There are over 100 autoimmune diseases, including lupus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis. These diseases occur when the autoimmune system attacks the body instead of protecting it. You may experience pain, fatigue, rashes, nausea, headaches, and dizziness, depending on the condition. Approximately one in 15 people have an autoimmune disease.
That’s a pretty staggering statistic. So, let’s look into some of the main causes behind autoimmune diseases and how Advanced Regenerative Medicine can help.
Age and Sex
Autoimmune diseases often start between the ages of 15 and 44. Women are about twice as likely to have an autoimmune disease as men.
Furthermore, some conditions are more common in some ethnic groups. Individuals identifying as white or Pacific Islanders had the lowest rates, and those identifying as Native American or African American had higher rates for many autoimmune diseases.
Infections
Most scientists believe that some people are born with specific genes making them more susceptible to autoimmune diseases. Then, when they get an infection, it triggers the disease.
Often, the virus has happened years before the autoimmune disease appears. For example, scientists know that having mumps or rubella can trigger Type 1 diabetes later in life. There is a growing body of evidence that having COVID-19 may trigger rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Smoking
There is a direct correlation between smoking and the development of autoimmune diseases. Smoking changes the lung’s microenvironment and can act as a pathogenic mechanism to start an autoimmune disease.
It can also add oxidative stress, which can cause the immune system to break down. Furthermore, smokers are more likely to get infections, which can start or worsen autoimmune diseases.
Nutrition
You have probably heard that you are what you eat, which is true with autoimmune diseases. A diet high in red meat, processed meat, sweetened drinks, and refined sugars can cause the body to become inflamed, triggering an autoimmune disease flareup. Alternatively, eating a healthier diet often leads to fewer symptoms.
Pollution
Researchers have found a strong tie between air pollution and an increased risk of autoimmune diseases. According to the World Health Organization, almost everyone lives in an environment where air-quality standards are not met.
Officials with the Environment Texas Research and Policy Center say that those living in the Metroplex can expect about 106 days of poor air quality annually. Experts especially warn about the air quality inside Texas homes that do not have adequate ventilation.
How Are Autoimmune Diseases Treated?
There are two broad ways that providers treat autoimmune diseases. First, patients may have their symptoms treated. For instance, they may take anti-inflammatories when their joints are inflamed.
Secondly, they may receive immunosuppressive or immune-modulation therapy. There is a lot of evidence that neither treatment plan is effective.
Therefore, looking at alternatives, like platelet-rich plasma (PRP), can be an effective natural solution in pain management.
One thing that almost all autoimmune diseases have in common is that the person experiences an extraordinary level of pain.
What is Platelet-Rich Plasma?
PRP collects platelets, growth, and cellular signaling factors from your body. Then, the mixture is concentrated before being injected back into inflamed parts of your body. Often, providers use ultrasound to deliver the injection directly to the area where it will most effectively relieve pain.
Many patients report feeling better after just one injection.
Why PRP May Be Effective
PRP may be effective by stopping or slowing down inflammation. It may also encourage the growth of new cartilage through natural regeneration. Furthermore, it may alter the activity level in your body’s pain receptors, which means you have pain relief.
If you are ready to try PRP, talk to the experts at Advanced Regenerative Medicine. We are experts at helping patients overcome pain using natural solutions, so even if PRP is unsuitable for you, we have other natural approaches that can help.
