Autoimmune Disease, Faith, and the Power of Diet and Lifestyle Change

Autoimmune diseases are on the rise, affecting millions around the world and disrupting lives in countless ways. Conditions such as fibromyalgia, POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), and others can be incredibly challenging to manage. I know this firsthand, as I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, and my daughter was diagnosed with POTS. It was through examining the foods we put into our bodies and making significant lifestyle adjustments that we found hope and began to see positive changes.

The Link Between Pharmaceuticals, Processed Foods, and Autoimmune Disease

Our modern lifestyle is often heavily reliant on convenience, which means we are exposed to an abundance of processed foods and pharmaceutical interventions. While these may provide temporary relief, they can have a long-term impact on our bodies, particularly our immune system and overall health. Consuming a diet high in processed foods, artificial additives, and chemical-laden ingredients can contribute to chronic inflammation and trigger autoimmune responses.

The same goes for many pharmaceutical medications. While they can be lifesaving and essential for managing symptoms, long-term use can sometimes lead to imbalances in the body that affect how we process food, manage inflammation, and maintain a healthy gut microbiome.

The Role of Faith and God's Provision

Throughout this journey, I have been reminded of how God's grace and provision extend to every aspect of our lives, including our health. The Bible tells us that God provides us with everything we need for sustenance and healing (Genesis 1:29). He created the earth and all its bounty, giving us natural foods that are packed with the nutrients our bodies require. These foods are a testament to His love and wisdom, designed to nourish us and strengthen us from the inside out.

When we trust God and rely on His guidance, we can find peace and confidence in the changes we make to improve our health. I am thankful for my diagnosis, as it was through this challenge that I was led to seek out God's wisdom and make the changes necessary to find relief. More importantly, it gave me the opportunity to share what I've learned with others facing similar struggles. It is my hope to help others navigate their health journeys with proper nutrition, knowledge, and faith.

How Diet Can Change Your Health

I’ve learned that one of the most powerful ways to manage and even improve autoimmune symptoms is through what we eat. When we began to focus on nutrient-dense, whole foods, the impact was profound. Eliminating or reducing processed foods, sugar, and artificial additives helped lower inflammation in our bodies and improved our overall wellbeing. We noticed less fatigue, fewer flare-ups, and an overall sense of vitality that had been missing for so long.

When we’re constantly putting processed foods into our bodies, we may be feeding ourselves empty calories and toxic additives that increase inflammation and compromise our immune system. But when we start making choices that nourish our body — like eating clean, natural, whole foods and avoiding heavy chemicals — we begin to support our bodies' ability to heal themselves. This means paying attention to the sources of our food and choosing options that have been grown and raised without harsh chemicals, pesticides, or synthetic additives.

The Benefits of Clean, Local Foods

Choosing high-quality, local foods is an essential step in this journey. If you’re battling an autoimmune disease, it’s critical to source your meat from local farms that practice natural and humane farming methods. Look for farms that don’t use synthetic chemicals, antibiotics, or hormone treatments on their livestock. The same goes for fruits and vegetables: choose those that have been grown without chemical sprays or genetic modifications.

By sourcing food locally and ethically, you can feel more confident that what you’re consuming is free from harmful additives and is more likely to contain the nutrients your body needs. These nutrient-rich, clean foods are a cornerstone of reducing inflammation and supporting your immune system.

Cleansing Your Body of Toxins

One aspect that can’t be overlooked is the importance of detoxification. Our bodies are constantly exposed to heavy metals, pollutants, and harmful chemicals, whether through the air we breathe, the food we eat, or the products we use. These toxins can build up over time, disrupting the natural balance of our body and contributing to autoimmune symptoms.

A healthy, detoxifying lifestyle might include drinking plenty of water, eating foods high in antioxidants, and incorporating practices that support liver health and natural detoxification. Simple changes like adding more leafy greens, turmeric, ginger, and even certain teas can assist your body in cleansing itself of harmful substances. When your body is less burdened by toxins, you may find that your inflammation levels drop, and your immune system can function more efficiently.

The Importance of Gut Health

Another vital aspect of managing autoimmune diseases is caring for your gut microbiome. The gut plays an essential role in how our bodies process food and respond to inflammation. When we consume processed foods, our gut health can be compromised, leading to imbalances that can trigger autoimmune responses. To promote gut health, incorporate fermented foods into your diet, such as homemade sauerkraut, kimchi, or sourdough bread. These foods are rich in probiotics that help maintain a healthy balance of good bacteria, improving digestion and immune function.

A Personal Journey of Faith and Healing

For me, and for my daughter who struggles with POTS, the road to better health began with dietary and lifestyle changes. When we switched to whole, organic foods and reduced our exposure to synthetic chemicals, we noticed a real difference. We stopped relying on quick fixes from processed foods and started embracing a lifestyle that honored our bodies and God’s creation. I’m thankful for this journey because it has helped me deepen my faith and understand that God works in all things, even in challenges like chronic illness.

My faith has been a guiding light, reminding me that God has equipped us with the knowledge we need to support our bodies and find healing. Trusting Him has given me the courage to share my experiences and encourage others to look at their health through a holistic and faith-centered lens.

Takeaway: Healing Starts With You and God

If you’re battling an autoimmune disease, know that you’re not alone, and change is possible. By paying attention to what you eat, avoiding harmful chemicals, and incorporating more whole, natural foods into your diet, you can reduce inflammation and support your body in healing itself. Embrace the power of faith, remember that God provides what we need, and take the steps to nurture your body with the gifts He has given us. It’s not a quick fix or a one-size-fits-all solution — it’s a journey back to the way God intended us to live, where we honor our bodies and nourish them with His love. Start by making small, intentional changes, and watch as your body responds with greater health and vitality.