Lifestyle Corner: Autoimmune Diseases Demand a Low-Stress Lifestyle
By Pamela Peeke, MD, MPH, NWHRC medical advisor
Whenever I see a woman with an autoimmune disease in my office, one of the first things I ask her is how she’s handling the stress in her life, and if she’s finding time to rest.
That’s because I know—and research shows—that stress can bring on a flare in diseases such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and psoriasis. One study found, for instance, that the daily stress of everyday living affects how women with lupus feel more than major life stresses like moving or starting a new job. I also know that fatigue is a major component of many of these diseases.
Women, this is no time to put yourself last. You have a chronic, lifelong disease that can be held in check by medication and lifestyle changes—if you incorporate both into managing your condition.
So here are some things I recommend:
• Take a walk. It doesn’t have to be long, and it doesn’t have to be fast. But get outside or to an indoor mall or museum and walk for at least 20 minutes. Studies find such moderate exercise can help with the stiffness and pain of autoimmune diseases and improve your mood.
• Take an hour a day to rest. You don’t have to nap if you don’t want to, but just lying in a quiet room reading or meditating can be amazingly restorative. Don’t be embarrassed about this. Tell your boss, children and partner that this one hour is what enables you to remain productive and energetic the rest of the day.
• Learn at least one technique to reduce stress hormones in your body. Notice I didn’t say reduce stress—I know that’s impossible. But studies find that things like deep breathing, meditation and visualization can reduce levels of stress hormones in your body. These hormones are inflammatory—contributing to the inflammation behind many autoimmune diseases.
• Find a support system. This might be your family, or it might be friends. It could even be a support group of other people with your condition.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
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LOL
This article is great but.....
What about men/children who suffer from Autoimmune diseases..dont forget it crosses all sexes all ages all races
Have a great day !
April 17, 2009 - 8:10pmThis Comment