problems or who have a close relative with them.
Conventional and Herbal Treatments
Conventional treatments for autoimmune disorders include pain medications and drugs that treat specific symptoms (i.e., swelling or skin rashes), such as corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Conventional therapies for CFS include immunomodulating drugs, antivirals, antidepressants, and antianxiety medications. Fibromyalgia is generally treated with NSAIDs, opioids, antidepressants, and muscle relaxants.
Many natural remedies can be used in conjunction with these drugs, although people with autoimmune disorders should avoid taking herbs that stimulate immunity. Safe herbal therapies include:
• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) |
This Indian herb is a rich source of antioxidants. Recent research shows it can help offset the oxidative stress that causes many CFS symptoms (and seems to play a role in fibromyalgia, as well). |
• Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) |
This herb can fight fatigue and boost immunity. It is considered an adaptogen, meaning it can help offset the stress that might be behind fibromyalgia and CFS. |
• Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) |
Also considered adaptogenic, astragalus can calm an overactive immune system-just what you need in an autoimmune disorder. Recent research confirms its modulating effect on immune response in people with systemic lupus. |
• Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) |
Bilberry contains antioxidants, which are beneficial in the management of CFS. |
• Cayenne (Capsicum annuum, C. frutescens) |
Cayenne is a natural painkiller (and the key ingredient in many OTC arthritis rubs). Research shows it also has immunosuppressive activity and can inhibit inflammation that's caused by an exaggerated immune response. Other studies show it can reduce tenderness and pain in patients with fibromyalgia. |
• Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) |
Feverfew seems to interact directly with white blood cells to slow the inflammatory process and reduce the severity and frequency of RA episodes. |
• Flax (Linum usitatissimum) |
Oral doses of flaxseed have been shown to improve kidney function in people with systemic lupus. |
• Ginger (Zingiber officinale) |
Ginger extracts have been shown to decrease joint pain in people with RA. |
• Grape (Vitis vinifera) |
Grape seeds and skins contain polyphenols, which are potent antiinflammatories and antioxidants that can prevent the development of type 1 diabetes and protect cartilage from the damage caused by RA. |
