By Karla Sullivan
Why so many autoimmune disorders over the past decade from diabetes, lupus, Addisons, fibromyalgia, Graves, multiple scleroses, arthritis, interstitial cystitis, Hashimotos thyroiditis, asthma to Crohns. Not to mention several others that fall under the same category. In fact, there are more than 80 different types of disorders.
Our immune system is our defense when bacteria or virus’s try to attack but sometimes it misfires, and when doing so continuously, a disorder develops because now healthy tissues are involved. Some have commented that they feel their body is attacking itself and in some ways, this is true. The immune system does not know the difference between an outside toxin and begins to turn on those cells that are healthy.
What causes this is unknown and some people may have more than one disorder at the same time. Most diseases are chronic.and there is no prevention. Over 50 million Americans, a high percentage of women, have an autoimmune disease and a leading cause of death in women under the age of 65.
Why so much and so advanced? In a world of economic struggle, family care giving, unemployment and those working overtime to make ends meet, life is not easy and stress seems to be a major trigger of autoimmune disorder. Studies have shown from NCBI that uncommon emotional stress is noted before the onset of the diseases. Stress-related hormones can lead to a disregulation. Stress management and behavioral intervention may offer relief to those with these disorders.
Healthy Women suggests taking a walk for at least 20 minutes. They also suggest just lying in a quiet room reading or meditating. Studies have shown that breaks like these are essential to remain productive and energetic especially if taken in the middle of the day.
Supplements such vitamin D, iron, B vitamins and other supplements help to improve performance. Adding more water will boost the immune system while avoiding dehydration which can also cause fatigue and weakness.
US companies have ranked stress as the top workplace issue and many group health plans offer wellness programs to manage stress such as discounts to health clubs and seminars on health care management. Life insurance companies base their rates for those with an autoimmune disorder on severity and medicines prescribed; how much they have affected your daily lifestyle and longevity.
