Autoimmune Besties Podcast

Welcome to Season 4 of the Autoimmune Besties Podcast.  Shanna and I are thrilled to be back with you - our autoimmune besties - for this very special episode! This community spans the globe and covers the gamut of countless autoimmune diseases. We come together here on this podcast to talk about day-to-day living with an autoimmune disease.  If you've been with us since Season 1, welcome back! Thank you for your continued support by subscribing to the podcast.  If you're tuning in for the very first time today, welcome! We hope you enjoy the conversation and be sure to check out our previous seasons on iTunes and join the conversations we have over on Instagram at the Autoimmune Besties Podcast Page.  It feels really good to be back recording a life update after a short break since Season 3.  And we hope that our break serves as a reminder and encouragement for you to create space in your life too, when and where you need it.  When living with an autoimmune disease, it's important that you give yourself permission to manage your health and your energy.  If you are in a season of life right now where you need to lighten the load in any aspect, give yourself permission to do so and equally as important, have the courage to start making that change today. We often wait for a perfect moment to start - whether that's a diet, a new lifestyle habit, or self care. And because the perfect moment never really arrives, those desires keep getting pushed back.   As you hear us say often, celebrate progress over perfection. Just take one small step each day in the direction of your goals and desire, and know that we're cheering you on every step of the way.  So, on today's episode, Shanna and I are sharing life updates on our daily walk with autoimmune disease. We share what life has looked like for us over the past couple months and what we are excited about as we look forward to 2023. So grab your favorite beverage, kick your feet up and enjoy this episode! And be sure to stay until the end because we have a special announcement about the future of our podcast that you won't want to miss.  Today's episode highlights life updates from Alene and Shanna on:  What's one thing they've done over this break to help refresh themselves. What they're doing differently now to manage your autoimmune disease than when you were first diagnosed. What are some things that you're most excited about as we start this New Year?  Tune in and be sure to share your thoughts on today's topic. We love to hear from you! And join the conversation on instagram with your fellow autoimmune besties at https://www.instagram.com/autoimmunebestiespodcast. 

We all know that no one and nothing is perfect. Including living well with autoimmunity. Many of us experience times when we feel like we've got this whole “nutrition, lifestyle, and mindset to support autoimmunity” thing down… And many of us experience times when we feel like we've fallen off the wagon, either all the way off or just a leg dangling. I think it's safe to say that we all can experience times of frustration in our wellness journey…when maybe we don't have all our ducks in a row. Alene and I are no different. So today, we are opening up and sharing our own experiences with how to get back on track with autoimmune health. In this episode we cover:   Our go to tips to get back on track as far as nutrition What we do when one or more of our lifestyle factors (like stress or sleep) gets off The first thing we do when we notice our mindset is slipping As always, think of what we share as a buffet. Take what serves you today, in this moment, and leave what doesn't. We'd love to hear your tips for getting back on track…please head on over to our Instagram page Autoimmune Besties Podcast and share your go to tips.

Managing an Autoimmune Disease can feel like a full time job.  Following the AIP or Wahls Protocol can feel like a full time job.  Going to all the doctors appointments can feel like a full time job.  So, what happens when you have an actual full time job on top of this?  Managing a career while living with autoimmune disease is no easy task.  Maybe you've had big dreams for your career and are starting to wonder if your autoimmune diagnosis is going to prevent you from achieving those dreams.  Or maybe you're simply figuring out how you can maintain your current job while still protecting your health.  That's why Shanna and I are sharing how we navigated the many challenges in our careers while living with autoimmune disease.  We know that no two experiences with autoimmune disease are the same.  Whether you're working in an office or the CEO of your home, we hope you enjoy today's conversation. Tune in to learn:  Shanna and Alene's career journeys with autoimmune disease How to get your boss and coworkers to understand your needs and support you How to manage expectations when you have a desire to progress in your career but don't feel you have the energy or health to do so. With hundreds and autoimmune diseases and countless career paths, we know that no two journeys are the same. It's important to honor where you're on your journey - both health and career wise.  Give yourself some grace because this road is not easy.  But most importantly remember that you are not your diagnosis. You can have an amazing life - and career - while living with autoimmune disease.    Please join the conversation on Instagram at the Autoimmune Besties Podcast page. Your voice and your story matters. 

