Essential Vitamins to your age groups

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The list of vitamins and minerals below can give you an understanding of how particular different types of vitamins and minerals work in your body, how much of each nutrient you need every day , and what types of food to eat to ensure that you are getting an adequate supply. 

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The recommendations in this vitamins chart are based largely on guidelines from the Institute of Medicine. Recommended amounts of different types of vitamins may be expressed in milligrams (mg), micrograms (mcg), or international units (IU), depending on the nutrient. Unless specified, values represent those for adults ages 19 and older.

Source: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/listing_of_vitamin,

VITAMIN	BENEFITS	RECOMMENDED AMOUNT (daily RDA* or daily AI**)	UPPER LIMIT (UL) per day	GOOD FOOD SOURCES	DID YOU KNOW?
RETINOIDS AND CAROTENE (vitamin A; includes retinol, retinal, retinyl esters, and retinoic acid and are also referred to as "preformed" vitamin A. Beta carotene can easily be converted to vitamin A as needed.)	Essential for vision Lycopene may lower prostate cancer risk. Keeps tissues and skin healthy. Plays an important role in bone growth and in the immune system. Diets rich in the carotenoids alpha carotene and lycopene seem to lower lung cancer risk. Carotenoids act as antioxidants. Foods rich in the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin may protect against cataracts	M: 900 mcg (3,000 IU)W: 700 mcg (2,333 IU)Some supplements report vitamin A in international units (IU's).	3,000 mcg (about 10,000 IU)	Sources of retinoids:beef liver, eggs, shrimp, fish, fortified milk, butter, cheddar cheese, Swiss cheese Sources of beta carotene:sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkins, squash, spinach, mangoes, turnip greens	Many people get too much preformed vitamin A from food and supplements. Large amounts of supplemental vitamin A (but not beta carotene) can be harmful to bones. Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE
THIAMIN (vitamin B1)	Helps convert food into energy. Needed for healthy skin, hair, muscles, and brain and is critical for nerve function.	M: 1.2 mg, W: 1.1 mg	Not known	Pork chops, brown rice, ham, soymilk, watermelons, acorn squash	Most nutritious foods have some thiamin.
RIBOFLAVIN(vitamin B2)	Helps convert food into energy. Needed for healthy skin, hair, blood, and brain	M: 1.3 mg, W: 1.1 mg	Not known	Milk, eggs, yogurt, cheese, meats, green leafy vegetables, whole and enriched grains and cereals.	Most Americans get enough of this nutrient.
NIACIN (vitamin B3, nicotinic acid)	Helps convert food into energy. Essential for healthy skin, blood cells, brain, and nervous system	M: 16 mg, W: 14 mg	35 mg	Meat, poultry, fish, fortified and whole grains, mushrooms, potatoes, peanut butter	Niacin occurs naturally in food and can also be made by your body from the amino acid tryptophan, with the help of B6.
PANTOTHENIC ACID (vitamin B5)	Helps convert food into energy. Helps make lipids (fats), neurotransmitters, steroid hormones, and hemoglobin	M: 5 mg, W: 5 mg	Not known	Wide variety of nutritious foods, including chicken, egg yolk, whole grains, broccoli, mushrooms, avocados, tomato products	Deficiency causes burning feet and other neurologic symptoms.
PYRIDOXINE (vitamin B6, pyridoxal, pyridoxine, pyridoxamine)	Aids in lowering homocysteine levels and may reduce the risk of heart diseaseHelps convert tryptophan to niacin and serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays key roles in sleep, appetite, and moods. Helps make red blood cells Influences cognitive abilities and immune function	31–50 years old: M: 1.3 mg, W: 1.3 mg; 51+ years old: M: 1.7 mg, W: 1.5 mg	100 mg	Meat, fish, poultry, legumes, tofu and other soy products, potatoes, noncitrus fruits such as bananas and watermelons	Many people don't get enough of this nutrient.
COBALAMIN (vitamin B12)	Aids in lowering homocysteine levels and may lower the risk of heart disease. Assists in making new cells and breaking down some fatty acids and amino acids. Protects nerve cells and encourages their normal growth Helps make red blood cells and DNA	M: 2.4 mcg, W: 2.4 mcg	Not known	Meat, poultry, fish, milk, cheese, eggs, fortified cereals, fortified soymilk	Some people, particularly older adults, are deficient in vitamin B12 because they have trouble absorbing this vitamin from food. Those on a vegan or vegetarian diet often don't get enough B12as it's mostly found in animal products. They may need to take supplements. A lack of vitamin B12can cause memory loss, dementia, and numbness in the arms and legs.
BIOTIN	Helps convert food into energy and synthesize glucose. Helps make and break down some fatty acids. Needed for healthy bones and hair	M: 30 mcg, W: 30 mcg	Not known	Many foods, including whole grains, organ meats, egg yolks, soybeans, and fish	Some is made by bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. However, it's not clear how much of this the body absorbs.
