Are You an Autoimmune Warrior?
Are there any other autimmune warriors out there? I started Biodara Organic Skincare after struggling to find natural skin care products that didn’t contain synthetic preservatives, fragrances or dyes after being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease 12 years ago.
Autoimmune disease affects up to 50 million Americans, according to the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA). An autoimmune disease develops when your immune system, which defends your body against disease, decides your healthy cells are foreign. As a result, your immune system attacks healthy cells. Currently, treatment for autoimmune diseases focuses on relieving symptoms because there is no curative therapy.
Autoimmune diseases often run in families, and 75 percent of those affected are women, WHICH IS WHY CHOOSING THE RIGHT SKINCARE IS PARAMOUNT: SULFATES, PARABENS, FD&C COLORS ARE REALLY BAD FOR AI SUFFERERS - they can cause chemical sensitivities, skin and eye irritations and disrupt the hormone and endocrine systems.
In the beginning, I suffered for years, looking for relief and a cure, but was just pumped up with prednisone, cortisone and steroid shots that gave me temporary relief, but made my body violently ill afterwards. My whole body broke out in terrible, painful sores and rashes. My muscles and joints were so painful, I was unable to sleep or function normally.
It wasn't until I personally researched what natural oils and botanicals are healing and restorative to my skin and health, that I finally found relief. Also, changing my diet, adjusting my lifestyle, learning to deal with stress, and maintaing a hopeful, positive attitude has greatly helped me cope with AI. Also surrounding myself with a loving core of thoughtful family and friends is so important to me and my well being! I'm hoping my experience can help some of you avoid what I had to go through!
I would love to hear your thoughts. What have you done to cope with your autoimmune disease?