Are mornings one of THE toughest times of day for you?  Do you WANT to consistently start your day in a way that sets you up for success, but feel unsure as to what to include in a morning routine? Are you looking for a couple of simple, practical tips to start your day in a supportive way?   If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, this episode is for you!  Today we are talking all about morning routines to support autoimmune health and wellness. In this episode, Alene and I share: What our morning routines looked like when we started our wellness journeys versus now The non negotiable part of our morning routines How our morning routines change at certain times of the year As always, we encourage you to take what we share that resonates with you today, and leave what doesn't. Each of us are different, and we think that is a beautiful and powerful thing.  YOU are the expert of your body, and the author of your story. We believe in you, and are cheering you on as you find your own personal morning routine that helps you feel your best inside and out!  We'd love to hear what your favorite part of your morning routine is! Head on over to our Instagram page, Autoimmune Besties Podcast and share with us. We'd love to connect with you!

Today we have something special for you! Shanna is joined by her 16 year old daughter and they are diving into motherhood and autoimmune disease. Being a mama bear and going through the experience of years of undiagnosed health issues, then hitting her rock bottom and starting her wellness journey is one of THE hardest things Shanna has gone through. Shanna personally knows how hard it is to be a mama with autoimmune disease, but today she is here to tell you that what may feel devastating and heartbreaking today CAN strengthen your family. In this episode Shanna shares some of her experience and asks her daughter to share her perspective as well. They laugh, they cry, and this episode will warm your heart!

Autoimmune Disease and pregnancy  Does one affect the other? Does your diagnosis impact your ability to get pregnant and sustain a healthy pregnancy? Is it possible to follow the Wahls Protocol or AIP during pregnancy? What about a post partpartum flare… are you at risk?  Hi I'm Alene and today, I'm opening up about my fertility journey and pregnancy at 42 years old living with Multiple Sclerosis.  It has been a long journey with a lot of doubts, fears, uncertainty and endless questions. Because let's face it, the road to motherhood is not always easy when you have “perfect health” let alone living with a chronic illness. That's why Shanna and I are opening up about our journeys with motherhood.  This week I'm answering all your questions about fertility and pregnancy, as I'm a new momma living with MS.  And next week Shanna will be back to continue the conversation on motherhood and autoimmune disease as she interviews her children to get their perspectives. As always we share our stories, not to suggest that we're doing it the “right way” We share our stories because we know first hand how lonely this road with autoimmune disease can be… and how uncertain it can be.  And we want to open the conversation up and simply share our experience in hopes that it will help to bring comfort and perhaps some clarity on your journey.  Like you, I had many questions swirling around in my head about my dream to get pregnant and be an active mom.  And since sharing about this journey, you've been asking me these same questions about yourself.  So that's what I'm answering for you today.  This session is for you whether you are... Newly diagnosed with an autoimmune disease and wondering what it means for your future plans of becoming a mother Actively trying to get pregnant, or Currently pregnant and wondering what's ahead for you and baby. Whichever stage you're at, I want to welcome you to this space where we can begin to answer the many questions that are likely running across your mind.

Here at the autoimmune besties podcast, farmer's market season is one of our favorite times of the year.  We get to support our local farmers while enjoying fresh, local and seasonal produce.  But like any shopping adventure, there are always some tricks of the trade that can support you in making the best purchases for both your health, your taste buds AND your wallet. Today, Shanna and I are sharing our favorite tips for navigating the farmers market while following the Autoimmune Protocol and Wahls Protocol. Tune in to learn:  If someone is going to the farmer's market for the first time, it can feel a little overwhelming. There are so many stands, so many food options, discover how we decide what we're going to buy during a single trip to the farmer's market? What's something we learned about food by going to the farmer's market?  Okay you loaded up your basket and now your kitchen is filled with all the fresh produce, how do you make sure that you actually use it before it goes bad?