ASCORBIC ACID (vitamin C)	Foods rich in vitamin C may lower the risk for some cancers, including those of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and breast. Long-term use of supplemental vitamin C may protect against cataracts. Helps make collagen, a connective tissue that knits together wounds and supports blood vessel walls. Helps make the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine Acts as an antioxidant, neutralizing unstable molecules that can damage cells. Bolsters the immune system	M: 90 mg, W: 75 mg Smokers: Add 35 mg	2,000 mg	Fruits and fruit juices (especially citrus), potatoes, broccoli, bell peppers, spinach, strawberries, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts	Evidence that vitamin C helps reduce colds has not been convincing.
CHOLINE	Helps make and release the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which aids in many nerve and brain activities. Plays a role in metabolizing and transporting fats	M: 550 mg, W: 425 mg	3,500 mg	Many foods, especially milk, eggs, liver, salmon, and peanuts	No rmally the body makes small amounts of choline. But experts don't know whether this amount is enough at certain ages.
CALCIFEROL (vitamin D)	Helps maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus, which strengthen bones. Helps form teeth and bones. Supplements can reduce the number of non-spinal fractures	31–70: 15 mcg (600 IU) 71+: 20 mcg (800 IU)	50 mcg (2,000 IU)	Fortified milk or margarine, fortified cereals, fatty fish	Many people don't get enough of this nutrient. While the body uses sunlight to make vitamin D, it cannot make enough if you live in northern climates or don't spend much time in the sun.
ALPHA-TOCOPHEROL (vitamin E)	Acts as an antioxidant, neutralizing unstable molecules that can damage cells. Protects vitamin A and certain lipids from damage. Diets rich in vitamin E may help prevent Alzheimer's disease.	M: 15 mg, W: 15 mg (15 mg equals about 22 IU from natural sources of vitamin E and 33 IU from synthetic vitamin E)	1,000 mg (nearly 1,500 IU natural vitamin E; 2,200 IU synthetic)	Wide variety of foods, including vegetable oils, salad dressings and margarines made with vegetable oils, wheat germ, leafy green vegetables, whole grains, nuts	Vitamin E does not prevent wrinkles or slow other aging processes.
FOLIC ACID(vitamin B9, folate, folacin)	Vital for new cell creationHelps prevent brain and spine birth defects when taken early in pregnancy; should be taken regularly by all women of child-bearing age since women may not know they are pregnant in the first weeks of pregnancy. Can lower levels of homocysteine and may reduce heart disease risk May reduce risk for colon cancer. Offsets breast cancer risk among women who consume alcohol	M: 400 mcg, W: 400 mcg	1,000 mcg	Fortified grains and cereals, asparagus, okra, spinach, turnip greens, broccoli, legumes like black-eyed peas and chickpeas, orange juice, tomato juice	Many people don't get enough of this nutrient.Occasionally, folic acid masks a B12deficiency, which can lead to severe neurological complications. That's not a reason to avoid folic acid; just be sure to get enough B12.
PHYLLOQUINONE, MENADIONE (vitamin K)	Activates proteins and calcium essential to blood clotting. May help prevent hip fractures	M: 120 mcg, W: 90 mcg	Not known	Cabbage, liver, eggs, milk, spinach, broccoli, sprouts, kale, collards, and other green vegetables	Intestinal bacteria make a form of vitamin K that accounts for half your requirements. If you take an anticoagulant, keep your vitamin K intake consistent.
MINERAL	BENEFITS	RECOMMENDED AMOUNT (daily RDA* or daily AI**)	UPPER LIMIT (UL) per day	GOOD FOOD SOURCES	DID YOU KNOW?
CALCIUM	Builds and protects bones and teeth. Helps with muscle contractions and relaxation, blood clotting, and nerve impulse transmission. Plays a role in hormone secretion and enzyme activation. Helps maintain healthy blood pressure	31–50: M: 1,000 mg, W: 1,000 mg 51-70: M: 1,000 mg, W: 1,200 mg, 71+: M: 1,200 mg, W: 1,200 mg	2,500 mg	Yogurt, cheese, milk, tofu, sardines, salmon, fortified juices, leafy green vegetables, such as broccoli and kale (but not spinach or Swiss chard, which have binders that lessen absorption)	Adults absorb roughly 30% of calcium ingested, but this can vary depending on the source. Diets very high in calcium may increase the risk of prostate cancer.
CHLORIDE	Balances fluids in the body. A component of stomach acid, essential to digestion	14-50: M/W: 2.3 g, 51-70 M/W: 2.0 g, 71+: M/W: 1.8 g	Not known	Salt (sodium chloride), soy sauce, processed foods	New recommendations (DRIs) for chloride are under development by the Institute of Medicine.
CHROMIUM	Enhances the activity of insulin, helps maintain normal blood glucose levels, and is needed to free energy from glucose	14–50: M: 35 mcg, 14-18: W: 24 mcg 19-50: W: 25 mcg 51+: M: 30 mcg, W: 20 mcg	Not known	Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, potatoes, some cereals, nuts, cheese	Unrefined foods such as brewer's yeast, nuts, and cheeses are the best sources of chromium, but brewer's yeast can sometimes cause bloating and nausea, so you may choose to get chromium from other food sources.
