5 Signs You May Have an Autoimmune Disease and How to Start “The Fix”
Is your body failing? Is it turning on itself and leaving you in pain, debilitated and frustrated? You could have an Autoimmune Disease.
WHAT IS AN AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE?
Autoimmune Diseases come in many different forms, some of which you know of, others that are more rare and even some that would likely surprise you. Conditions such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, thyroid diseases, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, IBS, psoriasis and many more.
WHAT CAUSES AN AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE?
Although this is a complicated topic, the common thread that defines this category is the “body attacking itself”.
Operating as an organized, well orchestrated system, the body maintains tight regulation of every single activity in order to best adapt, survive and hopefully thrive in a given environment.
The one caveat, and what is often found to be a major contributing factor to autoimmunity is the one’s lifestyle choices. Yes, genetics surely play a role, but it’s how you LIVED that will have the largest effect.
Factors range from exposure to toxins like heavy metals or mold, bacterial overgrowth and infection or chronic inflammation from numerous sources including gut permeability and a sedentary lifestyle. Additional factors include stress, medication use, poor sleep…essentially anything that negatively impacts your health and body’s function could precipitate autoimmunity.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS?
1. Joint and muscle pain.
2. Fatigue.
3. Weight loss.
4. Fever.
5. Dry eyes, mouth or skin.
HOW TO START “THE FIX”
The traditional medical approach for an autoimmune disease will very likely include immune suppressant and anti-inflammatory medication. While that may work for some short term symptom reduction, those medications are not without serious long term side effects and will only address the collateral damage from these conditions.
Here are some steps that will yield big returns by improving the body’s function and giving it the best chance at slowing down the process and in many cases, even building better health than what had existed prior to an autoimmunity diagnosis.
1. Exercise.
It almost goes with saying but engaging in a regular training program that improves strength, mobility and conditioning will have a positive effect on nearly every measurable aspect of the body’s function. This includes immune system health and reduction of chronic inflammation, both important outcomes in those suffering from an autoimmune condition.
2. Diet.
Another no-brainer…obviously diet is a key component to improving the chances of recovery. However, what may surprise you most is what is NOT included in the recommended fuel sources.
With grain consumption playing a role in gut permeability and leading to autoimmunity, removing grains (especially gluten containing grains) is a fundamental step in the healing and repair process.
If damage to the gut remains unchanged, improvements and even resolution of some disorders is unlikely.
In addition, reducing processed carbohydrates while increasing quality protein and good fats will accelerate the benefits to someone undergoing an autoimmune progression.
3. Stress Reduction.
Lastly, anything you can to improve or enhance your body’s ability to handle stress is going to be a massive bonus. This includes correcting Bio-Structural problems, getting more quality rest, managing your workload and disconnecting from our digital devices more often.
Do you have an Autoimmune Disease? What has worked for you? We’d love to hear from you!
Dr. Jamie Richards
I’m Jamie and I’m obsessed with health, passionate about maximizing performance and love being an expert in Bio-Structural Restoration™. As the CEO and founder of Life By Design Inc. I have the drive to lead our community toward extraordinary lives. I am in love with my wife, Dana, daughters Andie & Scottie, I’m fanatical about modern design, and I’m deeply committed to the pursuit of a happy life.
