It’s estimated that over 23 million people in America are currently living with one of the over 100 known autoimmune diseases. Some commonly known autoimmune disorders are Rheumatoid Arthritis, Crohn’s disease, Psoriasis, and Multiple Sclerosis. These conditions can be debilitating for these individuals and affect many tissues and organs in the body depending on which systems are affected. Although symptoms may vary, all of these disorders share one basic thing: the Immune System is attacking itself.
What is an autoimmune disease?
You are likely already aware that the main function of the immune system is to protect us from disease and infection. In a healthy immune system, harmful germs and viruses entering the body are destroyed allowing us to stay healthy.
In autoimmune diseases, the Immune System is overactive and damages its own tissue and organs. This is due to the body’s inability to differentiate between normal cells and foreign invaders. Even though there are over 100 autoimmune diseases, many tend to share similar symptoms such as:
- Joint pain and swelling
- Digestive issues
- Brain fog
- Skin irritations and sensitivity
- Food intolerances
- Mood changes
- Chronic fatigue
- Swollen glands and frequent fever
- Sleep difficulty
- Anxiety and depression
So what causes this autoimmune reaction and how can we stop it?
Inflammation is both the cause and the trigger of chronic conditions such as autoimmune disorders. In a healthy individual, inflammation is a natural response to trauma, infection, and stress. Once the stress has been managed, the body is able to go back to normal and inflammation is reversed. However, in an individual with autoimmune disease, body cells become overwhelmed by the increased inflammatory response and have difficulty reversing course.
The inflammation remains long after the attack has ended creating chronic conditions and symptoms. This constant inflammation deprives the cell of oxygen, weakens the cells’ ability to create energy and remove waste, and slows cell repair. So, how can we counter this autoimmune cell damage and reduce inflammation?
Medical Ozone
Ozone has been referred to as the “miracle molecule” due to its unique structure and successful use in medical treatment for over 35 years. Containing 3 oxygen atoms instead of 2, Ozone (O3), atoms all share the same electrons and are considered a “super” oxygen.
Medical Ozone is made in the clinic by passing pure medical oxygen through a special electrode. When medical ozone is mixed with blood or injected into tissues many of the damaging impacts of inflammation are able to be reversed due to the introduction of oxygen and lipo-peroxides. This incredible molecule has been known to initiate the following positive benefits in those with inflammatory conditions:
Improved antioxidant activity
An individual who suffers from an autoimmune disorder tends to have more inflammation in the body. The antioxidant qualities of medical ozone help protect the body from oxidative stress and could reverse cell damage.
Immune system support
Ozone has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory traits which are key factors in warding off pathogens that overstimulate the immune response.
Delivery of oxygen to tissues
In autoimmune disorders, inflammation decreases the cells’ ability to utilize oxygen. Ozone’s ability to break down into oxygen when mixed with the blood increases total cell health by improving oxygen utilization in the cell.
Enhance blood circulation
Many individuals with autoimmune disorders experience poor digestive health which affects nutrient absorption. Medical ozone allows more nutrients to reach body tissues by increasing circulation and blood flow.
In autoimmune patients, there is a vicious cycle of inflammation and tissue cell damage, and deprivation. This cause and effect make it difficult for the patient to fully recover from their illness. With the help of medical ozone, the leading causes of autoimmune disorders are addressed rather than just individual symptoms.
The benefits of medical ozone are remarkable in the ability to increase cell health and improve the well-being of autoimmune patients. At OWM Integrative Wellness, we offer medical ozone therapy as part of a comprehensive medical approach to treat autoimmune disorders and other chronic illnesses.
