5 Steps to Heal Autoimmune Diseases Naturally
It’s highly likely you’ve heard one of the latest health buzzwords, “Autoimmune Disease.” Occurrences are skyrocketing, and it is estimated that approximately 24 million people are affected by this classification of disease. Conditions such as: rheumatoid arthritis, crohn's disease, lupus, multiple sclerosis, thyroid disease, and more are affected by an autoimmune reaction in the body.
What is Autoimmune Disease?
Autoimmune conditions are diseases of chronic inflammation. When the body is chronically and systemically inflamed, it sends off an immune response, and when out of control, it ends up attacking your own bodies’ tissues. In the US, autoimmune disease has become an epidemic. It is now the 8th leading cause of death for women, and costs around $120 billion/year in health care {almost DOUBLING the cost of cancer!}
How conventional medicine treats Autoimmune Disease:
Traditionally, autoimmune conditions are treated with pharmaceutical drugs. Anti-inflammatories such as: NSAIDs, immune suppressants, and high dose steroids are common. While in some cases, it is necessary to “cool the fire” on inflammation so that the body can heal, these drugs can come with nasty side effects. To help explain, I love the analogy of the car in this instance. If your car engine begins to break down, it’s likely a warning light will appear on your dashboard, indicating “check engine.” Now, if you choose, you could go to a mechanic and have the light turned off, and your car will probably function alright for a while, but will be breaking down on the inside. Solely taking anti-inflammatories, steroids, etc. is like turning your warning lights off instead of finding the root of the issue! Making lifestyle adjustments and healing the body from the inside out will get you a brand new, shiny engine.
1. Eliminate foods that trigger an autoimmune response:
Wheat
Processed sugar
Dairy
Corn
Soy
Additional grains: rice, quinoa, etc.
Nightshades: tomato, potato, peppers, eggplant
2. Heal Hidden Infections
Seek out a practitioner versed in muscle testing, chronic infections, functional medicine, and nutrition. Things like chronic yeast, bacteria, fungus, and infections can be BIG TIME autoimmune triggers. Food elimination and supplementation will be indicated here.
3. Change your mindset
Our thoughts directly affect our physiology. Thoughts of love, calm, gratitude, and joy help put us in a healing vibe, calm down our stress response , and helps us regenerate! Find a way that helps you connect to positive vibes, and kick the fear. Here's a few of my favorites:
Meditation
Exercise
Journaling
Flotation therapy
Mind-body stress relief treatments. Find a practitioner certified in Neuro Emotional Technique or the Lifeline Technique!
4. Take the proper supplementation to heal your body
gain, here it is SO important to work with a practitioner to guide you through the healing process. This will help you find the right balance of supplements for YOU in the proper concentration and length of time. Here are a few of my go-to's for reducing inflammation and autoimmune reactions:
5. Be patient
Our bodies are designed to regenerate and heal, but it takes time. It takes a total of 13 months for every cell in our body to regenerate. Remind yourself that you are giving your body time to heal and find a new balance within your immune system.