Summertime is just about here! While summertime is such an exciting time for so many, along with the warm weather and longer days in the sun, it can bring a more difficult time for those with autoimmunity. In this episode, Alene and I are opening up and sharing: Our experiences with the hardest parts of living with autoimmunity in the summer Our top 3 summer survival tips What brings our hearts the most joy in the summertime. This summer CAN be full of joy, and we are so excited to share some practical tips to help you jump into this season prepared to support your autoimmune health! Tune in and be sure to share your thoughts on today's topic below. We love to hear from you! And join the conversation on instagram with your fellow autoimmune besties at https://www.instagram.com/autoimmunebestiespodcast.

Flares.   They can feel like the looming storm on the horizon.    When will they strike and how much damage will they cause?    Let's face it, living with an autoimmune disease is not easy.    But as we talk a lot about on this podcast there is so much you can do through diet and lifestyle to empower you on this journey.    Diet and lifestyle are not a cure.    There is no cure.    But they can help you to feel better and feel less vulnerable to the next flare.    Today, we're talking about how to use food to prep, survive and recover from a flare.    And of course, it's important to remember that we're all on our own unique health journey so this is a conversation amongst, not a prescriptive plan.    As always we encourage you to take what resonates with you and leave what doesn't.    Here at the autoimmune besties podcast we support your individual healing.   Tune into this episode to learn:  Alene and Shanna's top 3 foods to have prepped for a flare What we eat when we have nothing prepped and get a flare. Coming out of a flare, the top foods to you prioritize Join the ongoing conversation on Instagram at the autoimmune besties podcast.

Are you wondering about lifestyle support for autoimmune flares? Well, on this episode that's exactly what we're diving into.  We're going to walk you step by step through the process, and by the end of it you'll be able to learn some go-to lifestyle tips and strategies for overcoming a flare. Today's episode highlights:  How to prepare / respond when you feel a flare coming on How to decide what level of activity, if any, is appropriate during a flare Outside of food, what tools / resources have you found helpful to support you during a flare Tune in and be sure to share your thoughts on today's topic below. We love to hear from you! And join the conversation on instagram with your fellow autoimmune besties at https://www.instagram.com/autoimmunebestiespodcast.

Welcome to Season 3 of the Autoimmune Besties Podcast.  We are thrilled to be back with you and love to see this community growing so quickly. We're reaching all corners of the world including the UK, Australia, Japan, South Africa, the United Arab, Switzerland, Spain, France, Morocco, Germany and so much more. Shanna and I want to extend a sincere thank you to each and every one of you who tune in and have hit subscribe to this podcast. When we created this podcast, it was always with the intention to unite autoimmune warriors around the world for a conversation with girlfriends who get it.  Everytime you tune in, you make this mission come true.  Everytime you hit subscribe, you strengthen this community. Everytime you write a review, you strengthen the voice of autoimmune warriors. Thank you. If this is the first time that you're tuning in, we welcome you to catch the episodes in our previous two seasons.  And if you've been with us since the beginning, welcome back.  Whichever camp you fall into, if you're listening to this podcast then you know first hand that autoimmune diseases are chronic illnesses.  But while we may carry the same diagnosis year after year, how we experience them can change throughout different seasons in our life.  That's why to kick off Season 3 we decided to shake things up a bite for this episode.  Today we're sharing with you a personal update on our journeys with autoimmune disease and life in general.  We share this not to suggest that we have it all figured out.  Quite the opposite.  We share this to remind you that we're in this with you and to give you a behind the scenes look of your co-hosts.  So, grab your favorite healthy beverage and enjoy.  Today's episode highlights updates from Alene and Shanna on:  Their personal journeys with autoimmune disease Because we consider ourselves family here in this community, they share a family update too  How has their diagnosis changed their for the better Tune in and be sure to share your thoughts on today's topic. We love to hear from you! And join the conversation on instagram with your fellow autoimmune besties at https://www.instagram.com/autoimmunebestiespodcast. 

