by Feeling Great | Jun 12, 2023 | Body
How to Cure Autoimmune Disease Naturally
Why Are Autoimmune Diseases on the Rise?
Autoimmune diseases are increasing at an alarming rate. In fact, the global incidence has surged by 19% over the last 30 years, with Western countries seeing the highest rise. This suggests that environmental factors, rather than genetics, play a major role in triggering these conditions.
From coeliac disease and type 1 diabetes to psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis, more than 80 recognized autoimmune diseases exist. If you or a loved one is struggling with an autoimmune disorder, you’re not alone. But what causes these conditions, and how can you take control of your health naturally?
Let’s explore the underlying causes of autoimmunity and how you can take steps toward healing.
What Is an Autoimmune Disease?
An autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own cells, tissues, or organs, leading to inflammation and damage. This can impact nearly any system in the body, causing widespread symptoms.
Interestingly, once you develop one autoimmune disease, you are at risk of developing others. This phenomenon, known as polyautoimmunity, is common among individuals with chronic immune dysfunction.
What Causes Autoimmune Diseases?
Although researchers are still uncovering the exact causes, studies suggest that autoimmune diseases result from a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental triggers. These triggers may include:
- Chronic infections (viral, bacterial, or parasitic)
- Toxin exposure (chemicals, pollutants, and heavy metals)
- Chronic stress and poor sleep
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Gut imbalances and food intolerances
Since 80% of the immune system resides in the gut, digestive health plays a critical role in autoimmune disease development. When the gut barrier is compromised (a condition known as leaky gut), it can activate an immune response, leading to inflammation and autoimmunity.
Why Are Autoimmune Diseases Increasing?
Over the past century, our environment, diet, and lifestyle have changed dramatically. The introduction of processed foods, pesticides, preservatives, and synthetic chemicals has placed a heavy burden on our bodies. Unfortunately, our genes have not evolved fast enough to adapt to these rapid changes, leading to widespread immune dysfunction.
Recent research reveals that only 33% of autoimmune risk is genetic, while 77% is due to environmental factors. This means that daily choices—like diet, stress management, and toxin exposure—play a significant role in either triggering or preventing autoimmunity.
Can You Prevent or Reverse Autoimmune Disease Naturally?
Autoimmune diseases do not develop overnight. In fact, damage occurs slowly over time, often starting with mild symptoms before progressing into a full-blown condition. Unfortunately, many individuals are placed on a “watch and wait” protocol, rather than addressing the root causes early on.
Why wait until extensive tissue damage occurs before taking action? Natural medicine focuses on early detection, prevention, and healing the body from within.
By identifying the underlying triggers, you can:
- Support gut health through proper nutrition
- Reduce inflammation by eliminating food sensitivities
- Balance the immune system with targeted herbs and nutrients
- Detoxify the body from harmful chemicals and toxins
- Manage stress to prevent immune system overload
If you’re ready to take control of your health, start making changes today. Your body has an incredible ability to heal when given the right support!
If that sounds like you, CLICK HERE to book in for an assessment to manage your current state of health.
To a healthy, happy and long life, Julie xxx
by Feeling Great | Jun 6, 2023 | Body
2 Essentials for Staying Healthy This Winter – Best Winter Wellness Tips
Healthy Winter Tips – Did you know the key to wellness this winter is a great inner terrain? How do you tell if your inner terrain is NOT right?
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Did you know that your immune system is your best defense against winter colds, flu, and fatigue? A strong inner terrain keeps you energized, focused, and resilient. But when it’s off balance, low energy, brain fog, and inflammation can take over.
Signs Your Immune System Needs Support
✔ Morning & afternoon fatigue
✔ Inflamed, achy joints
✔ Craving sugar
✔ Irritability & restlessness
✔ Weight gain around the middle
If you experience these symptoms, your immune system may already be struggling. This can lead to sore throats, persistent coughs, blocked sinuses, or even autoimmune conditions like asthma, eczema, or arthritis.
What Is Your Immune System?
Your immune system is made up of white blood cells that protect you from bacteria, viruses, and other invaders. These cells have two main jobs:
✔ Fighting infections outside your cells
✔ Repairing damage inside your body
A healthy immune system works efficiently, keeping you energized, clear-headed, and balanced. But stress, poor diet, toxins, and gut issues can weaken it, making you more vulnerable to illness.
2 Essentials for Staying Healthy This Winter
1. Identify and Address Immune System Challenges
Several factors can weaken your immune system and leave you feeling drained.