COPPER	Plays an important role in iron metabolism and immune system. Helps make red blood cells	M: 900 mcg, W: 900 mcg	10,000 mcg	Liver, shellfish, nuts, seeds, whole-grain products, beans, prunes, cocoa, black pepper	More than half of the copper in foods is absorbed.
FLUORIDE	Encourages strong bone formation. Keeps dental cavities from starting or worsening	M: 4 mg, W: 3 mg	10 mg	Water that is fluoridated, toothpaste with fluoride, marine fish, teas	Harmful to children in excessive amounts.
IODINE	Part of thyroid hormone, which helps set body temperature and influences nerve and muscle function, reproduction, and growth. Prevents goiter and a congenital thyroid disorder	M: 150 mcg, W: 150 mcg	1,100 mcg	Iodized salt, processed foods, seafood	To prevent iodine deficiencies, some countries add iodine to salt, bread, or drinking water.
IRON	Helps hemoglobin in red blood cells and myoglobin in muscle cells ferry oxygen throughout the body. Needed for chemical reactions in the body and for making amino acids, collagen, neurotransmitters, and hormones	19–50: M: 8 mg, W: 18 mg 51+: M: 8 mg, W: 8 mg	45 mg	Red meat, poultry, eggs, fruits, green vegetables, fortified bread and grain products	Many women of childbearing age don't get enough iron. Women who do not menstruate probably need the same amount of iron as men. Because iron is harder to absorb from plants, experts suggest vegetarians get twice the recommended amount (assuming the source is food).
MAGNESIUM	Needed for many chemical reactions in the body Works with calcium in muscle contraction, blood clotting, and regulation of blood pressure. Helps build bones and teeth	18+: M: 420 mg, W: 320 mg	350 mg (Note: This upper limit applies to supplements and medicines, such as laxatives, not to dietary magnesium.)	Green vegetables such as spinach and broccoli, legumes, cashews, sunflower seeds and other seeds, halibut, whole-wheat bread, milk	The majority of magnesium in the body is found in bones. If your blood levels are low, your body may tap into these reserves to correct the problem.
MANGANESE	Helps form bones. Helps metabolize amino acids, cholesterol, and carbohydrates	M: 2.3 mg, W: 1.8 mg	11 mg	Fish, nuts, legumes, whole grains, tea	If you take supplements or have manganese in your drinking water, be careful not to exceed the upper limit. Those with liver damage or whose diets supply abundant manganese should be especially vigilant.
MOLYBDENUM	Part of several enzymes, one of which helps ward off a form of severe neurological damage in infants that can lead to early death	M: 45 mcg, W: 45 mcg	2,000 mcg	Legumes, nuts, grain products, milk	Molybdenum deficiencies are rare.
PHOSPHORUS	Helps build and protect bones and teeth. Part of DNA and RNA. Helps convert food into energy. Part of phospholipids, which carry lipids in blood and help shuttle nutrients into and out of cells	M: 700 mg, W: 700 mg	31–70: 4,000 mg 71+: 3,000 mg	Wide variety of foods, including milk and dairy products, meat, fish, poultry, eggs, liver, green peas, broccoli, potatoes, almonds	Certain drugs bind with phosphorus, making it unavailable and causing bone loss, weakness, and pain.
POTASSIUM	Balances fluids in the body. Helps maintain steady heartbeat and send nerve impulses. Needed for muscle contractions. A diet rich in potassium seems to lower blood pressure. Getting enough potassium from your diet may benefit bones	M: 4.7 g, W: 4.7 g	Not known	Meat, milk, fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes	Food sources do not cause toxicity, but high-dose supplements might.
SELENIUM	Acts as an antioxidant, neutralizing unstable molecules that can damage cells. Helps regulate thyroid hormone activity	M: 55 mcg, W: 55 mcg	400 mcg	Organ meats, seafood, walnuts, sometimes plants (depends on soil content), grain products	Researchers are investigating whether selenium may help reduce the risk of developing cancer, but with mixed results.
SODIUM	Balances fluids in the body. Helps send nerve impulses. Needed for muscle contractions. Impacts blood pressure; even modest reductions in salt consumption can lower blood pressure	M: 2,300 mg, W: 2,300 mg	Not determined	Salt, soy sauce, processed foods, vegetables	While experts recommend that people limit sodium intake to 2,300 mg, most Americans consume 4,000–6,000 mg a day.
SULFUR	Helps form bridges that shape and stabilize some protein structures. Needed for healthy hair, skin, and nails	Unknown	Unknown	Protein-rich foods, such as meats, fish, poultry, nuts, legumes	Sulfur is a component of thiamin and certain amino acids. There is no recommended amount for sulfur. Deficiencies occur only with a severe lack of protein.
ZINC	Helps form many enzymes and proteins and create new cells. Frees vitamin A from storage in the liver. Needed for immune system, taste, smell, and wound healing. When taken with certain antioxidants, zinc may delay the progression of age-related macular degeneration	M: 11 mg, W: 8 mg	40 mg	Red meat, poultry, oysters and some other seafood, fortified cereals, beans, nuts	Because vegetarians absorb less zinc, experts suggest that they get twice the recommended requirement of zinc from plant foods.

