Autoimmune Disease
Autoimmune disease is when your body mistakenly attacks your own body. Some autoimmune diseases affect one organ, while others are systemic and affect the whole body. While the exact cause for autoimmune disease is unknown, genetics, diet, infections, and exposure to chemicals all seem to play a role. Women are twice as likely to get an autoimmune disease, as are certain ethnic groups. Symptoms associated with autoimmune diseases can affect an individual's daily activities and can worsen over time. As a holistic practitioner, I offer functional testing, holistic nutrition, lifestyle interventions and personalized nutraceuticals that effectively help to manage symptoms associated with autoimmune disease and restore health.
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Autoimmune Disease ​
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What causes Autoimmune Disease?
A healthy functioning immune system protects against germs such as bacteria and viruses. When these foreign invaders enter the body, the immune system launches an "attack" against them. Typically, the immune system can differentiate between your own body's cells and foreign invaders. In autoimmune disease, the immune system cannot differentiate between your cells and the foreign invaders, and releases proteins, called autoantibodies, that attack your body's healthy cells. A combination of factors including genes and the environment likely contribute to autoimmune disease, although the exact cause cannot always be discovered.
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What are some common symptoms seen in autoimmune disease?
While the range of symptoms that individuals experience can vary widely, common symptoms include:
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Unexplained fatigue
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Brain Fog
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Digestive issues
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Muscle aches and Joint pain
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Headaches
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Skin rash
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Abdominal pain
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What are some common autoimmune conditions?
Although there are over 100 autoimmune diseases, some of the most common include:
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Type 1 Diabetes
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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
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Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
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Psoriasis
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Celiac Disease
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Vitiligo
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Multiple Sclerosis
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Crohn's Disease
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Ulcerative Colitis
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How is Autoimmune Disease treated?
Conventional treatment for autoimmune disease includes immune suppressing and anti-inflammatory medications.
My treatment model is holistic and personalized. I recognize that autoimmune diseases are complex, often resulting in widespread inflammation throughout the body. I assess nutritional deficiencies, heavy metal and chemical toxicity, genetics, and environmental factors that can help to identify the root cause of this widespread inflammation. I have found that there is a strong emotional and spiritual component that is often associated with autoimmune disease, and are areas I explore together with my client. I use the whole body approach when customizing my health recommendations, including hydrotherapy, botanical medicine, clinical nutrition therapy, supplementation, mindfulness, and lifestyle modifications.
