Keep Autoimmune Disease at Bay

By Lynn Brewer

Autoimmune diseases are a group of more than 80 chronic, often debilitating, and, in some cases, life-threatening illnesses. According to the National Institutes of Health, up to 23.5 million Americans (more than 7% of the population) suffer from an autoimmune disease—and the prevalence is rising. Autoimmune disease is associated with a malfunction of the immune system that causes the body to attack its own tissues, and diseases such as lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and many others are directly related to a buildup of inflammation, which causes the body to mistakenly attack healthy cells, tissues, and organs.

One of the functions of the immune system is to protect the body by responding to invading microorganisms, such as viruses or bacteria, by producing antibodies or sensitized lymphocytes (types of white blood cells). Under normal conditions, an immune response cannot be triggered against the cells of one’s own body. In some cases, however, immune cells make a mistake and attack the very cells they are meant to protect, leading to a variety of autoimmune diseases encompassing a broad category of related diseases in which the person’s immune system attacks their own tissue.

Managing Autoimmune Disease with Nutrition

While there is no cure for autoimmune disease, that certainly doesn’t mean the symptoms can’t be managed. When it comes to restoring the immune system, diet is key. Nutrient deficiencies can play a huge role in autoimmune diseases—if we are deficient in any or all of these key nutrients, we are at risk of our immune system attacking our body’s own tissues. Key Nutrients: Vitamin A Omega 3s B12

Magnesium Vitamin D Selenium

K2 Zinc Magnesium sulphate has been used for centuries as an effective cure-all, including reducing inflammation. And because inflammation is a common symptom of many autoimmune conditions, magnesium may indeed have applications in reducing this immune response, if not treating the cause of the disease.

How Floating Can Help

Research has shown that stress can aggravate the physical symptoms of many autoimmune diseases. Floating has been well established as a method of alleviating stress—because of the magnesium being absorbed through the skin during a float, floaters often find extra relief of symptoms related to autoimmune disease. Additionally, floating has been linked to better quality and frequency of sleep in general, which is important in immunocompromised individuals—insomnia is a frequent issue for those with any type of autoimmune disease, and lack of sleep only reinforces the cycle of fatigue and discomfort. Many people with autoimmune diseases, as well as many other diseases, have found that spending time in a float tank can help boost the powers of concentration, helping to restore some of the mental acuity impacted by autoimmune disease. When floating, magnesium is absorbed through our largest organ—our skin—via molecular diffusion, so there is no overload effect from floating for extended periods of time. The effects of float therapy are cumulative, and its many benefits are experienced when you float on a regular, frequent basis. Come float for your health and wellness. • Come be part of the Solution at Fort Myers Cloud 9 Float Spa today! Lynn Brewer, owner of Cloud9 Float Spa & Wellness Center located at 13710 Metropolis Ave., Suite #104 in Fort Myers. 239.887.4161 info@c9floatspa.com. www.c9floatspa.com. SWFL’s only Float Spa. See ad on page 37 > “Floating has been well established as a method of alleviating stress— because of the magnesium being absorbed through the skin during a float, floaters often find extra relief of symptoms related to autoimmune disease.”

—Lynn Brewer