We can easily be consumed by the dietary changes that we need to make when following a therapeutic diet like the Autoimmune Protocol or the Wahls Protocol. There are a lot of foods to eliminate and add in, there's supplements and then we want to prioritize sleep, movement and stress management.  So by the time we get to addressing our toxic load, we can feel like WE'RE on overload with recommendations.  Yet, this is not a step that we can overlook.  If this is a new topic for you, let me share some eye-opening facts about chemicals and our exposure to them.  In the United States alone there are approximately 86,000 chemicals registered for use.  This includes 62,000 chemicals that were grandfathered in when the Toxic Substances Control Act was passed.  This means 62,000 chemicals were given a free pass and an automatic presumption of safety without any requirement to actually test to see if they were indeed safe. 
 Most people believe that very small amounts of exposure to harmful chemicals are totally safe and are too small to have any kind of health effect. While this is true for many chemicals, or exposures, it's not 100% true for every kind of chemical. 
 Chemicals that mimic our natural hormones can in fact be even more harmful at extremely low doses simply because our endocrine system responds to natural hormones in the body at similarly low levels. In fact, there are over 1,500 chemicals identified as endocrine disrupting. 
 Among many other things, fertility rates around the world are dropping; one key factor is likely the chronic exposures we are getting to reproductive toxins in our environment. We don't have to do a complete overhaul, but it's important that we're aware of our exposure to toxins and start to reduce it.  For some people, this could be the missing link in their healing plan and why they haven't experienced the symptom relief that they had hoped for.

Do you ever feel like you get stuck in a rut and tend to eat the same thing day after day?   Are you struggling to find AIP or Wahls Protocol meals that you actually enjoy?  Do you wish you could take a peek at your fellow autoimmune warriors' plates just to get some new ideas? You are not alone, and this episode is for you! Today Alene and I are opening up and sharing what we typically eat in a day.  While what we eat changes, we are excited to dive into our favorite go to meals in hopes it inspires you to try something new and spice up your life! In this episode we share: How we navigate breakfast on the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) or Wahls Protocol Our favorite grab and go lunches What we love to make for dinner Our favorite sweet treats

It's estimated that up to 80% of all patients diagnosed with autoimmune diseases are women. Of those diseases some may include symptoms like weight gain and others may cause weight loss.   It's also estimated that approximately 91% of women are unhappy with their bodies in some capacity. This aspect or symptom of autoimmune disease can make the journey emotional and frustrating.  But it doesn't have to be.  Today, we want to honor the real feelings you're having around this aspect of autoimmune disease, help to remind you that you're not in this alone and offer some encouragement to support you in navigating this part of your journey.   So, on this episode we're opening this delicate conversation around weight management and autoimmune disease, because at the Autoimmune Besties Podcast we believe that open conversation is the best conversation.  Now if you feel this episode might be too triggering for you, we welcome you to skip this conversation and join us next week.  But we do hope that above all else, we all remember that our body has its own unique needs, and our focus is to support those unique needs to experience our optimal health.   Tune in as we discuss: Examples of how they've helped their community on the weight management journey Ways that Shanna and Alene were able to feel good in their body despite the symptoms of their diagnosis. Stories from their personal journey

Are you the only person in your family on an autoimmune protocol? Do you find yourself wondering how to even eat AIP or Wahls Protocol when your family doesn't? Does the thought of figuring out how to cook AIP for your entire family feel overwhelming yet you know you don't want to be cooking two separate meals each time you're in the kitchen? Are you struggling with people in your life who don't believe that an autoimmune protocol can REALLY make a difference? We want you to know that you are not alone and this episode is for you!  Today we are SO excited to empower you with practical tips on how to eat AIP when your family doesn't as well as surround you with love and support as you face others who may not be as supportive of your journey as you'd hoped.  In this episode, we cover: Our own experiences with how to cook the foods that we need without having to cook separate meals for us versus the family What to do when family or friends don't believe in what you're doing / they don't support you   If it's even possible to get family onboard with following your diet Tune in and be sure to share your thoughts on today's topic. We love to hear from you! And join the conversation on instagram with your fellow autoimmune besties at https://www.instagram.com/autoimmunebestiespodcast. 

