Autoimmunity – Why is it dramatically on the rise?

Health

Autoimmunity – Why is it dramatically on the rise?

By Cyndi O'Meara

The human body is an innate intelligence that when given the right resources (food, water, sunlight, sleep, movement, connection) and not interfered with, it can be the best and healthiest version of itself.

Our bodies are evolutionary in nature, not modern, but we live in a very modern world where our bodies are struggling to cope.

Autoimmunity is an umbrella term for up to 100 diseases including; Hashimoto’s, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis and coeliac to name a few of the common ones.

There are several theories as to why there has been this increase in autoimmunity in the last few decades, but the main one is that the body is consuming itself or a part of itself. For example, in type 1 diabetes it’s thought the body is destroying the beta cells which make insulin. In Hashimoto’s, it’s believed the body makes antibodies against the thyroid.

If we realise we have an evolutionary body that’s intelligent then you may question the theory that the body is attacking itself. Perhaps there are some underlying issues that we are not looking at.

The body’s immune system is set up to protect it from the outside world, bacteria, viruses, fungi, mould and parasites that are not commensal and conducive to health. The body will attack these organisms and destroy them to remain healthy.

Some theories around autoimmunity are based on a virus or bacteria initiating the disease and the body becoming confused by a process called molecular mimicry.

And then there are other theories that say that the body is fighting a micro-organism within the body, which in turn looks like autoimmunity.

No matter what the theory is about the increase in autoimmunity or what it is, the mainstay is to get the intelligence of the human body back.

The modern way of treating autoimmunity is to give medication depending on the disease; this is a crisis that may be needed but by changing diet and lifestyle we may be able to get the intelligence of our evolutionary bodies back.

We live in a more toxic world than ever before. Our bodies can handle heavy metals and toxins, but when the burden is too great, it can’t cope. Removing toxins from your environment would be step one.

Look around your house, pantry, under the sink, laundry, bathroom, cleaning cupboard and shed. Read the ingredients of all your foods, personal care products and household cleaners and see if you are prepared to have them in your home and exposing your family.

Every week, declutter these areas of your home, disposing of these products correctly and replacing them with healthier alternatives. I suggest going to the Changing Habits Market Place and twenty8.com to find alternatives to these products.

Diet is a very important part of this process, including eliminating packaged foods filled with additives and replacing them with whole foods. It’s time to get back into the kitchen to feed and nourish your family to heal this nation. There are some foods in AIPs (Autoimmune Protocols) that are suggested to be removed from the diet including, wheat, dairy, eggs, soy and corn.

Lifestyle changes are also important; getting back into nature, going for walks, connecting with friends, immersing yourself in sunlight each day for short periods of time and making sure you sleep 7-8 hours every night will go a long way into helping your body find its innate intelligence.

We are still a long way off from understanding the cause and treatment of autoimmunity but making changes in your life toward a less toxic, more health giving lifestyle is worth the effort.

About the author

Cyndi O'Meara

Nutritionist at Changing Habits | Website

Cyndi O’Meara is a nutritionist, best-selling author, real food advocate, international speaker, film maker (What’s With Wheat) and the founder of Changing Habits, an online holistic health destination offering wellness products, programs and guides to nourish yourself and your family. Passionate about empowering people to make simple and long lasting changes to their health, Cyndi is travelling around Australia on her Real Food for Health Tour, spreading a sustainable health message to many. For more on Cyndi and her tour, visit: www.changinghabits.com.au or follow her on Instagram: @changing_habits.