Tag: autoimmune

  • Invasion of the body snatchers

    Invasion of the body snatchers

    Invasion of the body snatchers

    Autoimmune diseases are on the rise (and what you can do about it)

    The rates of the most common autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis, are on the rise―but there is hope for prevention and management.

    What’s in the name: defining autoimmune diseases

    Autoimmune diseases happen when your immune system, which is supposed to protect your body from harmful invaders like viruses and bacteria, mistakenly attacks healthy cells.  This results in chronic inflammation and damage to various tissues and organs in your body, which can trigger an array of health concerns, like arthritis.

    Unlike other diseases caused by external factors, this immune malfunction makes autoimmune diseases harder to diagnose, as symptoms can overlap with many other conditions and vary widely from person to person.

    The causes of autoimmune disease

    Researchers continue to debate various questions about the underlying causes of autoimmune diseases like lupus and multiple sclerosis.

    Most theories boil down to two key factors: your genetics and your environment. Genetic triggers cannot be altered, but degenerative factors like exposure to toxic elements, infections, or chronic stress can be avoided with lifestyle changes.

    Optimize your diet

    Being overweight or obese raises your risks, so eating a healthy diet is foundational. Exactly what you eat is key, too. There’s a correlation between inflammation and both the development and the symptoms of autoimmune diseases.

    Concentrate on anti-inflammatory foods, including leafy greens, fatty fish, nuts, and seeds. That’s the focus of diets like the autoimmune protocol (AIP) diet, which has been shown to help with inflammation-linked health concerns. Reduce the intake of processed foods, refined sugar, and trans fats. Prioritize foods rich in probiotics such as yogurt and fermented vegetables, as well as prebiotic fibres, which help maintain the gut―an important factor in immune function.

    Sweat it out

    Research suggests that regular physical activity can help to both prevent and manage the inflammation and common symptoms, such as chronic fatigue, of autoimmune diseases.

    You don’t need to be a gym rat to reap the benefits. If you’re struggling with pain, mobility, or fatigue, gentle forms of exercise like yoga and tai chi can do the trick.

    When to talk to a doctor

    There are some situations where factors are simply out of your hands. But you’re still empowered to take control of your health. Regular monitoring can catch early signs if you’re at higher risk due to family history. Blood tests and symptom tracking can make a big difference.

    If you notice persistent symptoms or have a family history of autoimmune conditions, consult a healthcare provider. Early detection and management are crucial to improving your quality of life.

    by Joshua Duvauchelle

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Autoimmune management

    Autoimmune management

    Autoimmune management

    Activate your best assets against autoimmune flares

    An autoimmune disorder (AD) occurs when your body’s defense system can’t differentiate between its own cells and external, threatening cells that results in an attack on your own healthy cells. Some of the more common ADs that you may have heard of include rheumatoid arthritis; psoriasis; lupus; thyroid diseases, such as Graves’ and Hashimoto’s; and type 1 diabetes.

    It’s also worth noting that an AD is a highly biased jerk: it discriminates against women to the tune of about 80 percent of all diagnosed cases. Where it gets serious, and painful, is when the individual with AD experiences flares.

    Flares: these aren’t your momma’s dancin’ pants

    Autoimmune flares are like mini storms in your body, and depending on the type of AD that you have, those flares can attack different organs.

    What causes these flares?

    For some people, consuming alcohol; processed/fried foods; foods with lots of sugar; and high-fat foods, like cheese and some dairy, may be dietary triggers, and they certainly exacerbate the symptoms of flares.

    With time, most individuals managing an AD usually come to an understanding of what triggers a flare in their body. But if someone is undiagnosed, it could really be anything:

    • viral infections like influenza and HPV
    • fungal infections like Candidiasis
    • processed meats, refined sugars, dairy products, or gluten for those with celiac disease
    • environmental factors, like air pollutants, cleaning products, or makeup
    • psychological or physical stress

    Flare management through exercise

    In those with an AD, studies show that regular exercise can help improve mobility, reduce pain, and even offer a much-needed energy boost. It also helps regulate immune function, which means fewer and less intense flares.

    Holistic approach to flare management

    If autoimmune management was as simple as exercising, there would be no need for specialists, but like anything in life, the best approach is the one that considers the important factors: diet, stress, and sleep.

    Diet―let’s talk superfoods!

    When it comes to ADs, what you eat can either fan the flames or cool them down. Luckily, there are some pretty tasty ways to help keep inflammation in check:

             omega-3sfound in fish oil; may help heart health and reduce inflammation.
             curcuminfound in turmeric; is known to fight inflammation
             garlichas immune-supportive effects
             ginsengmay help reduce stress and give energy levels a nudge
            gingeris anti-inflammatory for digestion
            pineapplehelps relieve some inflammation symptoms

    Stress―the silent assassin

    Stress is one of the biggest AD flare triggers. Try some mindfulness techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises. Yoga or tai chi can be a great way to combine stress reduction with gentle movement.

    Sleep―an underrated ally

    The important role of sleep as an autoimmune regulator cannot be overstated. As best as you can, develop a sleep routine that includes creating a calming environment in your bedroom and limiting late-night doomscrolling.

    By Brendan Rolfe

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine