Auto-Immune Disorders

Description

This term covers a wide range of disorders, and generally refers to a malfunction of the Immune System, so that it acts against its own normal body cells. Examples of autoimmune disorders include AIDS, myopathy (affecting muscle fibres), Raynauds syndrome, scleroderma (hardening Skin), and rheumatoid Arthritis. Because the Immune System cells expend energy toward "self" cells, the immune response may become weakened regarding actual foreign invaders, leaving the individual open to a wide range of opportunistic Infections. An inadequate diet or deficiencies may provoke autoimmune disorders.

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Herbs

Ginseng (4)
Hawthorn
Liquorice
Red Clover

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Nutritional Supplements

Beta Carotene (6) Vitamin B6
Vitamin C (1)
Vitamin E (2)
Selenium
Zinc (3)

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References

1. Kodama M, et al: Autoimmune disease and Allergy are controlled by Vitamin C treatment, In Vivo, 8(2), Mar-Apr 1994, p 251-257. 2. Tengerdy, RP: The role of Vitamin E in immune response and disease resistance, Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 587, 1990, p 24-33. 3. Duchateau J, et al: Beneficial effects of oral Zinc supplementation on the immune response of old people, American Journal of Medicine, 70(5), May 1981, p 1001-1004. 4. Scaglione F, et al: Immunomodulatory effects of two extracts of panax ginseng, Drugs Exp Clin Research, 16(10), 1990, p 537-542. 6. Canfield LM; Forage JW; Valenzuela JG: Carotenoids as cellular Antioxidants, Proc Soc Exp Biol Med: 200:2:260-5 (1992)

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