Living with an autoimmune disease means living with uncertainty. It isn’t always possible to predict flare-ups, and symptoms can interfere with your routines.
Dr. Jake Schmutz and the team at Integrative Medica in Salt Lake City, Utah, take great pride in helping their patients live the healthiest lives possible. Sharing guidance on how to manage health conditions naturally is part of that process.
Today, let’s look at autoimmune disorders, the triggers that lead to flare-ups, and how you can manage flare-ups naturally.
Autoimmune disorders develop when your body’s immune system mistakenly launches an attack on your body instead of fighting off a virus, bacteria, or other potentially dangerous substance.
There are many autoimmune diseases. You’ve probably heard of psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, Type 1 diabetes, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis, but other types aren’t as well known.
Conditions known to trigger autoimmune flare-ups include:
Some of these factors are within your control. Learning how to manage flare-ups begins with identifying the triggers that cause your symptoms and taking steps to avoid them if possible.
When asked to assess the health of their diet, many people give themselves higher marks than they should. We all want to eat healthfully, and it’s easy to take more credit for that kale salad than the chips and cookies we consumed the same day.
Think about what you eat and drink every day. If numerous highly processed foods are on the list, swapping those options for whole foods is a great place to start to manage autoimmune flare-ups.
Here are some changes to improve your diet:
Also, pay attention to portion size. Large portions can dramatically increase your caloric intake and slow digestion.
Heat is known to trigger autoimmune flare-ups. If you experience flares during the warmer months or in heated spaces during the fall and winter, take steps to keep yourself as cool and comfortable as possible.
Dressing in layers is a good start. As you move into warmer or cooler spaces, removing or adding layers can help you stay comfortable.
Many people with autoimmune conditions notice an uptick in symptoms from hot tubs, saunas, or lengthy hot showers. Lowering the temperature or avoiding these settings can help.
If you work out outdoors, shift to a cooler time of day. If indoor workouts make you uncomfortably hot, cool down with a lukewarm shower or bath, gradually adding cooler water to bring down your core temperature.
Managing stress can benefit people who experience frequent flares. If you’ve tried various options in the past and not found success, it may be time to revisit relaxation techniques or try something new.
Meditation, yoga, mindfulness exercises, journaling, forest bathing, nature walks, and tai chi are just some of the ways people achieve relaxation and become more centered. Numerous online resources can help you get started, and many are free of charge.
We hope these tips can help you manage your autoimmune flare-ups naturally. But if you continue to experience symptoms, we’re here to help. Schedule a time to visit with Dr. Schmutz to discuss your health needs and explore treatment options.
Integrative Medica offers a range of treatments that can help manage autoimmune symptoms, including stem cell therapy, botanical medication, IV nutrient therapy, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, and more. Call us or book an appointment online today.