Autoimmune diseases

  

Our bodies have an immune system, which is a complex network of special cells and organs that defends the body from germs and other foreign invaders. Many diseases of the immune system, also known as autoimmune diseases, are more common in women than in men. Learn about the different types of autoimmune diseases that affect women.

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What are autoimmune diseases?

Our bodies have an immune system, which is a complex network of special cells and organs that defends the body from germs and other foreign invaders. At the core of the immune system is the ability to tell the difference between self and nonself: what's you and what's foreign. A flaw can make the body unable to tell the difference between self and non self. When this happens, the body makes autoantibodies (AW-toh-AN-teye-bah-deez) that attack normal cells by mistake. At the same time, special cells called regulatory T cells fail to do their job of keeping the immune system in line. The result is a misguided attack on your own body. This causes the damage we know as autoimmune disease. The body parts that are affected depend on the type of autoimmune disease. There are more than 80 known types.

How common are autoimmune diseases?

Overall, autoimmune diseases are common, affecting more than 23.5 million Americans. They are a leading cause of death and disability. Some autoimmune diseases are rare, while others, such as Hashimoto's disease, affect many people.

Who gets autoimmune diseases?

Autoimmune diseases can affect anyone. Yet certain people are at greater risk, including:

• Women of childbearing age ― More women than men have autoimmune diseases, which often start during their childbearing years.
• People with a family history ― Some autoimmune diseases run in families, such as lupus and multiple sclerosis. It is also common for different types of autoimmune diseases to affect different members of a single family. Inheriting certain genes can make it more likely to get an autoimmune disease. But a combination of genes and other factors may trigger the disease to start.
• People who are around certain things in the environment ― Certain events or environmental exposures may cause some autoimmune diseases, or make them worse. Sunlight, chemicals called solvents, and viral and bacterial infections are linked to many autoimmune diseases.
• People of certain races or ethnic backgrounds ― Some autoimmune diseases are more common or affect certain groups of people more severely. For instance, type 1 diabetes is more common in white people. Lupus is most severe for African-American and Hispanic people.

What autoimmune diseases affect women, and what are their symptoms?

The diseases listed here either are more common in women than men or affect many women and men. They are listed in alphabetical order.

