Easing the Pain of Autoimmune Disease
5 Natural Tips to Relieve the Pain
By: Mandy B. Anderson
“I think because I’m in pain all the time, I believe that everyone is like this.”
“That it’s okay to ask questions about my autoimmune disease, it’s not okay to make assumptions.”
This is the voice of those who suffer day in and day out from autoimmune diseases such as Celiac disease, Graves’ disease, Multiple sclerosis, and even Rheumatoid arthritis. Chronic fatigue syndrome and Fibromyalgia do not technically fall into the autoimmune disease category, although their symptoms, like pain and being tired all the time, do tend to overlap. Autoimmune disease happens when the body’s main defense system – the immune system – gets confused and can no longer tell the difference between healthy body tissue and antigens, harmful substances such as bacteria, viruses, toxins, etc.
Some of the symptoms of autoimmune disease include:
- Joint pain, muscle pain, or muscle weakness
- Unexplained weight loss, insomnia, heat tolerance, or rapid heartbeat
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing
- Abdominal pain, blood or mucus in your stool, diarrhea, or mouth ulcers
- Dry eyes, mouth, or skin
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
- Multiple miscarriages or blood clots
- Feeling tired or fatigued, weight gain, or cold tolerance
- Shortness of breath, dizziness, and/or headache
Living in constant pain can seem overwhelming and never ending, but there is help! Besides getting medical help, here are 5 natural tips to ease the pain:
- Eat real food. Quality nutrition should be your number 1 focus when treating an autoimmune disease. Fruits and vegetables are loaded with immune boosting nutrients. Add anti-inflammatory super foods to your lifestyle every day such as blueberries, onions, chick peas, tomatoes, spinach, garlic, avocado, red grapes and chili peppers. Eat as many raw foods as possible!
- Move More. Exercise is a great way to get rid of stress and improve your immune system at the same time. When you move more, your body releases nitric oxide. Nitric oxide helps increase blood flow and lower blood pressure. Walking just 30 minutes a day, 3-6 times a week, can help your body produce the natural medicines needed to ease the pain of autoimmune disease.
- Pet Therapy. In a recent study, it was discovered that spending time around pets can help lessen fatigue, stress, and pain while improving cheerfulness and a sense of calmness. Having a pet, especially a small dog, can help you move more too, since daily walks help keep pet healthy!
- Give Yourself An Oil Change. Inflammation is increased when we fill our bodies with saturated fats, trans fats, and hydrogenated oils. Fill your body with healthy fats found in wild caught Alaskan salmon, avocados, nuts, extra virgin olive oil, and even coconut oil.
- Laugh With Grace. Giving yourself grace on the bad days and laughing as often as possible is one of the best ways to naturally increase the endorphins that combat pain, stress, and sickness. Watch your favorite funny movie, laugh with some friends, or spend a little while walking on the treadmill while perusing the Humor section on Pinterest!
Until next time…
be blessed, be healthy, and be inspired!
~ Mandy
*this article was written by Mandy B. Anderson and originally published by the Dr. Sears Wellness Institute on June 7, 2013. Used by permission.
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Mandy B. Anderson is a Certified L.E.A.N. Coach through The Dr. Sears Wellness Institute and author of the book “In Sickness and In Health: Lessons Learned on the Journey from Cystic Fibrosis to Total Health.” She is the owner and CEO of True Wholeness Coaching where she passionately shares health and faith building tips to thousands of people through weekly newsletters, podcasts, a local radio show, coaching and health classes. Her passion for helping others live beyond their circumstances has made her a sought after inspirational speaker and health coach. Mandy lives in North Dakota with her husband, Nate and their dog, Ajah.
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