Lifestyle Influences on Autoimmune Disease
How Lifestyle Changes Can Improve Immune System Health
Studies show that simple lifestyle changes can help improve immune system health.
Living with an Autoimmune Disorder
People with autoimmune disorders often hear how lifestyle changes can aid the healing process. However, the idea of making lifestyle changes can seem overwhelming at first, especially to someone who is trying to rush to multiple doctor appointments, deal with an array of unwelcome new symptoms, and pay for an assortment of new prescription drugs.
But in restoring or improving immune system health, beneficial lifestyle changes needn't be overwhelming. Lifestyle changes range from simply adding more fresh fruit to one's diet to replacing chemical cleaning agents with natural products such as vinegar and baking soda. The immune system in good health is a diverse group of organs and cells that work harmoniously together to protect us from diseases and malignancies.
Immune System Health
The immune system is healthiest when it's getting its regular exercise by working as intended and when it's not overloaded with toxins and stressors. Similar to the needs of all of our body's cells, our immune system cells have simple maintenance needs; they rely on pure water, fresh air, regular exercise, and a nutrient-rich diet. Lifestyle changes used to benefit people with autoimmune disorders are similarly simple.
Diet and Supplements
One of the most significant lifestyle changes someone with an autoimmune disorder can make is improving their diet. By relying on the top immunity boosters I described in a recent blog and avoiding processed foods, artificial sweeteners, sugar, saturated fats and known or suspected food allergens, the immune system cells function at their best.
Sugar and saturated fats promote inflammation and artificial sweeteners contain chemicals potentially damaging to the immune system. Dietary supplements containing antioxidant vitamins and minerals are also necessary for immune health because of the increased nutritional demands required during the healing process. Supplements containing CoQ-10, alpha lipoic acid, acetyl-l-carnithine, quercetin, bromelain, and essential oils, particularly omega-3 oils such as flaxseed or evening primrose oil, and vitamins C, E, A, D, K and B complex help maintain and support the immune system.
Exercise
Exercise is another key factor in immune system health. Simply staying active by walking for 30 minutes every day or practicing light aerobics, yoga or tai chi is adequate. In fact, strenuous exercise is not recommended because over-exercising can suppress the immune system and act as a stressor or trigger for autoimmune disease.
However, light exercise helps by stimulating the circulation and encouraging the flow of lymph fluid through the body. Exercise also improves the oxygen supply of tissue and immune system cells. Exercise also reduces stress, stimulates a good appetite and helps reduce inflammation.
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