An autoimmune disorder appears when your own immune system treats your tissues and organs as foreign invaders. There are numerous autoimmune disorders known to medical science, and none of them are curable. These disorders can impact almost any part of your body, including your vital organs, nerves, and muscles. Part of the struggle with these disorders is that they come with numerous symptoms that are often vague and inconsistent. They can persist for long periods, a flare-up on occasion, or just plain come and go.
Managing Autoimmune Disorders Through Lifestyle Changes
Those who have autoimmune disorders have to work closely with their health care providers to ensure their symptoms are managed properly. Medications can be prescribed to help control symptoms commonly associated with these disorders. These symptoms often include:
- Rashes
- Sleep Concerns
- Depression
- Pain
- Swelling
It’s true that no cure for autoimmune disorders exists. However, their progression can be slowed with medication and regular medical care. Another way of controlling the advance of these disorders is with lifestyle changes. Even if they have no direct effect on the disorder itself, they can improve your overall health.
Making the following lifestyle changes can lead to improved quality of life:
- Dietary Changes: Improving the nutrition you get through your diet can have positive effects on your immune system. These improvements can lead to an easing of autoimmune symptoms as well. Try to include plenty of whole foods, including vegetables, fruits, grains, and calcium-rich foods. Speak to your doctor to learn of any dietary changes you may need to consider in regards to your disorder.
- Regular Exercise: Staying healthy can also improve your experience with an autoimmune disorder. Spending at least 30 minutes each day getting exercise can have a positive effect on your health. Consult your doctor to learn more about which forms of exercise would be safe for you.
- Stress Management: Stress has been shown to have serious and far-reaching impacts on our health. Practices such as meditation, yoga, imagery, meditation, and self-hypnosis can all help to reduce stress. Limiting stress has been shown to have a positive effect on pain reduction.
- Sleep Well: A lack of sleep is often reported by those with autoimmune disorders. When possible, it’s essential to get sufficient sleep. Getting less than seven hours a night can cause your disorder to flare as a result of increased stress.
- Time Management: It can be easy for fatigue to overcome those with autoimmune disorders. As a result, it’s necessary to manage your time effectively. Long work hours with limited recreation can cause an increase in symptoms.
These practices can help you manage the frequency and severity of your flare-ups. While each one still needs to be carefully tailored to your experience, they are good general guidelines. Pace yourself and speak with your doctor to learn what works for you.
Next Steps In Managing Your Autoimmune Disorder
Every autoimmune disorder is a little different, and so is the patient’s experience. This makes working closely with your healthcare provider even more important. While making changes can help you in managing your condition, you should be careful about the changes you make. Call your healthcare provider to begin today.
