There are many illnesses that now fall under the category of autoimmune diseases. Around eight percent of Americans are affected by this syndrome which amounts to more than 24 million people in this country. Currently, there are around 80 diseases that are considered autoimmune and the number keeps growing.
Included in the autoimmune category are:
- Celiac disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Thyroid disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- General inflammation
An illness is considered an autoimmune disease when your immune system gets confused, can’t tell what it is fighting, and can’t decipher between the good cells from the bad ones. It will turn on your body and attack your brain, joints, skin, and even your entire body.
While there are medications that can bring autoimmune diseases under control, they often come with serious side effects. Most doctors don’t bother taking the time to determine what is causing the problem but instead, fill the patient with more and more medicine.
A breakthrough has come about in a new way of treating this disease. Functional medicine is where doctors first try to locate where the illness is coming from and then find out what is causing the issues that result in the symptoms. Here are 12 ways you can heal your autoimmune disease naturally.
1. Go on an anti-inflammatory diet
Make sure you eat foods such as leafy greens, wild fish that are rich in anti-inflammatory properties and omega-3 fatty oils, and turmeric. Stay away from foods that will aggravate your inflammation such as corn oil and sugar.
2. Make sure you don’t have any infections
Check with your physician to see if you can get a blood test to check if you have any infections you may not be aware of. Get tested for Lyme disease, a yeast infection, any viruses, or any bacteria.
3. Check for food allergies and celiac disease
Again, you will have to check with your doctor to have a blood test done to make sure you do not have celiac disease. This condition is the result of an allergic reaction to gluten. Make sure you check to see if you are allergic to any other foods like dairy or soy.
4. Deal with problems in your gut
It has been discovered that up to 70% of the immune system is located directly underneath the thick lining of the gut. When this area breaks down it gets your immune system involved and it begins to react to any toxins, bugs, or foods that are in your gut.