An autoimmune disorder occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys healthy body tissue by mistake. There are more than 80 types of autoimmune disorders – arthritis, multiple sclerosis, pernicious anemia, vitiligo, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, Addison’s disease, Type 1 diabetes, Hashimoto’s disease to name a few.
Our immune system, which protects the body against external illnesses, turns into a foe by attacking the body itself. This response occurs due to excessive invasion by foreign entities like chemicals & viruses.
The white blood cells are sent by the immune system to fight a battle that never existed, leading to inflammation of the tissues, joints, muscles, etc. Autoimmune diseases are complex and as Dr. Hyman (M.D., American Physician and New York Times Best Seller) states that ”If you want to cool off inflammation in the body, you must find the source. Treat the fire, not the smoke.” Yoga and Ayurveda have emerged to be our saviours, with a range of postures and herbs.
A survey states that 200 breast cancer patients survivors when they started doing yoga, twice a week for 90 minutes showed a substantial decrease in stress and fatigue levels (major contributors in autoimmune diseases) comparison to those who never practiced it. The three markers of inflammation were lowered by 10% to 15%.
Ironically until the last 10 years, the phenomena of one’s body attacking oneself was unbelievable and there was no substantial proof to testify the same. Various scientific studies testify the phenomena now, but unfortunately there is no direct medicine for the same.
The physician still tends to the inflammation caused by autoimmune diseases by suppressing the pain with aspirins, martins and steroids. This paves a pathway for dramatic side effects and later on excessive aggravation of the suppressed pain.
As per Donna Jackson Nakazwa (author of The Autoimmune Epidemic: Bodies Gone Haywire in a World out of Balance) the number of affected people are as high as one in 12 and one in nine women, as women are more susceptible to such ailments.
This article, covers the following topics :
Healing Autoimmune with Yoga and Meditation
Autoimmune diseases results due to a lack of proper communication between the brain and the immune system. When a person is fighting an infection, the immune system reaches and starts battling against the invader. The immune system sends signals to the brain and in turn the brain releases stress hormones like Cortisol, which suppresses the immune system and stops fighting when the fight is no more needed.
Just like every battle requires an exit strategy, brain too offers an exit strategy to the immune system. But in a highly stressful scenario like our present social environment, the brain is either producing excess or less quantity of the stress hormones, which gives rise to an imbalance in the exit strategy of the immune system. An excess or lack of antibodies gives rise to inflammation, lower immune function, low thyroid function, etc. Therefore stress is one of the biggest factors to autoimmune diseases.
Stimulating the parasympathetic system in the body, Yoga and Meditation have known to reduce stress levels considerably. Yoga and meditation allows a lateral shift of awareness, and helps us understand the phenomena of letting go. Many patients have reported that yoga has cured a major part of the disease not just physically but mentally as well. Acceptance of who we are can open gateways that are invisible otherwise.
Yoga essentially brings the awareness to the present moment. From breath to body postures, everything is directed towards embracing reality and acknowledging the current state of affairs. A person suffering from an autoimmune disease can face an erratic wave of symptoms, like sometimes very high symptoms and other times low, or no disease at all.
Regular practice of yoga will help bring balance in life and health situations as well. The brain learns to create abundance of positivity that the past negativity is overlooked.
When one’s body starts attacking itself, there is a feeling of betrayal faced by our body on an everyday basis. Yoga inculcates the practice of a compassionate and understanding approach in the mind of the practitioner. By allowing one to trust their inner instincts and become fully aware of the present moment, yoga and meditation frees the body from the shackles of treachery.
Yoga Nidra Meditation
Yoga Nidra, literally translates to ‘sleep during yoga’, is a state of conscious deep sleep that allows us to touch the subconscious mind and feel the bliss of cosmic union with regular practice.
It induces a state of deep relaxation and inner awareness. Yoga Nidra can release muscle tension, lower blood pressure, slow down the heart rate, regulate breathing and rebalances the mind, body and spirit.
How to – Lie down on your back in Corpse pose (Shavasana). Place a bolster to support your low back or a folded blanket under your head, if you aren’t comfortable. Take few slow deep breaths. Now move your awareness through each part of the body, starting with your right foot. Focus there for a few seconds, while relaxing your foot. Then gently move your attention up to the right knee, right thigh and hip (again for a couple of seconds). Become fully aware of your whole right leg. Give it healing and love, if need be. Repeat this process for the left leg. Feel each breath you take.
Similarly, sense your forehead, scalp, neck, and the inside of your throat. Sense your entire body as a field of radiant sensation. Your mind should wander over each portion of your body as if you are literally touching it. Observe the sensations and the energy flowing through the channels. Feel and welcome the different emotions that might arise such as sadness, anger, or worry that are present in your body and mind. Witness your thoughts without judging them or trying to change them.
