Functional Medicine meeting

I went to a meeting tonight by a local medical center, spotlighting a new Functional Medicine doctor on staff. 

They invited people in the community who have autoimmune issues to attend and learn how FM could help them.

I was able last minute to attend and am so glad I did! I had a chance to share my personal story of my autoimmune struggles and how implementing a more plant-based diet and Functional Medicine helped me get rid of my autoimmune issues. 

People talked to me afterwards and asked questions and we all shared our common problems we had (many of them still have) and it was great to have a group of people where we could all relate, understand and support each other. 

I hope my story helped some people there realize this REALLY can help. It can potentially reverse autoimmunity. And I’m so glad there’s a new doctor out there who realizes this is how to help improve health and can help others. 

Can Autoimmune Diseases Be Treated Without Drugs?

Dr. Joel Fuhrman recently posted an article by this title on his website:

Can Autoimmune Diseases Be Treated Without Drugs?

Countless people have been able to reduce the symptoms or even reverse the diseases completely by incorporating a plant-based diet, certain supplements and Functional Medicine care into their lives.  I can attest to this as a viable solution which answers the question as yes, autoimmune diseases CAN be treated without drugs, or with minimal drugs needed.

Autoimmune diseases affect 23.5 million Americans, officially (only factoring in 24 of the autoimmune diseases). The AARDA states the number is likely closer to 50+ million when all autoimmune diseases (80-100) are factored in. They are in the top 10 causes of death for people under 65 and cost over $100 billion annually in health care. To put it in perspective, cancers only cost $57 billion. Heart disease costs $200 billion. Which, ironically, adopting a plant-based diet can also help prevent heart disease and cancer in some cases.

This is an issue that affects everyone. Many businesses lose money due to employees out from work because of autoimmune diseases, it costs more in healthcare, and potentially even more in long term disability or social security costs. Yet a lot of these issues could be reduced tremendously just by changing to a healthier diet.

Honey Honey… ahh Sugar Sugar

http://n.pr/15rzw1a

People have a love affair with sugar.  Americans especially can’t seem to get enough of this delectable sweetness dancing on their tongues.  Unfortunately, increased consumption of sugar generally leads to numerous health issues including heart disease, diabetes and of course, autoimmune issues.

If you have difficulties cutting out sweets completely, please try to use what I refer to as “analogs.”  Refer to my Healthier Food Options page for ideas.  Generally, some are just replacing sugar with stevia.  Instead of HFCS laden sodas, try some sweetened with stevia (ie: Zevia).  Agave syrup may be a good option.  Possibly even using natural fruits as sweeteners.  Gradually reduce intake of sugar or any type of sweeteners.

As always, please check with your doctor(s) regarding any health issues you may have and good healthy, natural options to improve your health.

Functional Medicine for Autoimmune Diseases

http://www.utne.com/mind-and-body/autoimmune-diseases-ze0z1309zcalt.aspx#axzz3JorTW8Cm

This article is written by a medical doctor, whose story is much like mine and quite possibly like yours.

Dr. Susan Blum was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, which is usually how autoimmune issues begin, and thought there must be a way to prevent dealing with autoimmune problems lifelong. She set out on a quest to find a way to reverse her issues.  This led her to discover Functional Medicine as a treatment option, and how it is still regular medicine but it gets to the cause of issues, not just treating symptoms.

After learning more about the true causes of autoimmune issues, she was able to use traditional medicine along with a healthier diet to reverse her condition.