Although each disease is unique, many share hallmark symptoms, such as fatigue, dizziness, and low-grade fever. For many autoimmune diseases, symptoms come and go, or can be mild sometimes and severe at others. When symptoms go away for a while, it's called remission. Flares are the sudden and severe onset of symptoms.

Types of autoimmune diseases and their symptoms

Disease	Symptoms
Alopecia areata (Al-uh-PEE-shuh AR-ee-AYT-uh) The immune system attacks hair follicles (the structures from which hair grows). It usually does not threaten health, but it can greatly affect the way a person looks.	Patchy hair loss on the scalp, face, or other areas of your body
Antiphospholipid (an-teye-FOSS-foh-lip-ihd) antibody syndrome (aPL) A disease that causes problems in the inner lining of blood vessels resulting in blood clots in arteries or veins.	Blood clots in veins or arteries Multiple miscarriages Lacy, net-like red rash on the wrists and knees
Autoimmune hepatitis The immune system attacks and destroys the liver cells. This can lead to scarring and hardening of the liver, and possibly liver failure.	Fatigue Enlarged liver Yellowing of the skin or whites of eyes Itchy skin Joint pain Stomach pain or upset
Celiac disease A disease in which people can't tolerate gluten, a substance found in wheat, rye, and barley, and also some medicines. When people with celiac disease eat foods or use products that have gluten, the immune system responds by damaging the lining of the small intestines.	Abdominal bloating and pain Diarrhea or constipation Weight loss or weight gain Fatigue Missed menstrual periods Itchy skin rash Infertility or miscarriages
Diabetes type 1 A disease in which your immune system attacks the cells that make insulin, a hormone needed to control blood sugar levels. As a result, your body cannot make insulin. Without insulin, too much sugar stays in your blood. High blood sugar can hurt the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and gums and teeth. But the most serious problem caused by diabetes is heart disease.	Being very thirsty Urinating often Feeling very hungry or tired Losing weight without trying Having sores that heal slowly Dry, itchy skin Losing the feeling in your feet or having tingling in your feet Having blurry eyesight
Graves' disease (overactive thyroid) A disease that causes the thyroid to make too much thyroid hormone.	Insomnia Irritability Weight loss Heat sensitivity Sweating Fine brittle hair Muscle weakness Light menstrual periods Bulging eyes Shaky hands Sometimes there are no symptoms
Guillain-Barre (GEE-yahn bah-RAY) syndrome The immune system attacks the nerves that connect your brain and spinal cord with the rest of your body. Damage to the nerves makes it hard for them to transmit signals. As a result, the muscles have trouble responding to the brain.	Weakness or tingling feeling in the legs that might spread to the upper body Paralysis in severe cases Symptoms often progress relatively quickly, over a period of days or weeks, and often occur on both sides of the body.
Hashimoto's (hah-shee-MOH-tohz) disease (underactive thyroid) A disease that causes the thyroid to not make enough thyroid hormone.	Fatigue Weakness Weight gain Sensitivity to cold Muscle aches and stiff joints Facial swelling Constipation
Hemolytic anemia (HEE-moh-lit-ihk uh-NEE-mee-uh) The immune system destroys the red blood cells. Yet the body can't make new red blood cells fast enough to meet the body's needs. As a result, your body does not get the oxygen it needs to function well, and your heart must work harder to move oxygen-rich blood throughout the body.	Fatigue Shortness of breath Dizziness Headache Cold hands or feet Paleness Yellowish skin or whites of eyes Heart problems, including heart failure
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (id-ee-oh-PATH-ihk throm-boh-seye-toh-PEE-nik PUR-pur-uh) (ITP) A disease in which the immune system destroys blood platelets, which are needed for blood to clot.	Very heavy menstrual period Tiny purple or red dots on the skin that might look like a rash. Easy bruising Nosebleed or bleeding in the mouth
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) A disease that causes chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. Crohn's (krohnz) disease and ulcerative colitis (UHL-sur-uh-tiv koh-LEYE-tuhss) are the most common forms of IBD.	Abdominal pain Diarrhea, which may be bloody Some people also have: Rectal bleeding Fever Weight loss Fatigue Mouth ulcers (in Crohn's disease) Painful or difficult bowel movements (in ulcerative colitis)
