Natural Treatment of Autoimmune Disease

Balanced Immune System

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences states that over 80 autoimmune diseases exist. More than 24 million people in the U.S. suffer from an autoimmune disease.

• A healthy immune system is essential for normal growth and development and maximizes longevity. It protects your body against germs. When it senses foreign danger, it becomes activated and attacks unknown germs.
• An underactive immune system may not adequately defend against infections, leading to a weakened body or life-threatening consequences.
• If the body activates the immune response without a real threat or does not turn it off once the danger passes, this can result in autoimmunity and exaggerated allergic reactions. With an autoimmune disease, the immune system overreacts and attacks healthy cells in the body, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. There is a loss of the ability to differentiate “self” from “non-self” clearly.
• Autoimmune diseases can affect every part of the body. They can cause loss of function, an increased risk of hospitalizations, disability, impaired quality of life, and decreased productivity.

There’s good news about this widespread and serious issue. Natural remedies for autoimmune diseases and a holistic approach to treatment can lead to positive and lasting change.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle helps keep the immune system healthy and balanced. When the immune system becomes unbalanced, it can begin to overreact. Extreme stress, an unhealthy diet, poor lifestyle choices, and a sedentary lifestyle can trigger the inflammatory response. Addressing these issues can help you take an active role in treating autoimmune diseases. You have the power to make positive changes that can reduce inflammation and many other symptoms and address the root causes of these issues.

Below are five tips to help reduce inflammation and flare-ups.

Consume Anti-inflammatory Foods

Anti-inflammatory foods reduce inflammation and are considered the healthiest foods on the planet. They are high in antioxidants, polyphenols, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Some of the top anti-inflammatory foods include green leafy vegetables (collard greens, kale, spinach, etc.), fatty fish (sardines, tuna, salmon, and mackerel), nuts (almonds, walnuts, etc.), olive oil, avocadoes, fruits (blueberries, cherries, strawberries, and citrus fruits).

Daily Exercise

Regular exercise helps to reduce inflammation in the body by detoxifying the body.

Working up a sweat helps release toxins. In addition, as your heart begins beating faster, it pushes more oxygen through the body, helping revitalize it.

Do at least 30 to 45 minutes of cardio five times a week for best results. Additionally, engage in 15 to 25 minutes of weight training four or five times weekly.

Reduce Inflammatory Foods

Just like some foods help fight inflammation, some foods can cause inflammation.

These unhealthy foods include refined carbohydrates (pastries, white bread, etc.), processed meats (hot dogs, lunch meats, and sausages), fried foods (French fries, onion rings, etc.), red meat, unhealthy fats (margarine, lard, and shortening), soda and other sugary beverages.

Stress Management

Chronic stress and anxiety can contribute to inflammation and increase the frequency of an autoimmune disease flare. Learning how to manage your stress levels may help reduce the number of flare-ups you experience.

People use meditation to clear their minds and relieve stress. This technique is effective for managing stress. Another stress relief technique is guided imagery. Other methods include yoga, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery.

Weight Loss

Obesity also increases the risk of several autoimmune diseases, including psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. A sedentary lifestyle and a poor diet increase one’s waistline and inflammation. Losing or maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of autoimmune disease.