Welcome sensations of happiness, joy, or bliss emanating from your heart and spreading throughout your body. Revel in this state for a few minutes. Then, slowly and gradually come back to your waking life, feeling grateful and renewed.
Few Specific asanas for Autoimmune
Postures like Downward dog, child pose, corpse pose and inverted poses, relaxes the brain by pumping enough oxygen and blood supply thereby relaxing the whole body. Inverted poses helps relax the suspended heart by placing it in a restful situation.
With 84,00,000 asanas, there is probably a cure for almost all sorts of diseases. For instance, in Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis disease, there are poses to stimulate and balance the thyroid gland. Bow Pose, Shoulder stand, Cobra pose, Plough pose and Fish pose are few postures that can have a great healing effect.
Autoimmune diseases, as stated, have a tendency of travelling in clusters. That is to say that they will affect more than one area of the body at once. In the wake of multiple symptoms, the consumption of drugs to cure diseases can lead to limited positive effects. Therefore, incorporating yoga would only lead to an active, positive state of mind and quicker recovery of the body.
Diet and Autoimmune diseases
A wholesome diet, free from artificial sweeteners, color, flavours, preservatives, GMOs, etc. can be a highly beneficial in treating and overcoming autoimmune diseases. A diet rich in raw fruits and vegetables, organic content, and fibre is what we should aim for while we are detoxifying our body from the effect of this illness.
All forms of processed foods, gluten, dairy products including caffeine should be avoided at all cost to avoid aggravation of inflammation. Adaptogen herbs, such as Indian Genseng, Gotu Kola, Mineral Pitch and Chyawanprash can be highly beneficial, because they can eliminate the effect of stress levels on the body.
Meat eaters need to be extra cautious as they might be consuming animals that are raised by injecting antibiotics and other hormones. Therefore, opt for organic meat as much as possible.
With a conscious awareness of the symptoms and acceptance of the illness, a reformation path can be created with yoga. Even if, one is not suffering from any form of autoimmune diseases, it is best to avoid food that contain GMO, preservatives or are processed in nature.
The simplest way to reach the pinnacle of good health is to go organic all the way, even if it is planting a small tomato plant in your home. Every step counts.
Reference & Image Sources
Autoimmune diseases | >Yoga Nidra | Auto immune | Fish Pose | Cobra Pose | Auto Immune | Dhalsim
FAQs
How can I fix my autoimmune disease naturally? ›
Use nutrients such as fish oil, vitamin C, vitamin D, and probiotics to help calm your immune response naturally. Exercise regularly — it's a natural anti-inflammatory. Practice deep relaxation like yoga, deep breathing, biofeedback, or massage, because stress worsens the immune response.
How can I reverse my autoimmune disease? ›Focus on anti-inflammatory foods including wild fish and other sources of omega-3 fats, red and purple berries (these are rich in polyphenols), dark green leafy vegetables, orange sweet potatoes, and nuts. Add anti-inflammatory herbs, including turmeric (a source of curcumin), ginger, and rosemary, to your diet daily.
What foods heal autoimmune? ›Good foods
Antioxidant foods: Berries, green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, cruciferous vegetables (kale, cabbage, etc.), beans, tomatoes and beets. Omega-3 fatty acids: Olive oil, fish oil, flax seeds, chia seeds, walnuts or soybeans.
There are no cures for autoimmune diseases, but symptoms can be managed. Everyone's immune system, genetics and environment are different. That means that your treatment must be unique.
Can vitamin D reverse autoimmune disease? ›In a new study, investigators from Brigham and Women's Hospital found the people who took vitamin D, or vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, had a significantly lower rate of autoimmune diseases — such as rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, autoimmune thyroid disease, and psoriasis — than people who took a ...
What fights autoimmune disease? ›Eating a well-balanced diet and getting regular exercise may also help you feel better. BOTTOM LINE: The main treatment for autoimmune diseases is with medications that bring down inflammation and calm the overactive immune response. Treatments can also help relieve symptoms.
What is the root cause of autoimmune disease? ›The exact cause of autoimmune disorders is unknown. One theory is that some microorganisms (such as bacteria or viruses) or drugs may trigger changes that confuse the immune system. This may happen more often in people who have genes that make them more prone to autoimmune disorders.
What aggravates autoimmune disease? ›While everyone's trigger foods will be different depending on their autoimmune disorders, Favela says there are certain foods to avoid with autoimmune disease, such as grains, gluten, dairy, refined and added sugars, alcohol, coffee, and nightshades for a period of time and then reintroducing them slowly when symptoms ...