Inflammatory myopathies (meye-OP-uh-theez) A group of diseases that involve muscle inflammation and muscle weakness. Polymyositis (pol-ee-meye-uh-SYT-uhss) and dermatomyositis (dur-muh-toh-meye-uh-SYT-uhss) are 2 types more common in women than men.	Slow but progressive muscle weakness beginning in the muscles closest to the trunk of the body. Polymyositis affects muscles involved with making movement on both sides of the body. With dermatomyositis, a skin rash comes before or at the same time as muscle weakness. May also have: Fatigue after walking or standing Tripping or falling Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Multiple sclerosis (MUHL-tip-uhl sklur-OH-suhss) (MS) A disease in which the immune system attacks the protective coating around the nerves. The damage affects the brain and spinal cord.	Weakness and trouble with coordination, balance, speaking, and walking Paralysis Tremors Numbness and tingling feeling in arms, legs, hands, and feet Symptoms vary because the location and extent of each attack vary
Myasthenia gravis (meye-uhss-THEEN-ee-uh GRAV-uhss) (MG) A disease in which the immune system attacks the nerves and muscles throughout the body.	Double vision, trouble keeping a steady gaze, and drooping eyelids Trouble swallowing, with frequent gagging or choking Weakness or paralysis Muscles that work better after rest Drooping head Trouble climbing stairs or lifting things Trouble talking
Primary biliary cirrhosis (BIL-ee-air-ee sur-ROH-suhss) The immune system slowly destroys the liver's bile ducts. Bile is a substance made in the liver. It travels through the bile ducts to help with digestion. When the ducts are destroyed, the bile builds up in the liver and hurts it. The damage causes the liver to harden and scar, and eventually stop working.	Fatigue Itchy skin Dry eyes and mouth Yellowing of skin and whites of eyes
Psoriasis (suh-REYE-uh-suhss) A disease that causes new skin cells that grow deep in your skin to rise too fast and pile up on the skin surface.	Thick red patches, covered with scales, usually appearing on the head, elbows, and knees Itching and pain, which can make it hard to sleep, walk, and care for yourself May have: A form of arthritis that often affects the joints and the ends of the fingers and toes. Back pain can occur if the spine is involved.
Rheumatoid arthritis (ROO-muh-toid ar-THREYE-tuhss) A disease in which the immune system attacks the lining of the joints throughout the body.	Painful, stiff, swollen, and deformed joints Reduced movement and function May have: Fatigue Fever Weight loss Eye inflammation Lung disease Lumps of tissue under the skin, often the elbows Anemia
Scleroderma (sklair-oh-DUR-muh) A disease causing abnormal growth of connective tissue in the skin and blood vessels.	Fingers and toes that turn white, red, or blue in response to heat and cold Pain, stiffness, and swelling of fingers and joints Thickening of the skin Skin that looks shiny on the hands and forearm Tight and mask-like facial skin Sores on the fingers or toes Trouble swallowing Weight loss Diarrhea or constipation Shortness of breath
Sjögren's (SHOH-grins) syndrome A disease in which the immune system targets the glands that make moisture, such as tears and saliva.	Dry eyes or eyes that itch Dryness of the mouth, which can cause sores Trouble swallowing Loss of sense of taste Severe dental cavities Hoarse voice Fatigue Joint swelling or pain Swollen glands Cloudy eyes
Systemic lupus erythematosus (LOO-puhss ur-ih-thee-muh-TOH-suhss) A disease that can damage the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, and other parts of the body. Also called SLE or lupus.	Fever Weight loss Hair loss Mouth sores Fatigue "Butterfly" rash across the nose and cheeks Rashes on other parts of the body Painful or swollen joints and muscle pain Sensitivity to the sun Chest pain Headache, dizziness, seizure, memory problems, or change in behavior
Vitiligo (vit-ihl-EYE-goh) The immune system destroys the cells that give your skin its color. It also can affect the tissue inside your mouth and nose.	White patches on areas exposed to the sun, or on armpits, genitals, and rectum Hair turns gray early Loss of color inside your mouth