Dating can be a tricky season in life under the best of circumstances. But when you're worried about having conversations around your autoimmune disease and therapeutic diet, like the Wahls Protocol or Autoimmune Protocol, it can be stressful. What's the best way to approach that initial conversation?  How do you help your significant others understand the daily reality of an autoimmune disease and get onboard with our therapeutic diet and lifestyle?  What does it look like as you move into marriage? Today we're flipping the script and I'm interviewing my husband, Brian, on what it was like from his perspective on dating and marriage with my MS diagnosis and commitment to the Wahls Protocol.  Tune in as I put him on the hot seat to discuss: What helped him understand this invisible disease when we first started dating His personal advice for someone who is sharing their diagnosis with a significant other for the first time Tips if/when your significant other is not onboard with your therapeutic diet. His thoughts on MS when we started talking about marriage in our relationship. 

Do you feel like autoimmunity came in and hit your marriage like a wrecking ball?   Are you struggling to explain to your spouse what it feels like to live daily with the realities of autoimmune disease? Is it hard for you to ask your spouse for help and support when you were able to handle so much for so many years? As you embark on your new wellness journey, are you finding it hard to break unspoken agreements with your spouse surrounding foods and date night?   If you answered yes to any of these questions or all of these questions, you are not alone.  I feel you.  So deeply. I struggled with each of these things and more.  Today I am joined by my husband of 21 years, Blair, and we are opening up and sharing our experiences with autoimmune disease and marriage.  Spoiler alert:  it hasn't always been pretty but we are hoping by sharing our experience, it helps you to strengthen your relationship with your spouse. And no worries, if you are in the dating or newled phase of life, Alene and I have your back.  Next week, Alene and her husband Bryan who have been married just over two years, are sharing how they navigated dating with Alene's diagnosis of MS and on the Wahls Protocol.

What do you think of when you hear the phrase “self care?” Does it feel wonderful and indulgent?  Does it feel like something that's been neglected and long overdue? Perhaps it even stirs up some feeling of guilt because it feels a bit “selfish.” While food and exercise may get the most attention when it comes to improving our health, if we're overlooking self care, we're leaving a huge piece of our healing on the table. Today, we're busting myths and sharing best practices on self care habits that can truly make a difference in your life with autoimmunity.  So, in honor of this self care discussion, we invite you to pour yourself a cup of tea and even prop your feet up as you listen.  We'll be covering:  How to navigate the struggle of prioritizing self care Sharing details of our own self care practices The benefits of a self care practice Tune in and be sure to share your thoughts on today's topic.  We love to hear from you!    Please join the conversation on instagram with your fellow autoimmune besties at https://www.instagram.com/autoimmunebestiespodcast.   

Are you confused about what the best type of movement for autoimmune disease is?  Does one session of intense exercise land you in bed for days?  Does the type of movement you did for years not feel supportive to you anymore?  Are you looking for practical tips on movement with autoimmunity?  You are not alone and this episode is for you! So many of us autoimmune warriors either have struggled or still struggle with finding the right kind of movement that helps us live our best lives with autoimmunity.  So in this episode, we are diving into our own experiences with movement including what movement looked like for us at our rock bottom, and where we are today with movement in our autoimmune journeys. Tune in and be sure to share your thoughts on today's topic below. We love to hear from you! And join the conversation on instagram with your fellow autoimmune besties at https://www.instagram.com/autoimmunebestiespodcast. 

