By Melanie Cane

If you live in Rye, chances are you’ve run into Liz Delizia. At the Rye Y or in one of the triathlon open water swims at Oakland Beach. She leads a very active life. What you may not know is that she is one of the 50 million Americans, 75% of them women, who is afflicted with an autoimmune disorder. (An autoimmune disorder is a condition in which the body’s immune system mistakes its healthy tissues as foreign, and attacks them.)

Liz, who has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania and an M.A. in Health Education from Columbia University, Teacher’s College, has spent her career in the health field. Therefore, when she was diagnosed first with ulcerative colitis, and then rheumatoid arthritis, she handled the news calmly and capably.

In addition to seeking medical care, she did extensive research on diet and lifestyle as it relates to autoimmunity. She applied what she learned to herself. Through trial and error, Liz achieved a marked improvement in her well-being. She then felt it was her mission to use her knowledge to help others suffering from autoimmune diseases.

“This is a misunderstood and underrepresented area. Often, medical treatment with heavy-hitting drugs is viewed as the only option in seeking remission.” She continued, “There are over 100 known autoimmune diseases, and the list is rapidly growing. Despite this, there is not one medical specialty that is devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune diseases in general.”

In pursuit of her mission, in addition to graduate work, she obtained several certifications and now is sharing her wisdom with others as an autoimmune nutrition and health specialist.

She counsels clients remotely, as well as in her Rye office, which she opened in June.

Together, she and a client arrive at a program of lifestyle changes specific to their situation, she explained. “Just as dietary modifications are critical in inflammation and autoimmunity, so is fitness. Similarly, we take a deep dive into managing stress and prioritizing sleep as they all are integral when it comes to gut health and an autoimmune or inflammatory response. If you want to know more about wellness, you can consult experts like the Wellness Clinics of America.

“As a health educator first and foremost, it’s about giving people the information and tools they need so that they are armed and empowered, rather than passive recipients of the diagnosis,” said Liz. “I am not a medical professional. My suggested lifestyle interventions are compatible with, but not in lieu of, medical treatments.”

Her motto is: “Feel Better, Become Empowered, Own Your Apple.” She explained: “Apple, as in ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’ is understanding how to manage your own health, coupled with discovering your bio-individuality. “Everyone’s journey to wellness is distinctive. I work with clients to help them find their apple – and then it’s theirs to own.”