How to Fight an Autoimmune Issue When You Have No Money

Autoimmune Tips

Stage 1 - Diet and Digestion:

1. Cut sugar and alcohol out. Start with this. This also includes sodas and fruit juices. It may seem difficult but the thought of little to no pain should motivate. For sweeteners try raw honey, liquid stevia, maple syrup and dates seem to be okay.
2. After two weeks remove wheat, corn and dairy from the diet. This unholy trinity can cause big time inflammation.
3. This means restaurants are out too because most of the menu (including deep fried) is inflammatory. Although you could try an In-N-Out burger without the bun.
4. Also avoid packaged foods that have a bunch of ingredients.
5. Foods on the good list: meats, veggies, fruit, legumes, seeds, nuts and some grains if tolerated.
6. Nightshades such as tomato, potato and peppers could be an issue. Document how they make you feel after eating.
7. 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.
• No work 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, take 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. My preferred way is to sunbathe in the middle of the day for 10 minutes with the least amount of clothes that you feel comfortable wearing. Other options include exercise, sauna and wrapping yourself in many layers of clothes or blankets. Make sure to not overdo it.

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. Purchase EWG verified gel hand soap here. It also works great as a body wash and shampoo.
• Replace laundry detergent with non-toxic options. Purchase EWG verified laundry detergent here.
• Replace dishwasher tablets with non-toxic options. Purchase EWG verified dishwasher tablets here.
• Replace your household cleaners with healthier options. Purchase EWG verified household cleaners here. Great for kitchen, bath and all around the home. For counters, sinks, showers, toilets, floors, carpet, windows, mirrors and more!
• In the future search for healthier options for lotions, hair care and makeup. At this time we do not have recommendations. Check with EWG.org for more info.

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. 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 feel better.

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