An autoimmune disease occurs when your body’s immune system attacks healthy cells within the body. This dysfunctional immune response may lead to various symptoms, like hair loss, skin rash, or even joint pain. When the body mistakenly targets skin cells, you may develop an uncomfortable or concerning rash. I work with patients suffering from autoimmune…
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Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) involves a spectrum of symptoms that often ebb and flow over a lifetime. It’s a result of over-activation of our mast cells, , which release chemical mediators that cause inflammation in the body. Typically, MCAS causes a wide range of allergic and autoimmune symptoms, but many people experience more non-specific…
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What Is Dysuria? Dysuria is the medical term for painful urination. It may feel like simple discomfort, a burning sensation, or itching when you pee. Patients feel dysuria either in the urethra or around the urethral opening. Painful urination is generally not a severe problem; most cases are easily treated. If you’re experiencing symptoms of…
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Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic condition that causes bladder pain, bladder pressure, pelvic pain, and urinary urgency. Symptom intensity and duration can vary depending on the level of inflammation in the bladder wall. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and the Interstitial Cystitis Association, this autoimmune disease is…
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No one knows exactly what causes interstitial cystitis, but inflammation certainly plays a role. (Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder.) Autoimmunity, injuries or surgeries, infection, and cross-talk with other pelvic organs may all contribute to inflammatory IC as well. Diet is one of the primary ways patients can control inflammation and, thus, their IC flare-ups.…
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Nightshades are a group of foods belonging to the Solanaceae family (in the Solanum genus) that are generally classified as a healthy part of a balanced diet. However, for people who suffer from autoimmune diseases, the lectins and small amounts of alkaloids in nightshades can worsen their symptoms. Below, we’ll discuss why they are called…
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Mold-related health issues impact millions of Americans every single year. However, long-term mold problems typically go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. The effects of mold and mycotoxins may be the root cause of autoimmune disorders, chronic fatigue, nervous system dysfunction, and allergies. Many buildings in the US have mold, exposing homeowners and employees to hidden mold. Many…
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Interstitial cystitis and urinary tract infections are frequently confused with one another. Cystitis is the medical term for inflammation of the bladder. The cause of cystitis may be bacterial infection or chronic inflammation. Most cases of cystitis are caused by a UTI, but there are other underlying causes that may lead to cystitis. UTI-caused cystitis…
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Bladder spasms, or “detrusor contractions,” occur when the muscles of your bladder contract suddenly, causing an urgent need to urinate. When you have a bladder spasm, you may experience urine leakage and a burning sensation when urine is released. Urine leakage is called incontinence and is most likely caused by a condition known as “overactive…
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Adopting the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet may support overall wellness for people battling autoimmune conditions. This comprehensive elimination and reintroduction diet is designed to reduce inflammation, improve gut health, and minimize the symptoms of autoimmune diseases. Does the AIP diet work? According to extensive scientific research, the AIP diet works to reduce or eliminate many…
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