Natural Solutions for Seemingly Invisible Illnesses An invisible illness is a disease that you really cannot see or point to in a traditional sense. An invisible illness presents as a cluster of symptoms that wax and wane and eventually progress over time. It may happen with a “snowball effect,” in which a minor imbalance within the body produces a cascade of biological triggers that can eventually lead to poor health and the development of a chronic illness. It is an illness in which individuals feel sick more often than not, requiring alterations in their lifestyles. Identification of an invisible illness is important for health care therapies and validation provides a sense of knowing you are not crazy, this condition is very real. Eventually an invisible illness presents as a diagnosable disease and at the root an invisible illness is an autoimmune condition. Unfortunately, an autoimmune disease does not limit destruction to one organ or system, but can attack multiple areas of the body. By the time patients are actually diagnosed with an autoimmune disease such as IBS, Hashimoto’s, or Rheumatoid Arthritis, the patients will frequently have additional chronic conditions or symptom clusters. Two of the most common symptoms reported are pain and fatigue which can have a tremendous impact upon lifestyle. Autoimmune conditions attack the thyroid gland, adrenal gland, nerves, joints, muscles, and a number of other organs. It is important to understand that the problem is not isolated to one organ or system, but multiple body systems are affected, requiring a holistic approach to patient care. In addition, the physical, biochemical stress can lead to mental stress and it can become a not so merry merry-go-round. Sandy, a patient at Wellness Alternatives, told us, “One of my first symptoms was the weird sensation of internal trembling which made me feel crazy and scared. Eventually the tremors became visible to others and I became very conscious of trying to hide them. I didn’t want people to ask me what’s wrong, because when I tried to explain that I didn’t know, 38
Yoga & Spa Magazine • Summer 2013
they would look away uncomfortably. In the end, their silence and my nervousness just made the whole situation worse.” If the problem is your immune system, healing the immune system is the only real plan for health. The first step to helping those with an invisible illness is testing. There are specific tests to determine why the immune system is malfunctioning. These tests provide diagnostic information to assess the levels of neurological involvement, endocrine and hormone balance, and immune triggers. In addition, the tests provide information as to which parts of the immune system are inhibited or over stimulated. Often, the immune system is a defense system that is running out of control. Testing is essential to aid practitioners in managing autoimmune conditions. (For more information about testing, visit STLWA.com, Health Library, Testing.) Treatment and therapies should focus on the digestive, immune and detoxification health which will provide a ‘calming’ effect on the whole body. To do this, EVERYTHING must be evaluated and addressed ALL AT ONCE. This is where Functional Medicine offers success for autoimmune conditions. According to Dr. David Peterson, D.C., “I utilize Functional Medicine principles because my goal is to find interventions when imbalances become apparent before they are chronic and irreversible. It is at this point in a patient relationship that I see patients identifying with the term invisible illness. They are sick and don’t really know why. It is my job to find out why.” He continues, “Identifying and controlling influencing factors and triggers such as nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle habits and providing therapies to support the gastrointestinal, endocrine, the immune systems is where Functional Medicine is effective. An underlying common root cause will affect body organs, neurological pathways, and biochemical processes all at the same time. Functional Medicine offers natural solutions for seemingly invisible illnesses.”
If you have an immune system problem, you need to support the immune system.
Seven Steps to Treating an Invisible Illness 1. Check for hidden infections like bacteria, mold, yeast, parasites with the help of a doctor and treat the infection. Bacteria, mold, and parasites manipulate your immune system for their survival. 2. Check for hidden food allergens with IgG food testing. A practical option may be adopting the Anti-inflammatory Paleo Diet, which is designed to eliminate most food allergens. 3. Get tested for neurotransmitter imbalances; this is a saliva and urine test that any doctor can order. 4. Check your immune status. Autoimmune disease is a TH1 condition in the early stages and a TH17 dominant situation in chronic conditions lasting three months or more. 5. Calm and quiet your immune system. Avoid supplements that provoke an uncontrolled immune response. Use nutrients such as fish oil, vitamin C, vitamin D, and turmeric to help calm your immune response naturally. 6. Get a thorough gastrointestinal checkup. 80% of the immune system in located with the gastrointestinal system. Some patients exhibit GI symptoms and others do not. Gastrointestinal health is foundational to all health including mental well-being. DNA stool testing by Metametrix is the gold standard. 7. Manage stress. Practice deep relaxation like yoga, deep breathing, biofeedback, or massage, because stress worsens the immune response. Get moderate exercise.