What are autoimmune diseases?
According to the Women’s Health Research Institute, “Autoimmune diseases are those where the body, for whatever reason, starts fighting its own cells with an autoimmune response”.
Why women have an increased risk?
There are not definite statements as to why autoimmune diseases are more prevalent in women but some of the reasons why they are most common in females, are stated below:
The first reason why women are at more risk for autoimmune diseases is the unique nature of a woman’s immune system. The immune system of women is more complicated than men. The female body has stronger inflammation processes which play a key role in autoimmune diseases.
Sex hormones and hormonal differences are another reason why women tend to be more at risk for autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune diseases flare when female sex hormone fluctuations take place. These fluctuations can occur during the monthly menstrual cycle, perimenopause, menopause and when taking synthetic hormones.
Pregnancy can also trigger autoimmune disease. Significant hormonal shifts occurring during pregnancy, birth and postpartum making women more venerable. For example, Postpartum Thyroiditis is a common autoimmune condition linked to pregnancy.
There are no definite reasons for as to why women are more prone to autoimmune disease than men. However, you can maintain a healthier lifestyle and a healthier you with adopting some simple habits. If your parents or anyone in your family has autoimmune diseases then avoiding things like cigarettes and alcohol and maintaining a healthier lifestyle is going to help you reduce your risk. Also, maintaining a healthy weight is essential.
Why the Autoimmune Protocol
The Autoimmune Protocol diet emphasizes eliminating unwanted inflammation from the body by eliminating food-driven triggers. It is a relatively new diet approach and focuses on the following elements:
It eliminates the foods that cause inflammation so that the immune system of the body can be reset properly.
It focuses on restoring healthy gut function and improving the gut microbiome
This diet focuses on consuming a nutrient-dense diet.
This diet needs to be followed strictly, in order to see results. To achieve positive outcomes, one needs to follow the autoimmune protocol diet for at least 30 days. After the elimination period, foods are reintroduced to the diet.
Benefits of Autoimmune protocol diet:
Is the autoimmune protocol diet beneficial? Well, it definitely is. One study showed that the Autoimmune Protocol diet reduces inflammation and encouraged remission in 78% of the study participants. I make no claims that the Autoimmune Protocol will work for everyone, but it has certainly been a beneficial for many of my clients.
Why do you need support?
The Autoimmune Protocol is a specialty elimination diet and is best executed with a solid plan and lots of support. I talk to women regularly who have tried this diet and failed (repeatedly) because they were trying to go it alone. While there is a lot of information out there on the AIP diet, it is a complex protocol and can be difficult to sustain if you are not on a set plan. If there was ever a time to work with a professional health coach – it’s to set up the AIP!
Join the group and change your life:
Hundreds or maybe thousands of women are taking control of their health and renewing it with the help of Autoimmune Protocol. There is obviously no concept of one size or diet plan suiting all types of immune systems, with the AIP you will find the just right foods for your body. If you have significant health problems or take medication, talk to your doctor before trying the AIP diet.
(AIP) Auto Immune Protocol available at Health yourself with your Integrated nutrition & functional medicine coach.
