Holistic Health Approach to Autoimmune Issues When You Have No Money

Autoimmune Tips

A common comment we hear from those suffering is that they have tried everything. That is frustration talking. Reality is we have not met anyone who has tried everything. And what many do not realize is that the order of doing things to feel better is what matters most.

Stage 1 - Diet and Digestion:

1. First is to cut sugar and high fructose corn syrup out of the diet.
• Adults cut alcohol drinks.
• If this can't be done, expect the pain to remain.
• Sodas and high sugar no fiber fruit juices such as orange, apple, grape are out too.
• Raw honey, liquid stevia, maple syrup and dates can be consumed as a sweetener.
2. After two weeks remove wheat, corn and dairy from the diet.
• This unholy trinity can cause big time inflammation. If you have the money, thorough labs can be run to see if these are an issue. We would bet that they are.
• With this change means that restaurants are out too. Although you could try an In-N-Out burger without the bun, with water to drink, no fries.
• In this case we refer to dairy as food made with pasteurized cow milk that includes milk, butter, cheese, ice cream, cream and yogurt. All of these bought at a store are out.
• Sheep cheese might be tolerable. If you have a flare-up, avoid.
• We were surprised to be able to tolerate raw A2/A2 cow's milk direct from a farm.
3. Also avoid packaged foods that have a bunch of chemicals.
4. Foods on the good list: meats, veggies, fruit, legumes, seeds, nuts and some grains if tolerated.
5. Nightshades such as tomato, potato and peppers could be an issue. Document how they make you feel after eating.
6. Start keeping a journal of everything you consume and how you feel afterwards. See if you can notice patterns of what leads to good and bad days. The body lets you know it is not happy. Time to start listening.

Stage 2 - Rest and Sleep:

1. Make sleep a priority. Try to get to bed by 10pm. Here are some more tips:
• No caffeine after 1pm.
• No alcohol after 5pm but ultimately you will need to quit to experience less pain.
• No work or exercise after dinner.
• After dinner, start winding down. Learn to relax.
• Leave your phone in the kitchen. DO NOT take it to bed!
• As you lie down, give thanks for what you have been given and what you will receive in the future. Then mentally let go of the heavy things.
• If you have trouble sleeping, teach yourself to enjoy lying down to relax. Also do belly breathing 4 counts inhaling, 8 counts exhaling.
• If you need alone time to get things done, wake up early and shift it in the morning.
2. Food intolerances can also disturb sleep. Take a look at your journal to identify.
3. During the day, a 20 minute nap can be invigorating.

Stage 3 - Exercise and Movement:

1. Movement is big. Low impact such as Tai Chi or just stretching is a good place to start. If you are depleted, don't overdo it.
2. Soon add walking, even if it is a short distance such down the driveway to the street.
3. When up for it, resistance training is a must. Check YouTube for videos on how to do with or without weights.
4. Getting the body to sweat is very important.
• Whatever activity you choose, make sure it does not wipe you out. You need reserves to fight off whatever you are battling.
• My preferred way is to sunbathe in the middle of the day with the least amount of clothes that you feel comfortable wearing. Start at 1 minute a day then work to 10 minutes a day.
• Try wrapping yourself in many layers of clothes or blankets for a short time.
• When you are not depleted, sauna or vigorous exercise. Make sure to not overdo it. When you feel great, by all means enjoy a good workout.

Stage 4 - Stress Management:

1. Turn off the news.
2. Limit time with toxic people.
3. Try looking for the positive in each situation rather than constantly complaining.
4. If something is beyond your control, learn to not give a f-.
5. Inflammatory food/drink and lack of sleep are stressors.
6. Spend more time outdoors. Indoor air quality can be an issue, so give yourself a break. Get in touch with creation.
7. Exposure to chemicals is a stressor. Over time replace toxic products with healthier options:
• Replace hand soap, shampoo and body wash with non-toxic options.
• Replace laundry detergent with non-toxic options.
• Replace dishwasher tablets with non-toxic options.
• Replace your household cleaners with healthier options.
• In the future search for healthier options for lotions, hair care and makeup.

Stage 5 - Spiritual Growth and Mental Resilience:

1. Feeling overwhelmed or that life is meaningless points to lack of spiritual connection. Start seeking. Joy is out there to be found regardless of circumstances. Don't give up!
2. Emotions occur to bring our attention to something. They only last for 90 seconds. Thank your feelings then do something positive about them. Sometimes acceptance is all you can do, which helps letting it go.
3. Practice God's economy by helping someone. "Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed". Proverbs 11:25b
4. Start participating in community. We need each other to be healthy. I like participating in Bible studies at church. Other options are visiting friends and family or joining clubs that interest you.
5. Everything listed on this page can help. No more playing the victim. Instead, let's get you to thrive!

Stage 6 - Regroup and Review:

1. Make note of the positive changes. We have seen the above help with autoimmune issues.
2. If you still struggle, consider starting a GoFundMe to raise money for functional lab tests that help us get a look at what else is going on in your body. The things we can't see.
3. Back when money was tight and we were spending thousands a month on medical bills, friends and neighbors donated items we could sell that helped pay what was due.

We have seen the pain you go through and it breaks our hearts. While there may not be a cure, we believe there are things that can be done to experience less pain and feel better.

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Without guidance, DIY can be frustrating. Knowing what to prioritize depends on health history and current status. This can change week to week which is why partnering with us is highly recommended.

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