Page 4 - How Do People Develop Autoimmune Diseases

“With the knowledge that genes can be turned on to make chemicals to get rid of inflammation
in these areas, this has a profound impact on all chronic disease development,” says Dr.
Bilstrom. “However, what I found to be even more important than chemicals reducing
inflammation and 500 genes changing was something noted in the middle of the study report.”

The people were asked to meditate for 30 minutes a day, five days a week. On average, they only
meditated 15 minutes a day, three times a week. One of the profound conclusions from this study
that wasn’t mentioned was that this group was only asked to do this for eight weeks. When
people have chronic health issues, they think, “if I can’t do these changes really, really well, then
why am I even going to do them if it doesn’t make a difference? And, I’m going to have to do
this forever to make these big changes.”

“This study was only done for eight weeks,” says Dr. Bilstrom, “and there was such a huge
change in the genes in only eight weeks. The people didn’t even need to do relaxation exercises
perfectly five times a week, 30 minutes a day. They only did them three times a week, 15
minutes a day. And, look at the profound changes.”

“If one of the top researchers at Harvard can’t convince people to meditate for 30 minutes a day,
five times a week, for eight weeks, who am I to expect my patients to be that good,” says Dr.
Bilstrom. “I never get on anyone when they don’t do things quite perfect.”

Ultimately, the body is so good at healing that you don’t need to be “perfect” to make profound
changes in your life. All you have to be is “perfect enough” and the body goes from there.

“Please remember that your body is always ready to heal,” says Dr. Bilstrom. “It just needs to be
given a chance.”

About David Bilstrom, MD
Dr. Bilstrom is Director of the International Autoimmune Institute & Bingham Memorial Center
for Functional Medicine, which is the first medical center in the country to treat all types of
autoimmune diseases. It is also the first to use nature, and its ability to improve human health
and well-being, as an integral part of a wellness program.

Dr. Bilstrom works closely with experts in a number of medical specialties to evaluate, diagnose
and treat chronic and autoimmune diseases. He is always welcoming new patients at his office
within the Bingham Specialty Plaza in Blackfoot. Appointments can be scheduled by calling
(208) 782-2444.

Taking the mind, body, and spirit into consideration, Dr. Bilstrom understands firsthand the
benefits integrated medicine can provide to patients. He is triple board certified in Physical
Medicine and Rehabilitation, Functional and Regenerative Medicine, and Medical Acupuncture.
He has extensive experience in Anti-Aging & Regenerative Medicine, Acupuncture, Integrative
Medicine, and Complementary and Alternative Medicines.