Navigating the unpredictable waters of an autoimmune disease can feel isolating and overwhelming. Trust me, I've been there. But you're not alone, and there's so much to learn from those who've walked this path before us. Today, I want to share some key insights from my recent chat with Lora Marie, a resilient soul thriving with an autoimmune disease.

Firstly, Lora stresses the importance of individualized dietary approaches. She found that a one-size-fits-all diet just didn't work for her. She saw firsthand that what worked for others didn't necessarily work for her. In her case, she followed the AIP (Autoimmune Protocol) diet and continued to experience flares. Only after close inspection did she discover that pork and red meat, although allowed on the AIP diet, were triggers for her. I couldn't agree more with her recommendation to journal everything you eat, tracking your body's responses, and adjust accordingly. Remember, your body is unique, and you are the best person to decipher its language.

Lora also passionately underscores the significance of sleep. I'm sure many of us are guilty of taking this for granted. But as Lora shared, sleep is crucial for healing and recovery. She goes to bed early, gets up early, and takes a nap every day. In her words, she "woos her body into being tired and sleepy." Practical steps such as getting your phone out of the bedroom, using blackout blinds, sound machines, or eye masks, and taking magnesium can help coax your brain into sleep mode. It's a reminder that sometimes the simplest actions can have a profound impact on our health.

A fascinating aspect of Lora's journey is her outlook towards her condition. She encourages us to embrace humor and lightness in our journey with an autoimmune disease. I absolutely loved this perspective! It's so easy to get wrapped up in the seriousness of our health challenges, forgetting to find joy in our journey. As she wisely says, "If we don't laugh, we cry." So, remember to give yourself space to find humor and joy in your experience, because that alone can help regulate our nervous system.

Importantly, Lora speaks candidly about the fear and guilt associated with medication for autoimmune diseases. She emphasizes that it's okay to take medication. It doesn't mean you're failing. I find this particularly valuable because it challenges the common narrative that paints medication as a failure or defeat. In her words, "it's about quality, not quantity." If the medication helps you thrive in your life, it's worth it.

Lastly, Lora encourages us to have grace for ourselves. If you're newly diagnosed or dealing with new challenges, remember that you've never been here before. It's okay to make mistakes, to fail, to learn, and to grow. You're allowed to take time to adjust, to form new habits, and to change your lifestyle.

Listening to Lora reminded me of how incredibly resilient we can be. Despite the challenges she faces, she maintains an infectious positive attitude and a practical approach to managing her health. I hope that her insights can help you, whether you're dealing with an autoimmune disease or any health challenge. Remember, we're all in this together, and there's so much we can learn from one another.

Till next time, be kind to yourself, honor your body, and remember, you're not alone on this journey.