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.
With millions affected worldwide, autoimmune disorders are now becoming a leading cause of death among young and middle aged woman!

What causes an autoimmune problem?

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 found to be a major contributing factor to autoimmunity is the one’s lifestyle choices. Yes, genetics surely play a role, but it’s the decisions you make that will have the largest effect.

Factors range from exposure to toxins like heavy metals or mould, 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 of an autoimmune disease?

• Joint and muscle pain
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Dry eyes, mouth or skin

How to ‘fix’ an autoimmune problem.

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 neuro-spinal problems, getting more quality rest, managing your workload and disconnecting from our digital devices more often.

Do you have an autoimmune problem?

What has worked for you? We’d love to hear from you!

Dr. Michael Gibson has committed himself to helping others to live the best life possible. After graduating with a Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of Western Ontario, he received his Doctor of Chiropractic Degree and Masters of Science in Chiropractic Sports Science from Life University. He is the co-creator of Life By Design, owner of The Wellness Group, and co-owner of CrossFit 613. His passion for empowering families runs deep. After experiencing the loss of his sister due to illness, Michael’s purpose became reaching and teaching as many as possible the foundational principles of an extraordinary life. Since that time he has passionately pursued and been successful in living out his dream. He maintains a busy family chiropractic practice, a full speaking schedule and finds time to implement the principles and practices of Life By Design in his own life.