Autoimmune diseases are among some of the most widespread chronic diseases in our modern world and the number of people suffering from these is growing at an alarming rate. There has been up to a 3-fold increase in autoimmune disease over the past few decades and it’s estimated that one in three people are affected annually. Even more alarming is the fact that about 75% of autoimmune diseases occurs in women… that’s approximately 1 in every 12 women.¹

ep·i·dem·ic /noun
1 affecting a disproportionately large number of individuals within a population, community, or region at the same time.

Let’s use some historical context to put the current state of autoimmune disease into perspective. For this discussion we’ll look at the entire “family” of autoimmune conditions:

THE AUTOIMMUNE CONUNDRUM

Autoimmunity IS a condition inherently of the immune system. Unfortunately, most conventional medicine does not see it this way and despite alarming statistics and the availability of new research data, autoimmune diseases still remain among the most misunderstood.

Surprisingly, autoimmune disease isn’t just one condition,m there are more than 80 serious chronic illnesses of the hundreds that makeup the autoimmune disease family, which is collectively the number one disease condition in the U.S.²  More importantly new scientific findings are now suggesting that fat and cholesterol are the health villains of the past and inflammation is the real underlying cause of many chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and autoimmune disease.³

Because autoimmune diseases are seen by most in the medical profession as issues of particular organ systems in the body e.g., pancreas, thyroid, gut, blood, brain etc., there aren’t standardized treatment protocols or solutions getting at root causes and spanning across all our interrelated body systems. It can be difficult for people with autoimmune symptoms to get to the root cause of why they are suffering and not to buy into doctors telling them that pain medication, decreased mobility and reduced quality of life are likely outcomes of their condition.

There is also some misinformation regarding genetics and autoimmune conditions. Most people including doctors just assume autoimmune disease is hereditary, if you’re born with genes for disease, that’s just your bad luck. While there is a genetic aspect to autoimmune conditions, research in the field of Epigenetics is showing us that HOW we live our lives is even more important to health than simply the genes we are born with.

This new and exciting field of scientific research involves understanding how our genes are “modified”  by our diet, environment, toxins, stress, sleep and other aspects of our lifestyle. The good news is that are genes are fluid and we have the opportunity to work in conjunction with them to create optimal and lasting health.

STOP FIGHTING SYMPTOMS & START Thriving

So many people myself included, who have suffered illness in the past or who are experiencing chronic pain in their lives, just want some one to provide a way out. I understand and empathize with this mindset and at the same time, I also encourage you not to simply rely on others to tell you what the answers are. Your body has the incredible power to rejuvenate and heal itself, but first you need to connect with it in an entirely new way.

Your body is your best allyand not an enemy to go to battle against! Many people are told by doctors, media, loved ones and themselves to “fight disease” or “wage war on cancer” or “conquer your pain”, as if what is going on in your body is somehow “wrong” and needs to be eradicated through the process of combat.

If you battle your illness, you battle your body!

You have to understand that with an over stimulated immune system and related symptoms, your immune system is only trying to protect you the best way it knows how. It is overly vigilant because it is trying to fix the problems you are creating. You have to realize that you created this “dis-ease”, whether it is in your body, mind, emotions or all 3, and intrinsically you are a part of the solution.

If you approach both disease and healing differently by asking, “what does my body need and what can I do to turn this around”, then health comes rushing to meet you in support rather than fleeing from you.

Here are my 5 tips for not only arresting autoimmune symptoms but creating a state of optimal well-being were you never again have to look over your shoulder at a life filled with pain and suffering.

Just to Recap Autoimmune Disease

• The incidence of autoimmune disease are increasing at an alarming rate around the world and currently about 1 in every 3 people are affected by symptoms
• More women are affected by autoimmune disease than men (1:12)
• Autoimmune disease is an inflammatory condition with roots in gut and microbiome health
• With autoimmune disease, your immune system is working like crazy to keep you healthy, don’t make it worse by adding more fuel to the fire
• Autoimmune disease can be arrested and reversed through healthy diet and lifestyle changes.

Do YOU have an autoimmune disease or possibly on the early-end of the spectrum of an immune condition where symptoms are not quite so bad? Don’t let these warning signs go unchecked… because down the road, they can become more severe health conditions.

If you are serious about getting out of the pain and suffering caused by autoimmune conditions, I offer a 90-Day Autoimmune Remedy Program 4 times a year.

References:

This link is for all references in the Epidemic Timeline except AI and Aids: (http://www.healthcarebusinesstech.com/the-10-deadliest-epidemics-in-history

¹American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association. (2016). Autoimmune Disease. Retrieved from: http://www.aarda.org
²Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. (2016). Chronic Disease. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/overview/

Disclaimer: the views and nutritional advice expressed in this publication are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical advice. No information provided should be interpreted as a diagnosis of any disease, nor an attempt to treat or prevent or cure any disease or condition. All information in this publication is for educational purposes only and Aine-Marie and Advesta Health encourages its clients and members to continue to work in a partnership with qualified medical professional. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider or seek medical assistance. Reading, sharing, or downloading this publication does not establish a doctor patient relationship with Aine-Marie or any Advesta Health employee or consultant including any of our licensed health practitioners, coaches, dieticians or nutritionists.