Common Causes of a Weakened Immune System
🚫 Nutrient Deficiencies: Low levels of iron, zinc, B12, and vitamin D affect immune function.
🚫 Food Additives & Chemicals: Processed foods contain preservatives, pesticides, and artificial ingredients that burden your system.
🚫 Heavy Metals: Exposure to lead, mercury, and aluminum can harm your immunity.
🚫 Poor Gut Health: Your gut houses 80% of your immune system. Bloating, reflux, or constipation may signal deeper issues.
🚫 Chronic Stress: Stress overworks the adrenal glands and thyroid, weakening your immune defenses.
A strong immune system starts with finding and eliminating these underlying challenges.
2. Support Your Immune System Daily
Small daily habits can dramatically boost your immune response.
How Maria Rebuilt Her Immunity
Maria came to my office constantly sick, exhausted, and overwhelmed. She struggled to get out of bed and had no energy for job hunting. After testing, we found she had gut infections, food intolerances, leaky gut, and nutrient deficiencies.
Within a few months, she transformed:
✔ More energy & balanced mood
✔ No longer gets sick
✔ Feels optimistic & landed a job she loves
2 Key Steps to Strengthen Your Immune System
Step 1: Remove Immune-Suppressing Foods
🚫 Cut back on sugar: Excess sugar weakens your immune system and feeds bad bacteria.
🚫 Avoid processed foods: Packaged meals contain preservatives and fillers that stress digestion.
🚫 Ditch hydrogenated oils: Canola, soybean, and corn oil trigger inflammation. Choose olive oil, coconut oil, or ghee instead.
If you suffer from bloating, reflux, constipation, or stomach pain, you may have leaky gut syndrome. Healing your gut can boost immunity and prevent illness.
Step 2: Add Probiotic Foods & Gut-Healing Nutrients
Your gut health is directly linked to your immune strength. Adding probiotic-rich foods can help balance bacteria and support digestion.
Best Probiotic & Gut-Healing Foods
🥬 Fermented Vegetables: Sauerkraut & kimchi contain enzymes and probiotics to aid digestion.
🥛 Kefir & Yogurt: Fermented dairy supports gut balance & immunity. Try coconut kefir for a dairy-free option.
🍵 Kombucha: A fermented tea rich in good bacteria and digestive enzymes.
🍲 Bone Broth: Packed with gelatin, amino acids, and minerals, it repairs the gut lining and reduces inflammation.
A strong digestive system leads to a strong immune system. If your gut is in balance, your body can fight infections better.
Final Thoughts: Plan for a Healthy Winter
Winter doesn’t have to mean low energy, frequent colds, or sluggish digestion. By removing harmful foods and adding immune-boosting nutrients, you can feel vibrant and strong all season long.
🌿 Need help figuring out what’s weakening your immune system? Let’s create a plan that gives you 80% of the results with just 20% effort. Book a consultation today!
CLICK HERE to book in for an immune system overhaul or a minor tweak now.
To good health this winter, Julie XX
by Feeling Great | Mar 13, 2023 | Body
Naturopath Gut Health Online Australia
10 Signs You Have Leaky Gut
For a long time, doctors didn’t believe in leaky gut syndrome, calling it a made-up condition. But now, more research is showing that Intestinal permeability is real and can play a big role in chronic illnesses and autoimmune diseases.
Alternative health experts have always known the gut is key to overall health, with Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, saying, “All disease begins in the gut.” Today, science is proving him right.
What is Leaky Gut?
Leaky gut happens when your gut lining becomes damaged. Things like stress, infections, toxins, certain foods, and even aging can cause this damage. When the gut lining is damaged, harmful particles like undigested food and bacteria can leak into your bloodstream. This causes inflammation, and your immune system can start attacking your body.
Symptoms of leaky gut can include bloating, cramps, food sensitivities, and fatigue.
Conditions Linked to Intestinal permeability
Leaky gut can lead to many health problems, such as:
- Arthritis
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Eczema
- Asthma
- Chronic fatigue
- Thyroid problems
- Autism
- Trouble losing weight
- Brain fog
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
What Causes It?
Our environment has changed a lot over the years. We’re exposed to more chemicals, processed foods, and toxins than ever before, and our bodies are struggling to keep up. This mismatch can lead to leaky gut.