What supplements should I avoid with autoimmune disease? ›Plant sterols should be considered as these act as weak natural steroids to reduce the inflammatory response and are good autoimmune disease supplements. Avoid herbs that stimulate the immune system such as Echinacea, Zinc, Cat's claw, and olive leaf.
What vitamin is good for autoimmune diseases? ›This study of more than 25 000 older adults in the US provides evidence that daily supplementation with 2000 IU/day vitamin D or a combination of vitamin D and omega 3 fatty acids for five years reduces autoimmune disease incidence, with more pronounced effects found after two years of supplementation.
Can turmeric cure autoimmune disease? ›
Turmeric. Studies show that curcumin is beneficial in the treatment of several autoimmune conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis and ulcerative colitis. This compound, which is most easily found in the root-based spice turmeric, is commonly used in Indian and Asian cooking.
How do you fight autoimmune inflammation? ›- anti-inflammatory drugs – to reduce inflammation and pain.
- corticosteroids – to reduce inflammation. ...
- pain-killing medication – such as paracetamol and codeine.
- immunosuppressant drugs – to inhibit the activity of the immune system.
- physical therapy – to encourage mobility.
- Fatigue.
- Joint pain and swelling.
- Skin problems.
- Abdominal pain or digestive issues.
- Recurring fever.
- Swollen glands.
- Rheumatoid arthritis. ...
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus). ...
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). ...
- Multiple sclerosis (MS). ...
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus. ...
- Guillain-Barre syndrome. ...
- Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. ...
- Psoriasis.
Probiotics in autoimmune diseases. Studies suggest that probiotics influence systemic immune responses, ensure the homeostasis of the healthy microbiota in the intestinal mucosa, and could, therefore, be used as adjuvant therapy to treat immune-mediated diseases [4].
Is Zinc Good for autoimmune disease? ›Zinc also has protective effects against autoimmune conditions in which the body starts attacking healthy cells.
Can sunlight cure autoimmune disease? ›Even modest amounts of ultraviolet (UV) exposure (i.e. sun exposure) and excessive heat can aggravate symptoms of autoimmune diseases and, in some cases, even trigger a full-blown flare.
Can fasting cure autoimmune diseases? ›Fasting shows great promise in decreasing the incidence and severity of autoimmune conditions. What we need to keep in mind when considering any fasting regimens is that the main risk relates to the severe energy restriction and nutritional inadequacy if it is not appropriately (Lee and Longo, 2011).
Is autoimmune disease triggered by stress? ›Physical and psychological stress has been implicated in the development of autoimmune disease, since numerous animal and human studies demonstrated the effect of sundry stressors on immune function.
What calms autoimmune flare? ›Eating a thyroid-friendly diet can help reduce inflammation and decrease the severity of flare-ups. Try to eat meals that mostly consist of lean meat, fish high in omega-3's, and vegetables. Some studies suggest that eating a gluten-free diet may also help people with autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto's.
Can Covid trigger autoimmune diseases? ›
In 2021, a small study of long COVID patients found that 44% had high levels of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs), a group of autoantibodies associated with lupus and other autoimmune diseases. These autoantibodies remained present for as long as 12 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection [12].
What is the best herb for autoimmune disease? ›Sarsaparilla and yarrow are commonly thought to treat autoimmune symptoms by purifying the blood and reducing joint and muscle inflammation. Sarsaparilla has been used all over the world as a folk remedy for gout, arthritis, fevers, digestive disorders, psoriasis and other skin diseases.
Is Ginger good for autoimmune disease? ›Studies by a team at the University of Michigan now suggest that 6-gingerol, the main bioactive compound in ginger root, has therapeutic effects against certain autoimmune diseases, including lupus and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), in mice, by countering the release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs).
What is the best tea for autoimmune disease? ›Green tea is an excellent source of polyphenols which are great for reducing inflammation as well as autoimmune response. Research shows that drinking green tea regularly can have significant benefits for people with rheumatoid arthritis, and autoimmune disease.
What can I drink with autoimmune disease? ›There's no perfect drink for people with autoimmune diseases. However, polyphenol-rich dry red wine and clear liquors mixed with soda waters or lower sugar swaps, like some green juices, are your friends. Hard kombuchas with no added sugar also go down easy and support your gut with probiotics.
How do you get rid of inflammation throughout the body? ›- Load up on anti-inflammatory foods. ...
- Cut back or eliminate inflammatory foods. ...
- Control blood sugar. ...
- Make time to exercise. ...
- Lose weight. ...
- Manage stress.
