Autoimmune Diseases

We treat the whole patient, not the disease

What are Autoimmune Diseases?

To date, over 80 autoimmune diseases have been identified. Some of the most common autoimmune diseases include:
  • Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
  • Psoriasis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Addison’s
  • Celiac disease
  • Multiple sclerosis,
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Type 1 diabetes.
All autoimmune conditions are similar in that they are caused by systemic inflammation that results in your body attacking its own tissues.
 
Although it gets a bad rap, inflammation isn’t always harmful. Acute inflammation is an appropriate and beneficial response to an infection or trauma. Signs of acute inflammation include a sore throat, a rash, or swelling, and these reactions should be temporary. But when the reaction lingers, it results in chronic inflammation. With an autoimmune disease, an overactive immune response and chronic inflammation can slowly damage tissues, eventually leading to illness and more rapid aging.
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A functional medicine practitioner will seek out and identify the root cause of the inflammation to find the underlying source and heal the body. The root cause may be:
  • Stress
  • Hidden infections
  • Food allergies or sensitivities
  • Toxic exposure
  • Genetics
  • Nutrient deficiencies
  • Leaky gut
To soothe inflammation, resolve oxidative stress or insulin resistance, and reverse catabolic physiology in the body, it is essential to identify the inflammation’s source. Most physicians are taught how to diagnose diseases and manage symptoms with medication instead of healing the underlying cause. 

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What Causes Autoimmune Diseases?

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If you pull at a chain, it will always break at the weakest link. Wherever your genetic weak link is – your heart, your brain, your liver, your kidneys – that’s where the chain is prone to break. Each person has a unique “weak link” that could be in any of the body’s cells, tissues, or systems. Autoimmune diseases can be reversed and prevented by identifying and avoiding specific triggers.

Some of the triggers we will seek out include:
  • Toxins
  • Trauma
  • Food sensitivities
  • Leaky gut
  • Poor lifestyle factors
  • Infections
  • Diet, Nutrition
  • Insulin Resistance
  • Medications, Antibiotics, Acid blockers
  • Vaccines
 
Collectively, these triggers lead to inflammation and tissue destruction, building upon one another and weakening the body.
 
While life is full of potential triggers, the goal is to identify and eliminate as many triggers as possible to help support your body’s defense mechanisms and physiology while building resilience and good health.

Stages of Autoimmune Disorders

Stage 1 - Silent Autoimmunity

Elevated antibodies with no symptoms or loss of tissue

Stage 2 - Autoimmune Reactivity

Elevated antibodies with symptoms and no clinically noticeable loss of tissue

Stage 3 - Autoimmune Disease

Elevated antibodies with symptoms and measurable tissue destruction

Every Patient Presents Differently

Every patient that has an autoimmune disease has their own unique combination of immune dysfunction patterns and triggers. A personalized treatment plan is essential to healing from an overactive immune system and minimizing symptoms. Over the course of 27 years, we have developed a comprehensive strategy for helping autoimmune patients take control of their health and their lives.

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Get Started Today

Step 1 New Patient Exam

Plan for a 60-minute consultation with your doctor to review your health history, your goals, and address your questions or concerns.

Step 2: Diagnostic Testing

We will run comprehensive, science-based diagnostic tests to create your personalized roadmap to total wellness. We don't guess - we test!

Step 3: The Journey

Our team is here to support you throughout your healing journey, and will be with you every step of the way.

Questions? Connect with us.