Main Causes
- Antibiotics
- Painkillers (e.g., Ibuprofen, Nurofen)
- Too much caffeine or alcohol
- Smoking
- Processed foods like sugar and gluten
- Infections (candida, bacteria)
- Toxins (from plastic, pesticides, heavy metals)
- Stress and aging
10 Signs of Leaky Gut:
- Food allergies or sensitivities
- Autoimmune diseases (e.g., Hashimoto’s, arthritis)
- Stomach issues (gas, bloating, IBS)
- Chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia
- Skin problems (acne, eczema, rosacea)
- Candida or thrush
- Frequent antibiotic use
- Mental health issues (anxiety, depression, ADD/ADHD)
- Seasonal allergies or asthma
- Hormonal issues (e.g., PMS, PCOS)
How to Heal
Healing leaky gut involves removing toxic foods and irritants from your diet. I recommend a personalized gut repair plan that helps heal your gut naturally.
The 4R Healing Plan:
- Remove: Get rid of bad foods and infections that hurt the gut.
- Replace: Add digestive aids like enzymes to help with digestion.
- Repair: Give your gut the nutrients it needs to heal.
- Reinoculate: Bring back good bacteria to restore gut balance.
If you think you have leaky gut, book an online consultation with our Naturopath Gut Health Online Australia. We’ve helped thousands of people, and many have seen huge improvements, including lower autoimmune antibodies.
by Feeling Great | Jan 10, 2023 | Gut Health
4 Steps to Healing Leaky Gut
Leaky Gut Specialist Online Australia: Start Your Healing Journey
Leaky gut is a condition where your intestinal lining, which is typically tightly sealed, becomes damaged. This damage allows food particles, bacteria, and toxins to leak into the bloodstream, triggering inflammation. Symptoms of leaky gut include bloating, food sensitivities, fatigue, joint pain, and digestive issues.
While the concept of “leaky gut syndrome” is still debated in medical circles, many people experience significant improvements by addressing gut health. If you’re struggling with increased intestinal permeability, it’s time to take action. Here’s a 4-step plan to help you heal your gut.
Step 1: Remove the Drivers of Leaky Gut
Several factors contribute to leaky gut, including:
- Trigger foods: These can vary, but common culprits include gluten, dairy, sugar, and processed foods. Food sensitivities can worsen as a result of gut permeability.
- Chronic stress: Stress increases inflammation and weakens your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off harmful bacteria.
- Bacterial imbalance: Poor gut bacteria, caused by overuse of antibiotics or a poor diet, can fuel inflammation.
- Toxins: Everyday chemicals, medications like NSAIDs, and pesticide exposure all contribute to gut damage.
Step 2: Heal with Nutrient-Rich Foods
Healing your gut begins with the right foods. Try these four gut-healing options:
- Green smoothies: Packed with omega-3 fats, fiber, and anti-inflammatory nutrients, leafy greens promote gut healing.
- Bone broth: Rich in glycine, proline, and collagen, bone broth helps repair intestinal cell walls.
- Fermented vegetables: Sauerkraut and kimchi are filled with organic acids and probiotics that balance your gut’s pH.
- Coconut products: Coconut kefir and other coconut products contain medium-chain fatty acids that support digestion and gut repair.
Step 3: Supplement for Gut Repair
Certain supplements can accelerate your gut healing process. Here are the top 4 to consider:
- Digestive Bitters/Enzymes: They help ensure proper food digestion, preventing undigested particles from damaging your gut lining.
- Zinc: Crucial for stomach acid production, zinc supports digestion, immunity, and gut repair.
- Magnesium: Important for energy, detoxification, and stress management, magnesium helps repair leaky gut.
- L-Glutamine: This essential amino acid reduces inflammation and promotes the repair of the intestinal lining.
Step 4: Rebalance with Probiotics
Replenishing good bacteria in your gut is key to healing. Probiotics can help restore a healthy balance, crowding out harmful bacteria. For best results, incorporate probiotics from both food and supplements. Additionally, prebiotics, found in foods like garlic, onions, and leeks, support the growth of good bacteria.
Need Help Healing Your Leaky Gut?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the process or unsure where to start, I can help.
Book a consultation with a leaky gut specialist online and get personalized advice. I’ll guide you through removing the drivers of leaky gut, adding healing foods, and using the right supplements for lasting results.
Click here to start your healing journey today! Feeling Great Naturopath – Julie Smethurst
For more gut information, you can also read this Gut Health and Happiness – Is there a link? and share with me your experience.
