Rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, psoriasis, hypothyroidism, systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis - these are just a few of the autoimmune diseases, of which there are currently more than a hundred known. These diseases significantly impair the quality of life, but the good news is that there are ways to help yourself.

It is common to treat autoimmune diseases by suppressing immune responses with powerful drugs. Although they help to feel relief, the effect is often only partial and temporary, and there is also a risk of side effects.

Functional medicine specialists urge patients with autoimmune diseases to pay great attention to restoring the body's functions. In addition to proper nutrition and physical exercise, stress management, fresh air and oxygen, and communication are also important.

HOW DOES STRESS AFFECT AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES?

Some people feel very well when and how stress affects them. Some physical effects are felt quite quickly and obviously, such as digestive problems, headaches, rapid heartbeats, emotional eating, irritability, and so on. However, some stress effects are not immediately felt and harm the body secretly.

The body can react to stress in two main ways, says renowned US physician and preventive medicine specialist Susana Blum. "The first is the response of the nervous system, and the second is the activation of hormones, the most important of which are cortisol and adrenaline, both produced by the adrenal glands."

In the first case, when stress is at work, the sympathetic nervous system directly stimulates the heart. This makes the patient feel an increased heart rate. The adrenals release the hormone adrenaline, which also promotes heart contractions. This affects all organs involved in the "fight or flight" response.

In the second case, in response to stress, the body activates a chain of hormonal reactions that begins in the brain. Cortisol, which increases blood glucose concentration, is the most powerful influence on the body, preparing it for danger and potential injury.

It is crucial to understand these two stress reactions because the connection between stress and hormones can be essential in controlling autoimmune diseases. Stress can disrupt the balance of the immune system and trigger or exacerbate autoimmune diseases.

The goal of every patient with an autoimmune disease should be to regain the stress response to restore resilience and flexibility.
It is necessary to learn to use relaxation systems and deactivate hormones and neurotransmitters that cause long-term stress damage.

HOW TO MANAGE STRESS AND RESTORE BALANCE?

It is important to understand that stressful events or a stressful environment are just one of the factors negatively affecting the body. If you do not take care of yourself properly, ignore work and rest routines, do not know how to relax, and feel a lack of communication, it is likely that your stress system is still too active.

Renowned US physician and preventive medicine specialist Susan Blum, in her best-selling book "The Immune System Recovery Plan," recommends restoring the balance of the stress system by following these methods:

• Change your stressful environment. In a notebook, list the most stressful things, describe each point in more detail, and write down ways to change the situation. Perhaps it is worth daring to talk to your employer about how you feel, reduce workload, or even change your job to one that requires less energy.

• Find simple ways to relax every day. These can be small rituals that have a significant impact on your well-being. Take a bath with aromatic candles, meditate, go for a walk, stretch, meet a friend, think about your favorite leisure activity.

Choosing to relax in Birštonas or other natural surroundings on weekends will help you engage in the week's tasks more calmly. "You need to find time every day when the stress system is turned off so that the mind and body can rest," says Dr. Susan Blum.

• Change your stressful environment with additional sources. Learn spiritual and physical medical methods, such as meditation or visualization. Learn wisdom and practices from books, online recordings, weekend retreats. Daily practiced exercises will help you gain confidence and learn to relax in stressful real-life situations.
• Change your lifestyle with the help of specialists. It is much easier to learn new skills from an experienced specialist. Find a teacher that suits you best: a trainer, psychotherapist, psychologist, or physiotherapist. Let others take care of your relaxation and visit massages, acupuncture, or other body procedures.

• Find time for longer breaks from everyday life. Get away from the city, for example, to resorts surrounded by stunning nature.