A Natural Approach To Health
Living With Behcet’s Disease
I had a question the other day about Behcet’s disease.
Behcet’s disease is a rare disorder causing inflammation in blood vessels throughout your body.
The inflammation leads to many symptoms that may initially seem unrelated.
The signs and symptoms of Behcet’s disease — which may include mouth sores, eye inflammation, skin rashes and lesions, and genital sores — vary from person to person and may come and go on their own.
The exact cause of Behcet’s isn’t known, but it may be an autoimmune disorder, which means your immune system mistakenly attacks some of its own healthy cells.
Both genetic and environmental factors may be responsible for Behcet’s disease.
Treatment aims to reduce the signs and symptoms and to prevent serious complications, like blindness.
Areas commonly affected by Behcet’s disease include:
>Mouth. Painful mouth sores, which look similar to canker sores, are the most common sign.
>Skin. Some people may develop acne-like sores on their bodies. Others may develop red, raised and tender nodules on their skin, especially on lower legs.
>Genitals. Some people may develop sores on their genitals.
>Eyes. Some people may have inflammation in the eye — a condition called uveitis. Inflammation in the blood vessels of your retina is a serious complication.
>Joints. Joint swelling and pain often affect your knees, ankles, elbows or wrists.
>Vascular system. Inflammation in your veins and large arteries may occur, causing redness, pain and swelling in your arms or legs when a blood clot results.
>Digestive system. Symptoms may affect your digestive system, including abdominal pain, diarrhea or bleeding.
>Brain. There may be inflammation in your brain and nervous system leading to headache, fever, disorientation, poor balance or stroke.
Doctors don’t know what causes Behcet’s disease.
A combination of genetic and environmental factors likely play a role.
Several genes have been found to be associated with the disease.
Some researchers believe a virus or bacterium may trigger Behcet’s disease.
Factors may increase your risk of Behcet’s like:
>Age. Behcet’s disease commonly affects men and women in their 20s and 30s, though children and older adults also can develop it.
>Location. Although the disease occurs worldwide, people from countries in the Middle East and Far East are more likely to develop it.
>Sex. While Behcet’s disease occurs in both men and women, the disease is usually more severe in men.
>Genes. Having certain genes is associated with a higher risk of developing Behcet’s.
Treatment often can control symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.
No tests can determine definitively whether or not you have Behcet’s.
No cure exists for Behcet’s disease.
The unpredictability of Behcet’s can make it particularly frustrating.
Taking good care of yourself may help you better cope with the ups and downs of the disease.
To deal with Behcet’s it’s beneficial to:
*Drink 6-8 cups of purified water daily to hydrate and flush toxins.
*Review my post on keeping clean on the inside.
*Breathe easier; purify indoor air.
*Increase essential fats (flax oil, olive oil, Omega-3 oils).
*Consume a 50% raw food diet: lots of fresh, raw fruits and veggies (organic when possible). Include fresh juicing.
*Consider a liver and/or colon cleanse.
*Increase exercise, deep breathing, relaxation, stress management and energy techniques.
*Increase fresh air, sunshine, connect to nature, adequate rest.
*Deal with any underlying emotional issues.
*Consider skin brushing, Epsom salt baths, hydrotherapy or add baking soda to bath water.
*Ensure regular (2 per day) bowel movements.
*Decrease toxic exposures of all kinds.
*Investigate and eliminate “hidden” allergies/sensitivities.
*Decrease or eliminate any and all hydrogenated, trans fats, and deep-fried foods.
*Decrease or eliminate sugar-laden foods, white flour products, simple carbs.
*Decrease or eliminate processed, instant, chemical-laden, “lifeless” foods.
*Decrease or eliminate smoking, alcohol, coffee, soda pop, processed juices.
*Become educated about all possible side effects and detrimental influences of any medications or treatment procedures you are taking or considering.
*Research and address underlying Candida issues.
*Avoid MSG and artificial sweeteners as they’re neurotoxins.
*Explore dental amalgam toxicity.
*Consume plenty of fresh (not canned) pineapple and/or papaya (anti-inflammatory properties).
*Avoid all dairy products.
*Avoid nightshade vegetables (eggplant, tomatoes, potatoes, peppers).
Recommendations:
It’s essential to use: VitaLea, Protein, NutriFeron, Alfalfa, Optiflora, GLA/OmegaGuard/Lecithin, VitalMag, Vitamin D, EZ-Gest.
It’s important to use: B-Complex, Joint Health Complex, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Garlic, Zinc.
It’s beneficial to use: Vivix, CarotoMax and/or FlavoMax, CoQHeart, CorEnergy, Fiber, Immunity Formula, 180 Energizing Tea.
email: lenay@dickandlenay.com
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