Understanding Autoimmune Diseases and the Power of Nutrition & Lifestyle

Hi! My name is Lindsay, and I am an autoimmune dietitian and nutritionist as well as a functional and integrative nutrition practitioner.

In this post, I cover the basic questions people often ask about autoimmune diseases. I hope you find this helpful!

What Is An Autoimmune Disease?

An autoimmune disease is commonly defined as a condition in which the body mistakenly attacks itself. Learn more about autoimmune diseases. However, after living with autoimmune disease for 15 years, I believe the body’s symptoms are actually a form of self-protection, rather than self-attack. Understanding your symptoms can lead to greater self-love and care, which includes important nutrition and lifestyle changes. More on this later.

What Is Considered An Autoimmune Diseases?

Autoimmune diseases come in many forms. Some of the more well-known ones include:

• Hashimoto's disease
• Crohn’s disease
• Celiac disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Dermatitis herpetiformis
• Scleroderma
• Eczema
• Eosinophilic esophagitis
• Type 1 diabetes
• Grave’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Lichen sclerosis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Sjogren’s syndrome

View a comprehensive list of autoimmune diseases.

What Are The Symptoms Of Autoimmune Diseases?

Symptoms can vary widely depending on the specific autoimmune disease. Common symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Joint pain
• Digestive issues (constipation, diarrhea, bloating, gas, pain, reflux)
• Low-grade fevers
• Swollen glands
• Skin issues
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Brain fog
• Rashes
• Vision issues
• Dry eyes/mouth
• Weight changes
• Depression

What Causes Autoimmune Diseases?

There are three main factors are required for the development of an autoimmune disease:

1. Genes – A genetic predisposition to autoimmune diseases.
2. Immune System – An involved immune response.
3. Environment – Triggers such as diet, infections, toxins, or stress.

For instance, I have always had the celiac gene but it wasn’t until I experienced two additional triggers that this gene got ‘turned on’ and I developed celiac disease.

How do I Manage My Autoimmune Disease Symptoms?

Managing a wide range of symptoms can be exhausting, overwhelming, discouraging, and anxiety-inducing. However, from personal experience and working with hundreds of clients, I know it doesn’t always have to be this way. There are steps, both big and small, that you can take to encourage your body towards healing. Trusting and empowering yourself can lead to a greater quality of life than you thought was possible.

This journey requires effort, but our efforts should focus on being gentle, kind, and loving towards our bodies as we make changes. Our bodies need to feel supported and safe in order to heal. This is why I have created ©Autoimmune Foundations and a course that helps support your immune system with gentleness and ease through holistic nutrition and lifestyle changes.

The ©5 Autoimmune Foundations are:

1. Nutrition: Include nutrient-dense foods and eliminate food triggers.
2. Stress Management: Reduce stressors and find effective stress-relief tools.
3. Sleep: Maintain good sleep hygiene for essential healing.
4. Movement: Find the right balance of physical activity for your body.
5. Trust & Safety: Rebuild trust in your body and create a sense of safety.

How Do I Get Started On My Healing Journey With Autoimmune Disease?

If you’re starting or continuing your health journey, I encourage you to look at the above foundations and see which area stands out to you the most and see if you can begin making small changes. For additional support and encouragement, consider joining my self paced Autoimmune Foundations Course.

© 5 Autoimmune Foundations: How to Support Your Immune System with Ease through Nutrition and Lifestyle includes:

• Six recorded modules on supporting your body in healing 
• Week 1: Nutrition, Part 1
• Week 2: Movement
• Week 3: Stress
• Week 4: Nutrition, Part 2
• Week 5: Trust & Safety
• Week 6: Sleep
• Journal prompts and Rest & Digest exercise included in each week
• Recorded health affirming exercises
• Labs to request from your practitioner for nutrient status
• Nutrition and lifestyle handouts
  • 3 day Food Journal
  • Protein sources
  • High fiber foods
  • Fat sources
  • Carbohydrate sources
  • Working in soluble fiber slowly
  • Food sources for key nutrients that are often depleted with autoimmune 
  • Gluten & Dairy Free brand lists (that actually taste good)
  • Meal ideas & recipes
  • Movement tips
  • Sleep tips
  • Stress tips
  • Safety & Trust tips
• Additional resources for nervous system balancing with chronic illness
• *Bonus Balancing Your Blood Sugar Course included 

To start your self paced healing journey with the Autoimmune Foundations Course, start here

Whether you're at the beginning of your healing journey or have been on this path for some time, I wish you healing, ease, and self-love.

Warmly,

Lindsay

Disclaimer: This blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, psychological, or nutrition therapy advice. Consult your healthcare provider for your specific health needs. For my full Disclaimer, please visit the Disclaimer page.