The antinuclear antibody (ANA) immunofluorescence assay (IFA) is a first-line screening test for patients with a suspected autoimmune disease. This test is the gold standard because of its high sensitivity compared to other assays.
What is the most common autoimmune disease in the world? ›- Celiac disease.
- Graves' disease.
- Diabetes mellitus, type 1.
- Vitiligo.
- Rheumatic fever.
- Pernicious anemia/atrophic gastritis.
- Alopecia areata.
- Immune thrombocytopenic purpura.
Your first symptoms of an autoimmune disease may be general, such as fatigue, low-grade fever, and difficulty concentrating, making autoimmune diseases difficult to diagnose at first. You also may feel depressed and consult a doctor for that.
What virus causes autoimmune? ›| Autoimmune Disease | Virus | Proposed Mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| Autoantibodies in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome | Human Immunodeficiency virus | Bystander activation |
| Autoimmune demyelinating disease | Semliki forest virus | - |
| Autoimmune encephalitis | Herpes simplex virus | Molecular mimicry |
| Autoimmune hepatitis | Esptein–Barr virus | Molecular mimicry |
Can bacteria trigger autoimmune disease? ›
Moreover, bacterial infections can release bacterial DNA associated with other bacterial molecules, complexes that can elicit autoimmunity by acting as innate stimuli of pattern recognition receptors and activating autoreactive B cells through molecular mimicry.
Do autoimmune diseases start in the gut? ›While further investigation is needed, many researchers suspect that autoimmune diseases, as well as some other chronic conditions, could have their origins in the gut microbiome (2, 3).
Can gut issues cause autoimmune disorders? ›As around 80% of your immune cells are located in the gastrointestinal tract, gut health is closely linked to immune function. Research shows that the digestive condition known as leaky gut (or intestinal permeability), is a common factor in the biological mechanism that leads to the onset of autoimmune disease.
What is the best vitamin for autoimmune disease? ›The new, long-term clinical study has now found that vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, or both reduce the risk of developing an autoimmune disease.
What is the best herb for autoimmune disease? ›Sarsaparilla and yarrow are commonly thought to treat autoimmune symptoms by purifying the blood and reducing joint and muscle inflammation. Sarsaparilla has been used all over the world as a folk remedy for gout, arthritis, fevers, digestive disorders, psoriasis and other skin diseases.
What triggers autoimmune disorders? ›The exact cause of autoimmune disorders is unknown. One theory is that some microorganisms (such as bacteria or viruses) or drugs may trigger changes that confuse the immune system. This may happen more often in people who have genes that make them more prone to autoimmune disorders.
What supplements to avoid if you have autoimmune disease? ›Avoid high doses of vitamin C, beta carotene, cat's claw, echinacea and ginseng, among others. Why add fuel to the fire? Doing so may cause you to slip out of remission and into more misery. I'll share some tips in the space provided, but there are so many other nutrients.
Is turmeric Good for autoimmune? ›Turmeric. Studies show that curcumin is beneficial in the treatment of several autoimmune conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis and ulcerative colitis. This compound, which is most easily found in the root-based spice turmeric, is commonly used in Indian and Asian cooking.
What supplements to avoid with autoimmune disorders? ›Plant sterols should be considered as these act as weak natural steroids to reduce the inflammatory response and are good autoimmune disease supplements. Avoid herbs that stimulate the immune system such as Echinacea, Zinc, Cat's claw, and olive leaf.
Can ginger help with autoimmune disease? ›Studies by a team at the University of Michigan now suggest that 6-gingerol, the main bioactive compound in ginger root, has therapeutic effects against certain autoimmune diseases, including lupus and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), in mice, by countering the release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs).
How do you fight autoimmune inflammation? ›
- anti-inflammatory drugs – to reduce inflammation and pain.
- corticosteroids – to reduce inflammation. ...
- pain-killing medication – such as paracetamol and codeine.
- immunosuppressant drugs – to inhibit the activity of the immune system.
- physical therapy – to encourage mobility.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), glucocorticoids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are traditionally used in the treatment of autoimmune inflammatory diseases.
Is autoimmune disease triggered by stress? ›Physical and psychological stress has been implicated in the development of autoimmune disease, since numerous animal and human studies demonstrated the effect of sundry stressors on immune function.
Can fasting help autoimmune disorders? ›Fasting is extremely helpful to boost the immune system, especially for autoimmune disorders and cancer.
What are the 7 autoimmune diseases? ›- Rheumatoid arthritis. ...
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus). ...
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). ...
- Multiple sclerosis (MS). ...
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus. ...
- Guillain-Barre syndrome. ...
- Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. ...
- Psoriasis.