Is anyone out there dealing with inflammation and or any autoimmune diseases? This may include any of the following and more: anxiety, fibromyalgia, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis disease, irritable bowel disease, lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and rosacea. If so, you are not alone. Unfortunately, these diseases and conditions have significantly been on the rise. In addition, clinically I have seen the presentation of autoimmune diseases and inflammatory issues in younger and younger populations such as teens and young adults in their mid-twenties. According to the American Autoimmune Related Disease Association (AARDA) there are 50 million Americans that are presenting with one or more autoimmune diseases.
As the natural aging process occurs our bodies begin to break down and our organ systems do not work as efficiently and effectively as they did when we were younger. In addition, individuals may have a genetic predisposition to some conditions. The reality is we are living in very toxic times. We are exposed to pesticides, heavy metals, insecticides, off gassing from building materials, and pollution in general. In addition to the environmental factors we are exposed to, our bodies can become more vulnerable from stress, inadequate levels of vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids that are deficient in our diet. This could potentially cause a negative impact on body chemistry as well as organ systems and cause some vulnerability. In turn, this may decrease the level of how your body functions at its most efficient capacity, or optimal level. If this occurs, what happens? From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, a dis-ease or imbalance could manifest, and the body will potentially present with a symptom. If you are presenting with a symptom and or symptoms, the body is telling you it needs attention, and or there is something that is potentially not functioning properly.
This is an expansive topic, and there are significant ways to incorporate nutritional choices that can make a difference in your health. I will provide some suggestions regarding various conditions in future articles. I hope to provide some insight and that could possibly assist in decreasing your symptomology and enhance your quality life and health. The following are some amazing herbs that are good for the immune system and decrease inflammation. Organic herbal plants can be bought at local farmers’ markets and the Rail Yards. I suggest organic over commercial plants that have been sprayed with toxic pesticides, and it’s a great way to support your local farmers and small businesses. The following herbs are some my favorites because they are very beneficial and easy to incorporate into your daily diet. For example, you can add them into your morning smoothies and daily cooking. Basil, oregano, and thyme are great for your immune system because they are antibacterial and are anti-inflammatories. All three can be used for the digestive and respiratory system issues as well. In addition, basil and thyme are antioxidants which boost immunity. Thyme is a strong anti-viral and it can be used to reduce symptoms of chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, Hashimoto’s, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, tinnitus, and vertigo. Thyme assists the body in producing GABA levels in the brain that can help to reduce anxiety and act as a natural muscle relaxant.
In conclusion, I suggest adding these into your garden, or they grow well in pots indoor year-round. It’s also beneficial to become aware of what products you are using in your home that can be contributing to increasing levels of toxicity that could be exacerbating your symptoms. Please always consult your health care providers and of course, I am available for your inquiries.
To health,
Dr. Yve Arellano, DOM, LMT
May 2019
