Hide and Seek
Helping others and finding my voice on Substack
Hide and Seek
When the experiences of a childhood game of hide and seek are applied to medical conditions, it’s no longer a fun game.
Many of our foodtalk4you.com readers are familiar with their own frustrating experiences of medical hide and seek.
An odd symptom here. A strange feeling there. Periods of “I just don’t feel well.”
Wondering if it’s “all in my head.”
Feeling discounted by family, friends, and professionals who are thinking it is all in your head.
We’re talking about the shadowy world of autoimmune disease.
May is Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month, and I wanted to once again touch on the topic and highlight some general approaches that are applicable to all of us.
Millions of people live with autoimmune diseases, yet awareness remains surprisingly low.
Conditions such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, Multiple Sclerosis, and Celiac Disease affect daily life in ways others may not see – symptoms are often invisible, unpredictable, and misunderstood.
Autoimmune diseases can affect almost any part or organ system of the body and are often difficult to identify. Fatigue is one of the most common—and most disabling—symptoms many people experience.
It’s not hard to see that autoimmune disease can thus impact more than the person’s body – it can also affect relationships, careers, caregiving responsibilities, and mental well-being.
At foodtalk4you.com, our focus has always been on the lifestyle choices that support overall wellness for those with autoimmune disease, because these healthy approaches can benefit everyone.
Consider:
anti-inflammatory foods
stress reduction
improved sleep
gentle movement
reducing processed foods
identifying food sensitivities
mindfulness
This reads like the table of contents to my first book, Toolkit for Wellness. I call such an approach an “Anti-inflammatory Life.”
To manage an anti-inflammatory life, consider adopting an anti-inflammatory diet with these guidelines:
Focus on whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Incorporate healthy fats, such as olive oil, avocados, and nuts, to reduce inflammation.
Limit processed foods, refined sugars, and trans fats that can trigger inflammatory responses.
Include omega-3 fatty acids from sources like fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and herbal teas.
Consider eliminating common allergens like gluten and dairy to identify potential triggers.
Our greater awareness about auto-immunity can lead to:
earlier diagnosis
better support systems
reduced stigma
more compassionate workplaces and families
Sometimes the most meaningful support begins simply by believing someone when they say, “I don’t feel well,” even when they look fine on the outside.
Take time to listen and just be there, supporting them with your presence.
If you are playing hide and seek with symptoms and answers, continue to embrace an anti-inflammatory lifestyle as you also approach your health care provider with questions about auto-immune disease testing.
Next week, I will be posting about an Ayurvedic staple which will help all of us on our anti-inflammatory journey!
In health –
Deidre
PS - I will be bringing posts from foodtalk4you.com as well as regular thoughts for family caregivers and others to impart skills for building resilience in daily life. In my circle, Substack is one of the desired ways to consume information, so here I am!