Are chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia autoimmune diseases?

Chronic fatigue syndrome, also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis, or ME/CFS, and fibromyalgia (feye-broh-meye-AL-juh) (FM) are not autoimmune diseases. But they often have symptoms of some autoimmune disease, like being tired all the time and pain.

• ME/CFS can cause you to be very tired, have trouble concentrating, feel weak, and have muscle pain. Symptoms of ME/CFS come and go. The cause of ME/CFS is not known.
• FM is a disorder in which pain or tenderness is felt in multiple places all over the body. These "tender points" are located on the neck, shoulders, back, hips, arms, and legs and are painful when pressure is applied to them. Other symptoms include fatigue, trouble sleeping, and morning stiffness. FM mainly occurs in women of childbearing age. But children, the elderly, and men are sometimes can also get it. The cause is not known.

How do I find out if I have an autoimmune disease?

Getting a diagnosis can be a long and stressful process. Although each autoimmune disease is unique, many share some of the same symptoms. And many symptoms of autoimmune diseases are the same for other types of health problems too. This makes it hard for doctors to find out if you really have an autoimmune disease, and which one it might be. But if you are having symptoms that bother you, it's important to find the cause. Don't give up if you're not getting any answers. You can take these steps to help find out the cause of your symptoms:

• Write down a complete family health history that includes extended family and share it with your doctor.
• Record any symptoms you have, even if they seem unrelated, and share it with your doctor.
• See a specialist who has experience dealing with your most major symptom. For instance, if you have symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease, start with a gastroenterologist. Ask your regular doctor, friends, and others for suggestions.
• Get a second, third, or fourth opinion if need be. If your doctor doesn't take your symptoms seriously or tells you they are stress-related or in your head, see another doctor.

What types of doctors treat autoimmune diseases?

Juggling your health care needs among many doctors and specialists can be hard. But specialists, along with your main doctor, may be helpful in managing some symptoms of your autoimmune disease. If you see a specialist, make sure you have a supportive main doctor to help you. Often, your family doctor may help you coordinate care if you need to see one or more specialists. Here are some specialists who treat autoimmune diseases:

• Nephrologist. A doctor who treats kidney problems, such as inflamed kidneys caused by lupus. Kidneys are organs that clean the blood and produce urine.
• Rheumatologist. A doctor who treats arthritis and other rheumatic diseases, such as scleroderma and lupus.
• Endocrinologist. A doctor who treats gland and hormone problems, such as diabetes and thyroid disease.
• Neurologist. A doctor who treats nerve problems, such as multiple sclerosis and myasthenia gravies.
• 
  Haematologist. A doctor who treats diseases that affect blood, such as some forms of anemia.
• Gastroenterologist. A doctor who treats problems with the digestive system, such as inflammatory bowel disease.
• Dermatologist. A doctor who treats diseases that affect the skin, hair, and nails, such as psoriasis and lupus.
• Physical therapist. A health care worker who uses proper types of physical activity to help patients with stiffness, weakness, and restricted body movement.
• Occupational therapist. A health care worker who can find ways to make activities of daily living easier for you, despite your pain and other health problems. This could be teaching you new ways of doing things or how to use special devices. Or suggesting changes to make in your home or workplace.
• Speech therapist. A health care worker who can help people with speech problems from illness such as multiple sclerosis.
• Audiologist. A health care worker who can help people with hearing problems, including inner ear damage from autoimmune diseases.
• Vocational therapist. A health care worker who offers job training for people who cannot do their current jobs because of their illness or other health problems. You can find this type of person through both public and private agencies.
• Counsellor for emotional support. A health care worker who is specially trained to help you to find ways to cope with your illness. You can work through your feelings of anger, fear, denial, and frustration.

Are there medicines to treat autoimmune diseases?

There are many types of medicines used to treat autoimmune diseases. The type of medicine you need depends on which disease you have, how severe it is, and your symptoms. Treatment can do the following:

• Relieve symptoms. Some people can use over-the-counter drugs for mild symptoms, like aspirin and ibuprofen for mild pain. Others with more severe symptoms may need prescription drugs to help relieve symptoms such as pain, swelling, depression, anxiety, sleep problems, fatigue, or rashes. For others, treatment may be as involved as having surgery.
• Replace vital substances the body can no longer make on its own. Some autoimmune diseases, like diabetes and thyroid disease, can affect the body's ability to make substances it needs to function. With diabetes, insulin injections are needed to regulate blood sugar. Thyroid hormone replacement restores thyroid hormone levels in people with under-active thyroid.
• Suppress the immune system. Some drugs can suppress immune system activity. These drugs can help control the disease process and preserve organ function. For instance, these drugs are used to control inflammation in affected kidneys in people with lupus to keep the kidneys working. Medicines used to suppress inflammation include chemotherapy given at lower doses than for cancer treatment and drugs used in patients who have had an organ transplant to protect against rejection. A class of drugs called anti-TNF medications blocks inflammation in some forms of autoimmune arthritis and psoriasis.

