We’re More Similar Than Different – Life with an Autoimmune Disease

Every autoimmune story or disease starts in a similar fashion: fevers, fatigue, waking up at night, dryness, joint paint, and headaches. You feel like something is off with your body. All of these symptoms can occur in short phases, called flares, or they can stretch out over time in a prolonged fashion. If you’re one of the many sufferers dealing with long-term symptoms, you’re likely to be diagnosed with a chronic condition – an autoimmune disease.

Autoimmune Disease: What it is and what it does

Your immune system protects your body from foreign invaders. When it functions well, it attacks viruses and bacteria and keeps you healthy. It’s your guardian, your defender, and it protects you against germs and other bodily harm.But when the immune system cannot tell the difference between a foreign invader and its own cells, it attacks the wrong target and sends you down the path of all kinds of disorders, including:

• Thyroid disorders
• Diabetes
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Crohn’s Disease
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Lupus

You may be surprised to learn that there are over 80 autoimmune diseases listed by the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, Inc. Fact: Sadly, once you have one autoimmune disease you’re more likely to develop another.In fact, 25% of autoimmune patients have at least two different autoimmune diseases at the same time.

Getting a proper diagnosis to an autoimmune disease might be a long road, learn about the journey and symptoms in this blog post: The Road to an Autoimmune disease diagnosis.

Treating Your Autoimmune Disease

If you’re newly diagnosed, you should take stock of your symptoms and get regular blood tests. The diagnosis process is stressful, but you’ll do better in the long run if you understand your antibody levels.

The most common symptom is inflammation. You can start by reducing inflammation in the body, and the autoimmune protocol can help along with a healthy lifestyle choice.

If your symptoms are severe and you’re on medication, either immune suppressants or over-the-counter remedies, implement the protocol and try to slowly wean off your meds. Ultimately, your goal is to take care of yourself by using food as medicine…and by making optimal lifestyle choices as well.

Living with an autoimmune disease will require having compassion to accept, discipline to implement lifestyle habits and diet that will be nourish and stop inflammation, and a community to share your journey and find support.

Browse through the site for information, insights and support in your journey.