Hello Everyone,
March is National Autoimmune Diseases Awareness Month and the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA) is working to educate the public on risk factors, prevalence, and the severe lack of awareness surrounding autoimmune diseases.
The top five things everyone should know about autoimmune disease:
(1) 50 Million Americans have an autoimmune disease, comprising a major U.S. health crisis.
(2) There are 100+ autoimmune diseases including Crohn’s disease, Hashimoto's, celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis, and Addison’s disease.
(3) Autoimmune diseases “cluster” in families; for example, if your grandmother had lupus, you could be at greater risk for developing an autoimmune disease.
(4) Fewer than 13% of Americans can name an autoimmune disease.
(5) Autoimmune diseases target women 75% more often than men; and combined, autoimmune diseases are one of the top ten killers of women under the age of 65.
Increased levels of awareness amongst the general public is more important now than ever before according to AARDA’s President and Executive Director Virginia T. Ladd.
She says, "Autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, and celiac disease have all been shown to be on the rise, but answers as to why these increases are occurring are yet unknown.
However, it is imperative that the public be more aware of their own risk factors for developing autoimmune diseases so that, as symptoms occur, they can seek a diagnosis and begin a treatment regimen.
Early diagnosis and onset of treatment can make a significant difference in someone’s chances of becoming disabled or suffering organ damage.”
Why I care:
In 2015 I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease
My symptoms:
Brain fogginess, extreme fatigue, muscle aches and pains, swelling in the face, belly bloating
My doctor's answer:
Levothyroxine (generic Synthroid)
Symptom relief:
None
What happened next?
I spent lots of time in lots of doctor's offices with no answers and no results. So, I did my own research and tapped into the significance of healing my autoimmune disorder symptoms with food.
Our diets are directly related to the things that ease or worsen these conditions, particularly inflammation. Modifying what you eat can be life-changing and so I began my journey using food as medicine.
My results:
I was able to lift a majority of my symptoms in a matter of weeks just by modifying my diet.
What else matters?
Healthy habits
Your diet is important, but so are your habits. The following lifestyle habits made a significant difference in my healing journey.
Regular exercise: especially low-impact when you are stressed
Plenty of sleep
Managing stress
Limiting or avoiding alcohol
The missing piece:
When I attended an autoimmune walk several years back and asked other participants if their doctors were speaking to them about their diets....the answer was no.
Early symptoms of many autoimmune diseases are very similar:
fatigue
achy muscles
swelling and redness
low grade fever
trouble concentrating
numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
hair loss
skin rashes
If you or someone you know is suffering with symptoms from an autoimmune disease or has been diagnosed and feels overwhelmed about what to do next, I can help!
Just sign up below for a free consultation and let me put your mind at ease.
To your health & happiness,
xoxo
Amy