4. Autoimmunity and Inflammation: Part 1

Living with an autoimmune disease can often feel overwhelming, as though you have little control over your body's reactions. Many people believe they are powerless in the face of autoimmune diseases.. However, adopting specific lifestyle changes can significantly improve your overall well-being, reduce symptoms, and minimize the need for medication.  In today's episode Miles Hassell, MD explores:  The therapeutic applications of lifestyle choices in managing autoimmune diseases and steps you can take to regain control over your health. Exercise and how it helps to reduce inflammation and can improve your overall quality of life. Find an activity you enjoy, whether it's walking, yoga, swimming, or strength training, and make it a regular part of your routine. The Mediterranean diet and how it's shown to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms in people with autoimmune diseases. If you have an autoimmune disease, you have more power than you might think to influence your health. By adopting a proactive and positive approach to your lifestyle, you can help your immune system function better, reduce symptoms, and improve your overall quality of life.  Start with small changes, stay committed, and believe in your body's ability to heal and thrive.   Resources for Today's Episode: Aya, V., et al.. (2021). Association between physical activity and changes in intestinal microbiota composition: A systematic review. PloS one, 16(2), e0247039. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0247039 Johnson SJ, Miles Hassell MD, Martin H. The short of breath and sweaty principle: Risk reduction therapies available to everyone. J Clin Nur Rep 1 (1), 11. 2022 Oct 10;12. Bieber, K., et al. (2023). Autoimmune pre-disease. Autoimmunity reviews, 22(2), 103236 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36436750/ Li, Z., and Wang, X. (2022) Clin. Effect and biol mech of exercise for RA: Mini-review. Frontiers in Immunology, 13(5). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9852831/ Jiang, Y., et al. (2021). (2021). Therapeutic Implications of Diet in Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Related Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases. Nutrients, 13(3), 890. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13030890. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33801883/ Join the cause! Support the podcast and be a champion of a future episode by donating here: https://greatmed.org/donate/   For more information and references head to: https://greatmed.org/cold-flu/have-fewer-sick-days/