Mature Life Features

. . . was discussing a relative’s recent birth

and commented that women shouldn’t have any more babies after 35.

I agree,

35 babies in any one family is enough.

= = = = =

Autoimmune Disease

Attacks from Anywhere

It wasn’t all that long ago when most of us never heard of an autoimmune disease.

Medical science and research has identified more than 100 of these disorders that range from type 1 diabetes to multiple sclerosis, lupus, and autoimmune rheumatoid arthritis. No one knows what causes these diseases nor why anyone gets them. Many victims live with the condition for years before being diagnosed properly.

An autoimmune disease occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your body. For example, autoimmune hepatitis is a result of your immune system attacking your liver instead of the lurking germs and viruses. Your immune system never rests in its battle against bacteria and it somehow can turn on you, causing debilitating, and death-threatening in some cases, inflammation of joints, nerves and organs.

Recent reports indicate the problem is increasing as more than 15 percent of the population carry biomarkers of autoimmunity, a 5 percent rise over just a few decades. Medical experts attribute the increase to chronic stress in our day-to-day lives, diets loaded with processed foods, and environmental toxins, such as insecticides and pesticides in the air and food.

A healthy diet and lifestyle helps combat the onset and treatment of autoimmunity. Starting with your diet is probably the simplest and easiest first step toward insulating yourself against autoimmune attacks. The Mediterranean diet is recommended widely as a healthy weapon against autoimmune disease.

There is plenty of literature available on what comprises this anti-inflammatory list of food that calms your immune system. A quick overview includes vegetables, fruit, nuts, fish and olive oil. Foods to avoid include refined oils, processed meat, and anything with added sugar. Almost three-quarters of your immune system lives in your guts, so probiotics and live-culture foods such as yogurt are strong shields against autoimmune attackers.

A dietician can work with you to prepare a list of eat and don’t-eat items.

Regular exercise is also urged. You don’t have to sign up at a gym for daily two-hour weight-lifting sessions. A walk in the park with your dog, a bicycle ride, or some laps in the pool all work and can be enjoyable. This activity will also help avoid stress and relax. And you’ll probably sleep better, giving your body and immune system more time to repair itself.

Before adopting any regimen in your life, discuss your situation with your primary care physician.