Living with an autoimmune disease can be challenging, as it can cause flares, inflammation, pain, and other debilitating symptoms that make it tough to follow through with your health and fitness goals. Developing a healthy lifestyle and nutrition routine is crucial for those struggling with autoimmune issues. Having the right health and nutrition habits can improve the symptoms of autoimmune diseases and lead to a better quality of life. On episode 327 of The Clip Out podcast, Angelo Poli addresses listener Christina Steven’s question on how to push through symptoms related to autoimmune disease to reach her goals.

Living with Autoimmune Diseases

First, a little background: Autoimmune diseases affect a large percentage of people worldwide, with over 50 million people having this condition in the United States alone. Examples of autoimmune diseases include lupus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis, but there are many others. These diseases are characterized by the immune system attacking healthy cells and tissues in the body, leading to inflammation and damage. As a result, people with autoimmune diseases often experience symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, migraines, digestive issues, etc.

Developing a Healthy Lifestyle and Nutrition Routine

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to managing autoimmune diseases. Still, developing a healthy lifestyle and nutrition routine can help improve symptoms, minimize flares, and improve the quality of life. Here are some key ways to create a healthy lifestyle and nutrition training for those living with autoimmune diseases:

• Avoid inflammatory foods: One of the most significant factors that can contribute to inflammation in the body is consuming inflammatory foods. Foods high in sugar, unhealthy fats, alcohol, grains, and dairy can exacerbate the symptoms of autoimmune diseases. Work with a dietician to find a balanced diet that works for you.
• Exercise and Recovery: Exercise is beneficial for people with autoimmune diseases. Exercise helps to build muscle and improves overall flexibility and joint mobility. When experiencing an autoimmune flare, flexibility exercises, such as yoga, can be an excellent choice. Additionally, taking time to rest and recover when needed is essential.
• Establish a Routine: Incorporating healthy habits into your daily routine can be helpful. Examples are eating healthy, sleeping well, and practicing stress-management techniques. If you have difficulty adding these to your routine, you can try things like setting alarms on your phone or using habit tracker apps found in your app store.
• Plan Cheat Meals: We all have special occasions where we may indulge in something that may not be healthy. Planning for cheat meals helps to limit them to occasional indulgences. Portion control is critical. Instead of eating a whole pizza, have just a slice or two.

Take Charge of Your Health

Living with an autoimmune disease can be challenging, but it’s possible to lead a healthy lifestyle, eat right and exercise, minimize flares, and improve symptoms. Following the tips above will help achieve a better quality of life for those with autoimmune issues. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine what works best for your situation. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential for anyone who wishes to lead a fulfilling life, regardless of medical conditions.

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