Top 5 Books to read if you have an autoimmune disease
AIDA has put together a list of the top 5 books to help you understand autoimmune disease at a deeper level. 1: ‘The body keeps the score’ by Bessel Van der Kolk The Body…
AIDA has put together a list of the top 5 books to help you understand autoimmune disease at a deeper level.
1: ‘The body keeps the score’ by Bessel Van der Kolk
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk is a groundbreaking exploration of how trauma affects the body and mind, and how it can be healed through a variety of therapeutic approaches. Van der Kolk, a renowned psychiatrist and trauma expert, explains how traumatic experiences—whether from childhood abuse, war, or other forms of violence—can become deeply embedded in the body, leading to long-term psychological and physical health issues. He reveals how trauma disrupts the brain’s normal functioning, often resulting in conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression, and offers insight into how the body’s response to trauma can manifest in everything from chronic pain to autoimmune disorders. The book also provides a thorough examination of innovative treatments, including mindfulness, yoga, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), and neurofeedback, highlighting how these methods can help individuals rewire their brains and reclaim a sense of safety and agency. Van der Kolk’s work is a call to recognise the profound impact trauma has on both the mind and body and the need for a holistic approach to healing.
2: ‘The Myth of Normal’ by Gabor Mate
In The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture, Gabor Maté challenges the conventional notion of what constitutes “normal” in society, arguing that the very systems and structures we live within are inherently toxic to our well-being. He explores how modern Western culture, with its emphasis on individualism, productivity, and constant stress, fosters conditions that lead to widespread mental and physical illness. Maté examines how trauma, both personal and collective, has shaped the way we live, often forcing individuals to suppress their emotions, desires, and true selves in order to survive within a system that prioritises conformity and material success. He suggests that what we consider “normal” is, in fact, a deviation from true health, as it disregards the profound effects of trauma and environmental stress on the body and mind.
Maté also delves into the ways in which this distorted sense of normalcy has led to an epidemic of chronic illness, addiction, and mental health struggles. By understanding how deeply entrenched societal and cultural forces shape our behaviours and health, The Myth of Normal calls for a radical shift in how we approach healing. Maté argues for a more compassionate, trauma-informed view of health, where the recognition of the root causes of suffering—rather than merely treating symptoms—becomes central. This means rethinking our societal structures and healing practices, with an emphasis on connection, empathy, and the restoration of balance between the individual and their environment.
3: ‘When the body says no” By Gabor Mate
When the Body Says No: The Cost of Hidden Stress by Gabor Maté explores the intricate relationship between mind and body, particularly how repressed emotions and unresolved psychological stress can manifest as physical illness. Drawing on case studies, scientific research, and his extensive clinical experience, Maté delves into the ways in which chronic stress, emotional suppression, and the inability to set boundaries contribute to the development of conditions like cancer, autoimmune disorders, and chronic pain. He argues that the mind-body connection is often overlooked in conventional medicine, and that understanding this link is key to healing.
In the book, Maté examines the role of early childhood experiences and the impact of caregiving patterns on emotional health. He suggests that certain personality traits, such as people-pleasing tendencies and difficulty expressing anger, can predispose individuals to physical ailments. Maté also explores the societal pressures that discourage vulnerability and emotional expression, leading individuals to suppress their feelings and ultimately, suffer in silence. By recognising the profound influence of emotions on physical health, When the Body Says No calls for a more holistic approach to healthcare, where emotional well-being is given equal importance alongside physical treatment.
4: ‘Autoimmune disease and the gut microbiome’ By Nicole Carroll
Autoimmune Disease and the Gut Microbiome by Nicole Carroll explores the growing body of research linking the gut microbiome to autoimmune conditions. In this informative and accessible book, Carroll examines how an imbalance in the gut’s bacterial ecosystem can play a pivotal role in the development and progression of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis. She delves into the science behind how the microbiome interacts with the immune system, highlighting the ways in which factors like diet, stress, and environmental toxins can disrupt gut health and trigger inflammatory responses. Carroll also provides practical guidance on how to improve gut health through dietary changes, probiotics, and lifestyle adjustments, offering a holistic approach to managing autoimmune conditions. By emphasising the importance of nurturing the gut microbiome, the book offers new hope for those seeking alternative or complementary methods to support immune function and potentially alleviate the symptoms of autoimmune diseases.
5: ‘Medical Medium Celery Juice: The most powerful medicine of our time’ By Medical Medium
The Medical Medium: The Most Powerful Medicine of Our Time by Anthony William offers an alternative approach to health and healing, claiming to channel information from a higher spiritual source, which he refers to as the “Spirit of Compassion”. The book presents a range of natural remedies, dietary changes, and lifestyle adjustments, aimed at addressing various chronic illnesses that are often dismissed or misunderstood by conventional medicine. William’s unique perspective suggests that many health conditions, from autoimmune disorders to fatigue and digestive issues, are caused by underlying viral infections or toxic build-ups in the body, which are largely ignored in traditional medical practices.
Through detailed guidance on foods, supplements, and detox practices, The Medical Medium promotes a holistic approach to healing, with an emphasis on removing toxins, balancing the body’s energy, and nourishing the liver. William’s advice also includes emotional and spiritual healing, suggesting that mental well-being is intrinsically linked to physical health. While the book has received a following for its transformative impact on some readers’ lives, it has also sparked scepticism within the medical community due to its unconventional approach and reliance on spirit communication. Nonetheless, for those open to alternative healing methods, it offers a comprehensive blueprint for better health and wellness.
