Did you know there are 80 different autoimmune diseases? And did you know there are about 25 million Americans who have one? And of those 25 million, 80% are women? Wow! I hope that number is as shocking to you as it is to me.
You may have an autoimmune disease or know someone who does. Or maybe you don’t even know you have one, but you’ve been researching because your symptoms are not decreasing.
So what is an autoimmune disease?
It is an immune system response that occurs when your body mistakenly attacks healthy cells in various parts of your body. (Or sometimes it is multiple systems.) With celiac disease, it’s your small intestine. With Hashimoto’s, it’s your thyroid. With rheumatoid arthritis, it’s your joints. With alopecia, it’s your hair. With Crohn’s, it’s digestion. And the list goes on.
But it’s a problem with your immune system, not just a problem with that affected organ or system. And new functional medicine research indicates it is a spectrum issue, not merely you either have it or you don’t.
What are some of the most common symptoms?
It depends on the part(s) of your body affected, of course, but here are some:
Fatigue
Brain Fog
Hair Loss
Weight gain or weight loss
Pain
Anxiety, Depression, and Mood issues
Skin rashes or pain
Digestive pain and issues
Problems with motor skills
What are some of the common autoimmune diseases?
Hashimoto’s Thyroidits
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Celiac Disease
Graves’ Disease
Diabetes (type 1)
Alopecia Areata
IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease which includes both Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis)
Multiple Sclerosis
Sjogren’s Syndrome
Lupus
Addison’s Disease
Psoriasis
Often it takes 8 – 10 years before someone is diagnosed properly with an autoimmune disease – it took me longer! I don’t want that for you or someone you love.
What’s not clear is what causes your body to attack itself. Many doctors and scientists have various theories ranging from genetics, lifestyle, nutrition, hormonal imbalance, stress, environment, gut issues, infections, viruses, etc.
Treatment often includes medications, a healthier anti-inflammatory diet, exercise, self-care, stress management, and better sleep.
There are some foods that are known to be more inflammatory such as gluten, dairy, processed and refined foods, sugar, even eggs, nightshades, nuts, and seeds. Sometimes it’s helpful to limit or remove some of those foods from your diet for a period of time and gradually reintroduce them to determine your triggers. (Note: please check with your medical practitioner before implementing any diet.)
Everyone’s body is different so what helps one person may not work for another. It’s often trial and error to see what improves your condition. But if you have an autoimmune disease, don’t give up. There are things you can do to help decrease your symptoms.
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If you’d like help in identifying your triggers and figuring out what to do to help, then reach out to me. I have walked that path personally as well as with clients. I provide personalized support, guidance, and accountability for you. You can click here for a FREE 20 minute consult. We can see if we’d be a good fit to work together. But don’t continue doing what you’ve been doing if it’s not working. There is hope. — Leah Cheshire, NBC-HWC