Are you frustrated with how expensive it is to live a healthy lifestyle? It seems like all the food that's cheap is the food that makes you sick. And all the food that is recommended to heal your body sends your grocery bills through the roof. You used to be able to pick up a slice of $2 slice of pizza for a day on-the-go, but now you're ordering a $12 salad or $7 smoothie.  Those expenses quickly add up… and we haven't even touched on supplements, treatments like acupuncture, massage, yoga or the costs of seeing a functional medicine practitioner.  If you feel you're constantly playing a game of tug-of-war between the health of your body and the health of your bank account, this episode is for you.  Today we're sharing tips and strategies to follow an autoimmune protocol without having to break the bank including:  Ways to save money on food as you adopt an autoimmune protocol What to prioritize first Tips on what to do when a functional medicine doctor is not in the budget

Hello Besties!  We are thrilled to officially welcome you to season 2 of our Autoimmune Besties podcast!  We've missed you!  We hope you had an incredible holiday season with your loved ones and are excited for what 2022 will bring.   Speaking of 2022, today we are excited to dive into healthy goal setting with autoimmune disease.  It never fails at the start of a new year, we hear about new year's resolutions, goals, and brand new to do lists.  For us autoimmune warriors, it can feel downright exhausting.   So today we are opening up and sharing our best tips for setting healthy goals with autoimmune disease without the overwhelm.   In today's episode, we are talking all about setting healthy goals with autoimmune disease.    We will be sharing: What goal setting looked like for us before our diagnosis and health journey What healthy goal setting and dreaming big looks like now How we set boundaries to support our health and our dreams Tune in and be sure to share your thoughts on today's topic. We love to hear from you!   Please join the conversation on instagram with your fellow autoimmune besties at https://www.instagram.com/autoimmunebestiespodcast.

Tis the season of holiday shopping and gift giving!  Today we're sharing some of the best items to give or add to your holiday wish list that can help you feel great all year long.  Who doesn't love a little retail therapy of goodies that can make your life with autoimmunity easier and healthier?  Today we cover:  Gift ideas for the kitchen Favorite things that make the autoimmune lifestyle easier Unique and surprising gift ideas It's also unbelievable to say that this is the final episode of Season 1 of our podcast. Talk about gifts! This podcast and the community that has come together because of it has been such a gift to us and we're so grateful for each week you tune in, every subscribe, all of your reviews and the many comments that you've shared on our Instagram page.  We want to extend a special thank you to each and every one of you. We are wishing you the best holiday season.  Stay tuned for season 2 in January!  And as always, be sure to share your thoughts on today's topic below. We love to hear from you on your favorite things for the holiday gift giving season! Join the conversation on instagram with your fellow autoimmune besties at https://www.instagram.com/autoimmunebestiespodcast.

Do you feel overwhelmed by stress? Is it clear to you that stress triggers more autoimmune symptoms but you still struggle to manage stress? Are you looking for practical tips on how to recognize and reduce stress, especially when it comes to living with autoimmunity? You are not alone and this episode is for you!   So many of us autoimmune warriors either have struggled or still struggle with various degrees of stress so today we are diving into: Our own struggles with stress and what helped us Common mistakes when it comes to reducing stress with autoimmune disease Practical tips for reducing stress you can start implementing today Tune in and be sure to share your thoughts on today's topic.  We love to hear from you!    Please join the conversation on instagram with your fellow autoimmune besties at https://www.instagram.com/autoimmunebestiespodcast.

The holidays are the best time of year right?  So what happens when your autoimmune protocol interrupts many of your holiday traditions?  You make better traditions!  Today we're diving into tips on how to enjoy the holidays with autoimmune disease.  And because there's so much we want to share with you, we've decided to make this a holiday series. So today is just the beginning of this holiday discussion.    We hope you enjoy it!   Today we discuss:  Food! What to eat that still makes you feel like you're enjoying special holiday meals How to recreate holiday traditions that may no longer fit into your autoimmune diet or lifestyle. Ways that you can actually make the holidays better than you did prior to your diagnosis. Tune in and be sure to share your thoughts on today's topic below. We love to hear from you! And join the conversation on instagram with your fellow autoimmune besties at https://www.instagram.com/autoimmunebestiespodcast.  

