Autoimmunity: more common than you think
What is an autoimmune disease?
An autoimmune disease is a type of disease in which the immune system attacks its own healthy cells. There are hundreds of autoimmune diseases and they can occur in different organs in the body. The triggers for these diseases are yet not well understood. There are various factors that come into play for the onset of autoimmune diseases. Genetics, environmental triggers, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), injury, and past infections, to name a few. Most autoimmune diseases are thought to be triggered by more than one factor.
Common autoimmune diseases
Crohn’s Disease
Diabetes Type I
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Ulcerative Colitis
Hashimotos Thyroiditis
Celiac Disease
Autoimmunity is complex. There are many kinds of autoimmune diseases, each of them affecting different organs and systems in the body. At the same time, two people with the same autoimmune disease can present completely different symptoms, thus the protocol for a client with autoimmunity should be individualized. One thing about autoimmune diseases, though, is that all of them have one thing in common: intestinal permeability or leaky gut syndrome.
Other common diseases that are suspected of being of autoimmune nature but have not yet been fully studied are:
Interstitial Cystitis
Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Endometriosis
Microscopic Colitis
Restless leg syndrome
What is the autoimmune protocol (AIP)?
The AIP is a science-based nutrition and lifestyle protocol that consist of the elimination of foods that may trigger the immune system or cause inflammation in the body. Besides eliminating food triggers, the addition of nutrient-dense foods that promote healing is also part of the diet component of the autoimmune protocol.
The lifestyle component of the autoimmune protocol prioritizes sleep, stress management, and community and connection as a mediator for healing.
As a certified AIP coach, I am equipped to work with folks who are looking for support on how to manage their autoimmune conditions. This opens up my practice to clients with more complex diseases that may not be finding much help in the conventional medical system.
Why you need a certified Autoimmune Protocol Coach
A certified AIP coach is trained to set you up for success in managing and coping with your autoimmune disease. AIP-certified coaches not only help clients transition and adhere to the autoimmune protocol but we are also trained to help you work with your resources and meet you where you may be at the moment. Not everyone may be ready to start AIP. A good AIP coach will give you the necessary tools to work within your capabilities to make sure you see an improvement in your symptoms, whether you do the protocol or not.
This is just a small introduction to AIP, but I will be sharing more posts, resources, and materials that will help you manage your autoimmune condition. If you have any questions or comments about the AIP protocol, or your own journey living with an autoimmune disease, please comment below.
In health,
Mariu Cabral, NTP, Cert AIP Coach