If you’re one of the 50 million Americans living with an autoimmune condition, there’s a good chance you’ve been told you’re stuck with it for life. Maybe you were given medication for the pain, or told your condition is ‘genetic’ and there’s nothing you can do.
Either way, you likely feel scared, alone, and totally at a loss for navigating this life-changing diagnosis on your own.
I’ve heard this same story from hundreds of my patients, so take it from me that you are not alone.
The truth is that autoimmune disorders aren’t a death sentence — and by restoring your metabolic health, you can manage and even reverse your illness.
But first: how is this even possible?
Autoimmune diseases are like any other metabolic dysfunction. It’s a snowball effect resulting from a host of various conditions.
Interestingly, studies show that metabolic syndrome and autoimmune disorders share the same immunological mechanisms, which is why somewhere between 30% and 50% of those with autoimmune disorders also show signs of metabolic syndrome.
This research tells us two things. First, that metabolic syndrome and autoimmune conditions share the same underlying pathology. Second, that addressing the causes of metabolic syndrome could also address the causes of chronic disease.
It may not be possible to reverse every autoimmune disease, but if you’re willing to make lasting lifestyle changes, it is entirely possible to achieve stronger, better health.
How to reverse an autoimmune disease
You didn’t acquire an autoimmune disease overnight, so you shouldn’t expect to see results after just a few days of ‘living healthier.’
That said, I’ve had patients who’ve seen a difference in three months or less by making the following lifestyle changes:
Get off seed oils
Studies link seed oils to a host of health problems, including autoimmune conditions such as thyroid disorders and Rheumatoid arthritis. The high amount of omega-6 fats, coupled with oxidation risks, can lead to inflammation in the body and worsening pain over time.
Interestingly, studies show that vegetable oil is one of the worst offenders, although corn, canola, and grapeseed oil are also high up on the list.
I recommend cutting out all seed oils and turning to whole, real fats instead. Butter, tallow, and lard are some of the best animal-based options, although you could opt for coconut, olive, or avocado oil.
Cut out refined sugar
You don’t need me to tell you that too much sugar is bad for you. Even beyond an autoimmune context, the consumption of sugar is linked with poorer health outcomes.
Studies show that glycolysis — or how the body converts glucose into cellular energy — is one of the biggest contributing factors in developing autoimmune conditions. It also suggests that controlling blood sugar spikes can reset your body’s metabolic processes, which may naturally stop activating your over responsive immune cells.
I recommend cutting sugar from your diet and avoiding fake sugars that could disrupt your metabolic health. ‘Natural’ sources such as fruit and honey are certainly better than the alternative — but not necessarily good for your body.
I also recommend looking into a continuous glucose monitor to see how different foods influence your blood sugar.
Eat whole, real foods
The easiest way to get off seed oils and refined sugar is to follow the principle of whole, real food. If it comes from the ground or eats food that grows on the ground, it’s a whole, real food that belongs in your pantry.
There are a couple of caveats for autoimmune diseases:
- You may want to consider limiting carbohydrates. Your body transforms carbohydrates into glucose, which can spike your blood sugar and lead to inflammation.
- Be strict about processed foods. If it has more than five ingredients, you may want to ask yourself if it belongs in your house.
- Learn how to read an ingredient label and cook more meals at home. This can help you control your diet and avoid sneaky additives that could throw off your progress.
Take up exercise
By ‘exercise,’ I mean any activity that gets your body moving — whether that means cleaning house, washing dishes, weeding the garden, or going to the gym. Studies show exercise can have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body, which may also result in boosted energy and pain relief for those with autoimmune conditions.
Cardio has its place in many exercise regimens, but I would highly encourage you to prioritize resistance training. Strength training exercises are shown to reduce low-grade inflammation, slow the onset of sarcopenia, and protect against chronic diseases such as osteoporosis.
If you’ve never built an exercise regimen before, you can refer to my guide on exercising for metabolic health.
Monitor heavy metals
A wealth of scientific evidence points to the negative effect of heavy metals on autoimmune diseases. Lupus, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis are some of the most common ailments associated with heavy metals buildup.
We also know that heavy metals play a role in activating metabolic syndrome. Research shows that cadmium, lead, and mercury can put pressure on the heart, inhibit proper metabolic function, and cause oxidative stress.
It may not be possible to eliminate all heavy metal exposure, but there’s plenty of research out there to help you make wise choices. Avoiding pesticides and herbicides like glyphosate, for example, can reduce your risks for IBD, food allergies, and celiac disease. You may also want to steer clear of endocrine-disrupting household cleaners, as well as chemically-laden beauty products that could change your metabolic health.
Just be careful about ‘miracle’ supplements or so-called ‘gurus’ offering to speed up your body’s detox process. Better food choices and exercise habits can do a world of good. Fasting is free and easy, after all.
Speaking of fasting. . .
Try regularly fasting
Peer-reviewed studies have found that fasting can restore your metabolic function and your immune health. By fasting long enough for most of your damaged cells to die, then refeeding yourself with whole, real foods, you can change the flora in your gut microbiota and significantly improve your autoimmune function.
Fasting looks different for every individual, and there are a number of different strategies depending on your unique needs. If you’re interested, I created a course covering the basics of fasting so you can learn more about what it takes to fast safely and effectively.
Healing your metabolic health to heal your autoimmune condition
Your autoimmune health is incredibly complex, and we’ve barely scratched the surface of how the two interact. However, you don’t need to be a scientific expert to see how autoimmunity connects with your metabolic health — and if you’re willing to make lifestyle changes, you can potentially change both for the better.
November is Autoimmune Month in the Heart Health Hub, and there’s never been a better time to take control of your health. For just $97, you can join our community for the entire month of November and gain exclusive access to expert guidance and life-changing resources focused on autoimmune health and metabolic healing. Whether you’re seeking solutions for heart health or aiming to reverse autoimmune symptoms, the Heart Health Hub offers a supportive environment to help you achieve real results. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with others on a similar journey and take the next step toward reclaiming your well-being. Join us today!
