Easing autoimmune symptoms
Between 24 and 50 million Americans have an autoimmune disease. (That wide range in numbers gives you some indication of how hard they are to diagnose and how often they're overlooked). More common conditions include lupus, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. Sarcoidosis, Addison's and vitiligo are much rarer.
While every condition causes its own set of symptoms, there are some universal steps anyone with any autoimmune disease can take to make each day better, according to the Office of Women's Health. (Women develop 78% of all cases.) These techniques are aimed at helping reduce inflammation, calming the immune system response, and helping your body develop resilience. But always talk to your doc before taking any over-the-counter drug or supplement.
1. If you have pain, 15 minutes of meditative imagery, two or three times a day, may help. Put on calming music. Lie back on a comfortable chair or sofa. Close your eyes. Imagine your pain or discomfort. Then imagine something confronting and defeating the pain and sending it away.
2. Meditation and deep breathing can also reduce stress, helping to tamp down pain and depression
3. Doctor-recommended exercises, such as yoga or tai chi, may be helpful. Walking, stationary cycling or swimming may also be suggested
4. Make sure you avoid inflammatory, highly processed and sugar-added foods, and red and processed meats.
5. Aim for seven to eight hours of quality sleep a night. Having problems? Arrange to see a sleep specialist.
For more help managing your autoimmune disease, check out "14 Ways to Address Inflammation" at iHerb.com.
Dr. Mike Roizen is the founder of www.longevityplaybook.com, and Dr. Mehmet Oz is global advisor to www.iHerb.com, the world's leading online health store. Roizen and Oz are chief wellness officer emeritus at Cleveland Clinic and professor emeritus at Columbia University, respectively. Together they have written 11 New York Times bestsellers (four No. 1's).
(c)2024 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2024 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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