Do you struggle to find gratitude as you face the daily realities of living with autoimmune disease? Are you wondering if it's even possible to feel gratitude while living with autoimmunity? Would you love to hear about some habits that may spark feelings of gratitude in your own life? If you answered yes to any of those questions, this episode is for you! In the spirit of the approaching Thanksgiving holiday here in the U.S., in this episode we dive into: Our experiences with gratitude and the role it played in our autoimmune journeys Habits that help us find gratitude to this day Our advice for fellow autoimmune warriors struggling to feel gratitude while wrestling with negative feelings and emotions Tune in and be sure to share your thoughts on today's topic below. We love to hear from you! And join the conversation on instagram with your fellow autoimmune besties at https://www.instagram.com/autoimmunebestiespodcast.

The fears around life with an autoimmune disease are real. You likely had big dreams and goals envisioned for your life. You likely imagined your future to be one without the limitations of an autoimmune disease. Then you got your diagnosis and the fears came flooding in. Your mind started swirling with all the “what if's.” Life can change on a dime. And it's important to honor the fears and ALL the emotions that come with autoimmune life. But just because life changes, doesn't mean that it's over. What we choose to do with that fear can determine how our story unfolds. Today, we're going to have an honest conversation around facing those fears and how you can in fact live a better life with autoimmune disease. In this episode, we'll cover: The personal fears that we experienced when diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. The first step you take to get out of that moment of fear, beyond just “positive thinking.” Tips to prevent fear from coming back. Tune in and be sure to share your thoughts on today's topic below. We love to hear from you! And join the conversation on instagram with your fellow autoimmune besties at https://www.instagram.com/autoimmunebestiespodcast.

Do you struggle to fall asleep at night?   Do you wake up in the middle of the night at 3 or 4am and struggle to get back to sleep?   Does your alarm ever jolt you awake in the morning and you still feel exhausted even after a full night's sleep?   Are you anxious in the evening as bedtime approaches, nervous for yet another restless night of sleep?   You are not alone and this episode is for you!     So many of us autoimmune warriors either have struggled or still struggle to get a good night's sleep so today we are diving into:   Our own struggles with sleep and what helped us Common mistakes when it comes to supporting sleep with autoimmune disease Our go-to must haves for supporting sleep How we handle it when we feel pressured to stay up way later than usual And more!   Tune in and be sure to share your thoughts on today's topic below. We love to hear from you! And join the conversation on instagram with your fellow autoimmune besties at https://www.instagram.com/autoimmunebestiespodcast.

Does it feel like your ability to eat out at a restaurant came to a screeching halt when you started your autoimmune nutrition protocol? There are a lot of restrictions on what you can and can't eat, even down to the oils that foods are cooked in.    And does the risk of cross contamination apply to you? Will that really trigger symptoms or a potential flare?   What restaurants can you trust?    What exactly can you eat?   How do you communicate your restrictions with your server?   With all these questions of uncertainty, it's easy to just skip restaurants altogether, but they are often a big part of our social life.    In today's episode, we're going to share the tools to help you navigate restaurants safely and effectively, so you can enjoy your health and your social life.    We cover:    Alene & Shanna's personal experiences of learning how to eat at restaurants What to do in advance of eating at a restaurant to make the experience easier and safer Go-to appetizer, entree and dessert options at a restaurant How to set expectations for those you're dining with at a restaurant  Tune in and be sure to share your thoughts on today's topic below. We love to hear from you! And join the conversation on instagram with your fellow autoimmune besties at https://www.instagram.com/autoimmunebestiespodcast.

Have you ever noticed that your autoimmune symptoms feel worse when you consistently stay up too late?  Do you experience more fatigue, brain fog, or other autoimmune symptoms when your stress levels are high?  Are you out for the count the day after a high intensity workout?  Do you notice you feel worse when feelings of isolation creep in?   You are not alone!  As much as nutritional support for autoimmune disease is incredibly important, lifestyle support for autoimmunity can be a complete game changer as well! In this episode, we are taking a dive into important lifestyle factors to consider with autoimmune disease and how to establish healthy, ongoing habits that support your autoimmune health and happiness.  In this episode, you'll hear:  The lifestyle factors that helped us most at the beginning of our autoimmune wellness journeys The autoimmune disease lifestyle factors we found the most difficult to adopt  How the way that we support our autoimmune health through lifestyle factors has changed over the course of our journeys Tune in and be sure to share your thoughts on today's topic below. We love to hear from you! And join the conversation on instagram with your fellow autoimmune besties at https://www.instagram.com/autoimmunebestiespodcast. 

