Autoimmune diseases can often manifest as low energy, sore joints, headaches, digestive issues and even eczema. Many times, the symptoms go undiagnosed resulting in unnecessary and prolong suffering.

Chronic symptoms or don’t have an apparent cause should not be taken lightly as these health symptoms are often a clue that a more serious health condition could be lurking.

What is an autoimmune disease?

An autoimmune disease develops when your immune system, which defends your body against disease, decides your healthy cells are foreign. As a result, your immune system attacks healthy cells. Depending on the type, an autoimmune disease can affect one or many different types of body tissue. – Healthline

If you’ve heard the term before but don’t know exactly what it means, you’re not alone. Autoimmune disease or disorders as a group are as common as cancer and heart disease in our modern society. Sadly, they are talked about far less than other illnesses as they are unseen.

Autoimmune disease is in essence when your body turns on itself, your immune system is meant to attack outside invaders, but it starts attacking itself instead.

Some of the most common autoimmune diseases are Lupus, Gout, Osteoarthritis, Fibromyalgia and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Who is at risk for an autoimmune disease?

No one person is in danger, although studies reflect that genetic markers may play a role. Not only are these illnesses not as rare as you may think, but they’re also affecting a broad range of women.

In recent years celebrities have started speaking out about their struggles in an attempt to raise awareness. Included in this public and very personal recounts are Zoe Saldana and Gina Rodriguez who have Hashimoto’s; a thyroid-related illness.

Why are our bodies turning against us? How can we prevent the onset? The first step would be a diagnosis, secondly would be to seek assistance from a functional medicine doctor.

Functional medicine can be critical to managing and even reversing the symptoms of autoimmune disease or disorders. However, finding a good doctor may be the difficult part.

What you should do today

At Thrive Skin + Wellness, our knowledgeable team of qualified medical providers will help you identify your specific health concern and offer recommendations in order to improve your wellbeing. To schedule your complimentary cosmetic consultation, call us at (919) 557-6400 or schedule online.

Disclaimer: Information and content within this blog is provided for informational purposes only. This blog is not intended to provide medical advice, and anything read here should not be construed as such. Reading this blog or communicating with our staff does not create a physician-patient relationship. If you have questions about any health issue, including something you may have read here, please consult a licensed, trained physician or health professional immediately.