Autoimmune diseases have become a huge health burden.
They’re now estimated to impact over 24 million Americans, or betweenfive to eight percentof the population.
In fact, more than 80 diseases have been classified as autoimmune, and the list continues to grow.
They often involve hard-to-classify syndromes likeinflammation, pain, swelling, and misery.
Autoimmunity happens when your immune systemyour body’s defense against invadersbecomes confused.
But somehow, that immune army can’t distinguish friend from foe.
Typically, drugs are used to address autoimmune diseases.
In many cases, they are lifesaving and help people get their lives back.
Still, they can also come with adverse effects.
I believe in some cases, there can be alternative ways to deal with autoimmune conditions.
Conventional medicine often addresses autoimmune disease with powerful immune-suppressing medication rather than searching for the cause.
Thats like taking a lot of aspirin while we stand on a tack.
The treatment is not more aspirin or a strong immune suppressant, but removing the tack.
Instead, I look for underlying causes.
Eat a whole food, anti-inflammatory diet.
Look for hidden infections.
These include yeast, viruses, bacteria, andLyme.
A functional-medicine practitioner can help you identify and eliminate these infections.
Get tested for celiac disease and hidden food allergies.
Get checked for heavy metal toxicity.
Mercuryand other metals can be a risk factor for autoimmunity.
About60 to 70 percentof your immune system lies right under the one-cell-layer-thick lining of our gut.
Nutrients like fish oil, vitamin C, vitamin D, andprobioticscan help calm your immune response naturally.
Also consider anti-inflammatory nutrients likequercetin,grapeseed extract, and rutin.
Consistent exercise is a natural anti-inflammatory.
Just start moving around more, use your body more, and have fun.
Calming techniques including yoga,deep breathing, and massage can reduce stress and anxiety to promote relaxation.
Sleep eight hours every night.
