Getting diagnosed with an autoimmune disease can be overwhelming. Trust me, I’ve been there! 

When I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in college, my doctor told me very little about my disease, only that I would need to take medication for the rest of my life and continue to monitor the degree that my thyroid was attacking itself. 

I didn’t know then that there are lifestyle changes I could make to kick-start the healing process. Here are the top three things I’ve learned that can make a huge difference in reducing symptoms and healing your body with autoimmune disease.

Adopt whole food, anti-inflammatory diet

Cutting out sugar, trans fats, and processed foods, and focusing on eating whole, organic foods is key. I suggest removing gluten, dairy, nightshades, legumes, alcohol, soy, and caffeine, at least for a while. Some delicious foods you can include in your diet are leafy greens, turmeric, salmon, berries, and olive oil. If you haven’t already done it, the Autoimmune Protocol Diet (AIP) is an excellent way to remove inflammatory foods and identify dietary triggers. It’s strict in the beginning, but can be totally worth it if you have an autoimmune disease (and you can reintroduce many of the foods later).

Heal your gut

Up to 70% of our immune system is in our gut, so making sure it’s in good shape is crucial. Research shows that intestinal permeability or “leaky gut” is a common factor that leads to the onset of autoimmunity. This means that the cells that hold your intestinal wall become loose, and toxins, pathogens, and bacteria can then leak through and cause an immune response. Eating anti-inflammatory foods can help, along with taking probiotics and digestive enzymes. I recommend working with a Functional Medicine doctor to get a comprehensive picture of what’s going on in the microbiome. 

Megasporbiotic is my favorite probiotic but always consult with your doctor before trying something new. 

Reduce stress

We all have busy lives and this one can be tricky, but it really is the most important! Stress is one of the worst things for autoimmunity, as it causes an increased inflammatory response. In order to heal, our bodies must get into a parasympathetic state of “rest and digest” vs. “fight or flight.” Whether it’s meditating, yoga, or breathing exercises, finding a way to minimize stress will promote a parasympathetic state in which your body can heal. I love using Insight Timer for guided meditations. Check it out – it’s free! 

Navigating an autoimmune disease can be stressful, but I promise it gets easier. By implementing these three tips, you’ll be on your way to healing in no time!

Are you looking for a partner in healing? I’m here to support you along the way. Click here to learn more about my 1:1 customized coaching services!