New treatments for autoimmune diseases are being studied all the time.

Are there alternative treatments that can help?

Many people try some form of complimentary and alternative medicine (CAM) at some point in their lives. Some examples of CAM are herbal products, chiropractic, acupuncture, and hypnosis. If you have an autoimmune disease, you might wonder if CAM therapies can help some of your symptoms. This is hard to know. Studies on CAM therapies are limited. Also, some CAM products can cause health problems or interfere with how the medicines you might need work. If you want to try a CAM treatment, be sure to discuss it with your doctor. Your doctor can tell you about the possible benefits and risks of trying CAM.

I want to have a baby. Does having an autoimmune disease affect pregnancy?

Women with autoimmune diseases can safely have children. But there could be some risks for the mother or baby, depending on the disease and how severe it is. For instance, pregnant women with lupus have a higher risk of preterm birth and stillbirth. Pregnant women with myasthenia gravis (MG) might have symptoms that lead to trouble breathing during pregnancy. For some women, symptoms tend to improve during pregnancy, while others find their symptoms tend to flare up. Also, some medicines used to treat autoimmune diseases might not be safe to use during pregnancy.

If you want to have a baby, talk to your doctor before you start trying to get pregnant. Your doctor might suggest that you wait until your disease is in remission or suggest a change in medicines before you start trying. You also might need to see a doctor who cares for women with high-risk pregnancies.

Some women with autoimmune diseases may have problems getting pregnant. This can happen for many reasons. Tests can tell if fertility problems are caused by an autoimmune disease or an unrelated reason. Fertility treatments are able to help some women with autoimmune disease become pregnant.

How can I manage my life now that I have an autoimmune disease?

Although most autoimmune diseases don't go away, you can treat your symptoms and learn to manage your disease, so you can enjoy life! Women with autoimmune diseases lead full, active lives. Your life goals should not have to change. It is important, though, to see a doctor who specializes in these types of diseases, follow your treatment plan, and adopt a healthy lifestyle.

How can I deal with flares?

Flares are the sudden and severe onset of symptoms. You might notice that certain triggers, such as stress or being out in the sun, cause your symptoms to flare. Knowing your triggers, following your treatment plan, and seeing your doctor regularly can help you to prevent flares or keep them from becoming severe. If you suspect a flare is coming, call your doctor. Don't try a "cure" you heard about from a friend or relative.

What are some things I can do to feel better?

If you are living with an autoimmune disease, there are things you can do each day to feel better:

• Eat healthy, well-balanced meals. Make sure to include fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fat-free or low-fat milk products, and lean sources of protein. Limit saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, salt, and added sugars. If you follow a healthy eating plan, you will get the nutrients you need from food.
• Get regular physical activity. But be careful not to overdo it. Talk with your doctor about what types of physical activity you can do. A gradual and gentle exercise program often works well for people with long-lasting muscle and joint pain. Some types of yoga or tai chi exercises may be helpful.
• Get enough rest. Rest allows your body tissues and joints the time they need to repair. Sleeping is a great way you can help both your body and mind. If you don't get enough sleep, your stress level and your symptoms could get worse. You also can't fight off sickness as well when you sleep poorly. When you are well-rested, you can tackle your problems better and lower your risk for illness. Most people need at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep each day to feel well-rested.
• Reduce stress. Stress and anxiety can trigger symptoms to flare up with some autoimmune diseases. So finding ways to simplify your life and cope with daily stressors will help you to feel your best. Meditation, self-hypnosis, and guided imagery, are simple relaxation techniques that might help you to reduce stress, lessen your pain, and deal with other aspects of living with your disease. You can learn to do these through self-help books, tapes, or with the help of an instructor. Joining a support group or talking with a counsellor might also help you to manage your stress and cope with your disease.

You have some power to lessen your pain! Try using imagery for 15 minutes, two or three times each day. 

1. Put on your favourite calming music.
2. Lie back on your favourite chair or sofa. Or if you are at work, sit back and relax in your chair.
3. Close your eyes.
4. Imagine your pain or discomfort.
5. Imagine something that confronts this pain and watch it "destroy" the pain.

References:  https://www.womenshealth.gov | https://phgkb.cdc.gov/ | 

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