Functional Medicine for Autoimmune Disease Treatment

Autoimmune diseases are chronic conditions that often require lifelong treatment. Functional medicine helps you uncover the root causes of your disease so you can take the right steps to reduce your symptoms. Here’s a look at the benefits of functional medicine for autoimmune disease treatment, and how to find an autoimmune doctor in Charlotte, NC.

What Are Autoimmune Diseases?

Autoimmune diseases develop when your body mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues, perceiving them as threats. These diseases can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to real threats such as infections and illnesses. Type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis are among the most common autoimmune diseases.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Autoimmune Diseases

Symptoms of autoimmune diseases typically vary from one person to the next based on the type and severity. Common symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Joint pain, swelling, and stiffness
• Muscle pain and weakness
• Fever that comes and goes
• Skin problems
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Heat, pain, or swelling in one or more parts of the body

What Causes Autoimmune Diseases?

The exact cause of autoimmune diseases is unknown. Researchers suspect they may be caused by genetic and/or environmental factors.

• Genetics. Some autoimmune diseases are inherited, which means they run in families. Crohn’s and Hashimoto’s diseases are examples of autoimmune conditions with high heritability.
• Environmental exposures. Secondhand smoke and pesticides are examples of environmental agents linked to many autoimmune diseases. Long-term exposure to such toxins can increase your risk.
• Gut health. An unhealthy gut can drive inflammation throughout the body, especially when partially digested food particles and toxins end up “leaking” through the gut.
• Stress. Chronic stress causes your body to release higher amounts of stress hormones like cortisol that can upset your hormonal balance and impair your immune system.
• Hormonal transitions. Women in particular tend to be more susceptible to autoimmune diseases than men. This is because women’s hormones change more frequently in life due to pregnancy and menopause—both of which play a role in inflammation and immunity.

Targeting these root causes directly may help reduce your symptoms, which is the primary goal of functional medicine for autoimmune disease.

Functional Medicine Labs to Identify Root Causes

Targeting the root cause of your autoimmune disease is the best way to reduce your symptoms and start feeling better. Your autoimmune doctor may perform the following labs to identify the root causes:

• Blood tests. Functional medicine blood tests can reveal the presence of conditions such as anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid conditions.
• Stool test. This test can identify infections or gut health problems contributing to inflammation and low immunity.
• Environmental toxins test. A urine test can reveal whether exposure to substances like pesticides or metals may have triggered the disease.
• Infection screening. Some tests screen for specific viruses implicated in autoimmune conditions, such as herpes simplex viruses and Epstein-Barr virus.
• Sleep study. This test can reveal whether sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, may be contributing to the autoimmune condition.

The Functional Medicine Approach to Autoimmunity

Conventional treatments for autoimmune diseases focus solely on reducing symptoms, without addressing the root causes. Over time, this can lead to disease progression, high medical costs, and side effects from long-term medication use.

In comparison, functional medicine for autoimmune disease addresses its underlying causes. Your treatment plan can change at any time on the fly, based on how you respond to treatment.

• Nutrition changes. Eliminating certain foods from the diet, such as gluten and sugar, can lower inflammation and repair an unhealthy gut. A Mediterranean or Paleo diet may help curb your symptoms.
• Nutritional supplementation. Some vitamins and nutrients are difficult to get through food alone. Your doctor may recommend supplementation to boost your immunity and correct any deficiencies.
• Hormone optimization. Rebalancing your hormones may reduce symptoms of autoimmune diseases caused by stress or weight gain. Autoimmune disease in women may require a more careful and tailored treatment approach, especially during postpartum or menopause.

Can Autoimmune Diseases Be Reversed?

There is no guarantee that any disease can be completely reversed. However, functional medicine for autoimmune disease can reduce your symptoms and increase your chances of remission. Your autoimmune doctor will develop a personalized treatment plan for you that specifically targets the root causes of your condition.

When to See a Functional Medicine Doctor

It may be time to see a functional medicine doctor for autoimmunity if your symptoms aren’t getting better, or if you want to learn about new treatment options. Dr. Mahtani, our functional medicine doctor in Charlotte, NC, can help you uncover the complex root causes of your autoimmune disease. Contact us at 980-414-4600 or at reception@southparkfm.com to learn more about your treatment options.

FAQs

How can I heal my autoimmune disease naturally?

Interventions such as nutrition, exercise, and quality sleep are natural ways to reduce your symptoms. A functional medicine doctor can work with you to identify the best natural treatments for your condition.

What is the functional medicine autoimmune diet?

A functional medicine autoimmune diet eliminates foods that contribute to poor immunity and replaces them with nutrient-dense alternatives. This often requires eating less sugar and salt and more fruits, vegetables, fish, and healthy fats.

What is the root cause of autoimmune disease?

Autoimmune diseases are thought to be caused by a combination of factors. Functional medicine for autoimmune disease focuses on identifying the root causes so you can benefit from better health and enhanced quality of life.

Can an autoimmune disorder be reversed?

It may be possible to reverse an autoimmune disorder, though there is no guarantee. Seeing a functional medicine doctor can significantly increase your chances of reducing your symptoms or sending your disease into remission.

What are the top 5 worst autoimmune diseases?

Any autoimmune disease can drive inflammation and impair your immunity—making you more susceptible to illnesses in general. According to the National Institutes of Health, the five most common autoimmune diseases are lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis.