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Ten-year-old girl suffered from a serious autoimmune disease, whose manifestations included rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. The disease affected her entire body – blood vessels, white and red blood cells, liver and muscles. The girl also suffered from swollen joints and skin symptoms. No prescribed medications or chemotherapy to suppress the immune system helped. The family then turned to another doctor who tried to find the cause of her condition. He recommended the following:
- Exclude gluten from the diet
- Limit dairy products
- Limit sugar intake
- Take vitamins and dietary supplements
Improvement in condition thanks to functional medicine
Within a few months the girl’s health improved dramatically. Autoimmune diseases are diseases in which our immune system, instead of defending, attacks healthy cells. There are more than 80 types of these diseases, most commonly celiac disease, Crohn’s disease or type 1 diabetes. The cause is still unknown and the medications prescribed are primarily those that stop the body’s immune activity.
Functional medicine is a branch that takes into account the synergy of the whole body and its interaction with the environment. Its goal is to restore the balance of the body as a whole. First all hidden problems must be resolved – fungal infections, viruses and bacteria. Next it is necessary to detect allergies, most often to gluten or dairy products. Then testing for heavy metals follows, especially mercury.
Lack of activity and stress lead to serious illnesses
Care of the gut and ensuring the proper functioning of the digestive tract is important. Essential are quality probiotics, vitamins and nutrients that help restore the immune system, especially vitamin D, B12, folic acid, fish oil and evening primrose oil. Regular physical activity and reduced stress are also advisable – for example with yoga, meditation or other techniques. Functional medicine is condemned by many people as an unconventional method, however it works for many patients and improves their quality of life.
