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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),
Raynaud’s 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.
Herbs
Ginseng
(4)
Hawthorn
Liquorice
Red Clover
Nutritional Supplements
Beta Carotene (6)
Vitamin B6
Vitamin C (1)
Vitamin E (2)
Selenium
Zinc (3)
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) |