Do your family and friends understand what it's like to live with autoimmune disease? If they're blessed enough to have good health and we hope they are, the answer is likely no. They often get the closest look into our daily lives with symptoms, flares, and the endless commitment to diet and lifestyle habits; but it's hard for someone else to truly understand an invisible disease.  On this episode, we're diving into those important conversations to have with family and friends and how to establish healthy, ongoing communications.  Today's episode highlights:  How to have those initial conversations with your family about your diagnosis  Tips for ongoing communications with your family and friends when you're struggling Strategies for handling people who doubt you and your symptoms Tune in and be sure to share your thoughts on today's topic below. We love to hear from you! And join the conversation on instagram with your fellow autoimmune besties at https://www.instagram.com/autoimmunebestiespodcast.

Have you ever wondered how to decide the best foods for autoimmune disease? With so much nutrition information out there, how do we find and decide which foods support our autoimmune wellness journey?  How can we tell which foods are supportive to our bodies?  Well, on this episode that's exactly what we're diving into.  We're going to walk you step by step through the process, and by the end of it you'll feel empowered to start deciding the best foods for your journey with autoimmune disease. In this episode, you'll hear: How we found the best foods to support our own autoimmune wellness journeys The basics of the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) and the Wahls Protocol How we eat today versus the beginning of our journeys with autoimmune disease Our favorite books and recipe resources for the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) and Wahls Protocol  Tune in and be sure to share your thoughts on today's topic below. We love to hear from you! And join the conversation on instagram with your fellow autoimmune besties at https://www.instagram.com/autoimmunebestiespodcast.

Are you at your rock bottom or struggling to move forward in life with your autoimmune diagnosis?  If so, you're going to love today's episode. We're having an honest and raw conversation about how to get up from your rock bottom. By the end of this episode, you'll learn key strategies to stand back up and actually create a better life with autoimmune disease.  Today's episode features:  Our personal experiences at rock bottom Key strategies we used to getting up from rock bottom Advice and tips you can take immediate action on if you're at rock bottom today Tune in and be sure to share your thoughts on today's topic below. We love to hear from you! And join the conversation on instagram with your fellow autoimmune besties at https://www.instagram.com/autoimmunebestiespodcast

Have you ever wondered how to travel with autoimmune disease so you can feel your best inside and out? Well, on this episode that's exactly what you'll find out. We're going to walk you step by step through the process of how we travel with autoimmune disease, and by the end of it you'll be equipped with ideas on how to support your health while traveling with autoimmunity! In this episode, you'll hear: Common mistakes when traveling on an autoimmune protocol One thing that's surprised us in making travels easier The most overlooked tips for traveling with autoimmune disease How we handle it when they REALLY want to indulge on vacation Our hardest travel experiences and how they overcame them Tune in and be sure to share your thoughts on today's topic below. We love to hear from you! And join the conversation on instagram with your fellow autoimmune besties at https://www.instagram.com/autoimmunebestiespodcast.

Have you ever struggled with the emotions of an autoimmune flare? The physical symptoms often get more attention, but the emotional side of healing can be just as hard. What's even harder is that we often don't have someone to talk to that gets it.  Well, on this episode that's exactly what we're diving into.  We're going to walk you step by step through the process, and by the end of it you'll be able to learn some go-to mindset tips and strategies for overcoming a flare. Today's episode highlights:  How to handle a flare emotionally Tips for navigating the hardest moments of a flare Mindset strategies for handling negative/challenging thoughts and emotions Tune in and be sure to share your thoughts on today's topic below. We love to hear from you! And join the conversation on instagram with your fellow autoimmune besties at https://www.instagram.com/autoimmunebestiespodcast.