In our most recent podcast episode, we talk to our dear friend Angel about autoimmune diseases and issues. This affects over 23 million Americans, primarily females and in the last 50 years the number has skyrocketed.
Some of the common autoimmune issues that we face include (but are in no way limited to): rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, Hashimoto’s, Systemic lupus, MS, IBD, celiac and asthma- again these are just some of the common ones. Shannon has been affected with two from the list and Angel with one.
What tends to happen with autoimmune issues is that once you have one pop up you are liable to be affected by another (or multiple), especially celiac and any thing that has to do with the gut. It is actually the third highest cause of illness after cancer and heart disease. There are three things that contribute to having an autoimmune disease; one is genetic predisposition, another is an environmental trigger and the last is leaky gut.
Typically when you have one or more of these 3 factors you could call it the “perfect storm” which can lead you to become a very sick person. Situational stress on the body and in the immune system can trigger an autoimmune issue, especially if you already have a genetic predisposition (if you have that marker in your family history) and then you have high stress on your body and it compromises your immune system, you are more susceptible. One of the reasons why women are more likely to experience autoimmune issues is because birth is really hard on our body (even though it is designed for it), female hormones fluctuate and causes stress and stress affects hormones and thyroids differently than it does for men.
Somebody that is carrying a lot of anxiety and stress mentally will compromise the immune system and if your immune system is compromised maybe you’ll just get a cold, the flu or pain in your body- but if you have that genetic predisposition and you have had gut problems before- you add all those things up and you will create this perfect storm that can really open you up to auto immune issues.
Thoughts on what to do:
- The main point is that everything starts with your mindset- you have to decide not to be a sick patient, no matter what you’re feeling- don’t deny your symptoms, just don’t agree to be SICK. Get your mindset right, your perspective will shift, and miracles will happen.
- Now get to researching and finding what works for you! Starting with food is a good place to begin. Find a functional medicine doctor: https://www.ifm.org
- You have to surrender and take control at the same time- surrendering means don’t resist it, don’t fight the idea of it and be bitter about it. Surrender to the circumstances then get your self up and start finding solutions for your situation!
Take a listen to the show or check out the full transcription below. Grateful for you all!
xoxo
Shannon
** Ps- we are moving our show to the first Tuesday of every month. We have found ourselves scrambling and not being intentional about the show, which goes against what we aim for: ease, authenticity and love. We are so grateful for our listeners and the growth over the last year has been incredible- thank you, thank you! Please love us still! ****
