Autoimmune disease is a collection of medical conditions where the body’s immune system attacks healthy cells. It affects about 50 million Americans, and its incidence has been on the rise for decades. Autoimmune disease can be life-threatening. Left untreated, it can lead to serious complications or even death.
The good news is, an holistic treatment for autoimmunity is possible and there are many natural remedies that can help reverse the effects and reduce the risk of further damage. Specifically, a combination of alternative and traditional medicine can have a positive impact on your quality of life when you have autoimmunity.
What is Autoimmune Disease?
Autoimmune disease is a condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own organs, tissues or cells. It is when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues. There are 80 different types of autoimmune diseases. The most common ones are inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, psoriasis, vitiligo and celiac disease.
People with autoimmune diseases will have higher levels of inflammation in their bodies. This can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, digestive issues, headaches, muscle pain and more.
Tips to Heal Autoimmune Disease with Holistic Treatment
Autoimmune disease can be life-threatening, but with holistic treatment, it isn’t always a death sentence. In fact, holistic treatment for autoimmunity can make all the difference. Here you will know about natural treatment for autoimmune disease. Let’s start…
- Take care of your gut
The gastrointestinal tract is the gateway to our overall health. It’s where all our food is broken down and absorbed, and it’s also the area where pathogens and toxins can enter our bodies. When it comes to autoimmune disorders, a leaky gut is a common factor among those who suffer. A leaky gut occurs when the intestinal barrier becomes “leaky,” allowing undigested food particles, bacteria and other toxins that should stay out of the bloodstream to enter and cause an immune response.
This can lead to chronic inflammation and set the stage for autoimmune disorders and other chronic diseases. In order to heal a leaky gut, one must go on a “healing” diet, eliminating known triggers for leaky gut and intestinal inflammation, such as gluten and other grains, dairy, sugar and processed foods. You must also be sure to get enough real, whole foods, such as vegetables, fruit, nuts and seeds. Increasing your intake of fermented foods and probiotics can also be helpful for healing a leaky gut.
Go on a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods
Eating a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can help to reduce inflammation in the body and combat autoimmune diseases. Some of the best foods for combating autoimmune disease are blueberries, blackberries, apples, pomegranates, cherries, asparagus, broccoli, carrots, sweet potatoes, red bell peppers, green tea and turmeric.
If you’re not sure how to incorporate these foods into your diet, you can try these delicious anti-inflammatory recipes: Blueberry Walnut Muffins, Sweet Potato Cake, Carrot Cake Oatmeal and Blueberry Muffins. Keep in mind that not all foods are created equal. Avoiding inflammatory foods like red meat, sugar, foods that are heavily processed and foods that contain gluten can also be helpful in reducing inflammation.
Use natural supplements to support your immune system
There are a variety of supplements that can help to support the body’s immune system and combat autoimmune diseases.
- Curcumin – The active compound in turmeric, it has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can be helpful in combating autoimmunity.
- Ashwagandha – Also known as Indian Ginseng, this herb has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine to support the immune system.
- Reishi Mushroom – This mushroom has been used to support the body’s natural defences against disease.
- Vitamin D – A deficiency in Vitamin D has been linked to an increased risk of illness and disease.
- Iron – An iron deficiency can weaken the immune system.
- Vitamin C – This essential vitamin is needed for the production of white blood cells, which help to fight off infections and keep the immune system healthy.
- Zinc – A deficiency in zinc can lead to an increased risk of infection.
- Selenium – This mineral has been shown to have anti-cancer properties.
Discover and address the root cause(s) of your illness
Most people who suffer from the autoimmune disease have a genetic predisposition to the condition. This means that they’re more likely to develop an autoimmune disease if they experience some kind of trigger that causes the immune system to go into overdrive. The best way to prevent and treat autoimmune diseases is by identifying and addressing the root cause of the condition.
For example, if you suffer from an autoimmune disease that affects your digestive system, you’d want to look at what your diet is currently like. Are you eating foods that are causing your body to be in a state of constant inflammation? Or are you eating foods that are helping your body to heal? If you’re eating foods that are causing inflammation, you need to make changes. You can also look at other factors that may be contributing to your illness, such as stress, lack of sleep, lack of exercise and overexposure to toxins.
Health Coaching and Support
If you or a loved one is suffering from an autoimmune disease, you may find that you feel overwhelmed by the changes you need to make and don’t know where to begin. At this point, it can be helpful to join an online support group, take part in online coaching or work one-on-one with a health coach who can help you to create a plan for change.
These resources can help you to stay accountable and get the help you need when you need it. With the right support, you can get the help you need to reverse the effects of your autoimmune disease and prevent future illness. You don’t have to suffer from this condition any longer! With the right changes to your diet and lifestyle, you can reverse the effects of autoimmune disease and live a healthier, happier life.
