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Lifestyle and Autoimmune Diseases

August 29, 2018

Cause

Unfortunately, the cause of autoimmune diseases is indeterminable; however, medical professionals and researchers have noticed trends amongst those who suffer from the condition. It has been noted that women are more likely to carry an autoimmune disease, and that African-American and Hispanic people are more susceptible to lupus.


Symptoms

While there are a wide variety of autoimmune diseases, many of them start out with the following common symptoms:

  • Fatigue
  • Achy muscles
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
  • Hair loss
  • Skin rashes


Common Types of Autoimmune Diseases

While there are a large variety of autoimmune diseases, the following is a list of some of the autoimmune diseases that Dr. Mir, a rheumatologist in Nassau County, specializes in addressing and treating:

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Psoriatic Arthritis
  • Systemic Lupus
  • Spondyloarthropathies
  • Ankylosing Spondylitis
  • Polymyositis & Dermatomyositis
  • Sarcoidosis
  • Scleroderma
  • Sjogren’s
  • Vasculitis
  • Raynaud's Phenomenon


Treatment

In treating autoimmune diseases, there are many different options. Commonly, certain drugs will be prescribed that aid the immune system in altering itself. Alongside medication, it is imperative that you alter your lifestyle in order to help alleviate some of the painful symptoms associated with your autoimmune disease. For example, it is suggested to avoid the following:

  • Caffeine
  • Alcohol
  • Nicotine
  • Dairy
  • Chocolate
  • Gluten
  • Quinoa
  • Spicy foods
  • Sugary foods and drinks
  • Greasy/fried/fatty foods

Additionally, some other changes to your lifestyle are required to reduce pain, inflammation, swelling and other bothersome symptoms associated with autoimmune diseases. It is highly suggested that you keep your stress levels low. This can be done through meditation, gymnastics, yoga, and other activities. It is imperative that one keeps active, alongside a balanced, healthy diet. Additionally, since most of our immune system is located in the gastrointestinal tract, it is important to take note of what types of food cause flare-ups.


While autoimmune diseases can sometimes come with painful, debilitating symptoms, here at New York Integrated Rheumatology, a rheumatologist in Nassau County, we are here to help treat you every step of the way. We highly suggest you make an appointment to discuss possible treatment options and how you can alter your lifestyle in order to alleviate the symptoms associated with your autoimmune disease. Why wait? Let’s get you on the road to a better life. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mir, a rheumatologist conveniently located in Nassau County, specifically, Massapequa, call us at 516-809-9666 today!