Autoimmune Disease

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Living with an autoimmune disease can be an incredibly challenging journey. The relentless battle your own immune system wages against your body can result in a wide range of debilitating symptoms, from chronic pain and fatigue to inflammation, skin and digestive issues and more. At times, it may feel as though there is no relief in sight. However, there is hope.

Discover the potential for nurturing and restoring your health through treatments that address the underlying cause of your symptoms, naturally, with our holistic approach to Autoimmune Disease at the Hotze Health & Wellness Center.

What are autoimmune diseases?

Autoimmune diseases are the result of the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy tissues in the body. Unfortunately, autoimmune diseases have been rising for decades and are estimated to affect an estimated 50 million Americans.

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What autoimmune diseases can we help address?

While there are more than 100 autoimmune diseases, they have the same problem – a confused immune system that is attacking friend rather than a foe. For instance, with autoimmune thyroiditis or Hashimoto’s disease, the antibodies attack the thyroid gland. In rheumatoid arthritis – the antibodies attack primarily the joints. In psoriasis, they attack primarily the skin.

Causes of Autoimmune Disease

Many people incorrectly think that autoimmune diseases are due to genetics alone. Although a genetic predisposition is typically involved in autoimmune diseases, having the genes alone does not guarantee the autoimmune issue will develop. For autoimmune issues to evolve, the triad of predisposing genetics, environmental triggers and an unhealthy gut need to be present.

Environmental triggers and an unhealthy gut combine with our genes to determine the type of autoimmune disease a person will experience. Fortunately, the genetic factors comprise only approximately 1/3rd of the cause of autoimmune conditions and we can modify the other 2/3rds of the factors: the environmental triggers and gut health.

Our Holistic, Functional Medicine Approach to Autoimmune Disease

When it comes to autoimmune diseases, functional medicine takes a holistic and personalized approach. Rather than directly going after the immune system, we take a natural approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of diseases rather than just managing symptoms.

Individuals who have autoimmune issues typically see significant benefit when functional medicine approaches are added to standard therapies: less flares, less daily symptoms, and improved quality of life. Realistic expectations are important. Healing takes time and involves a serious commitment to a healthy lifestyle. 

Our treatment approach supports a broad range of autoimmune conditions. While everyone responds differently, most individuals who have autoimmune issues see benefit when functional medicine approaches are added to standard therapies.  

Here are some key principles and strategies of our functional medicine approach to autoimmune diseases:

• We will gather information that helps us understand the unique genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that may contribute to the development and progression of autoimmune diseases. This often involves a detailed assessment of medical history, family history, diet, stress levels, exposure to toxins, and more.

• Nutrition and Diet: Diet plays a significant role in autoimmune diseases. Functional medicine emphasizes the importance of an anti-inflammatory diet, which may include avoiding foods that trigger inflammation and incorporating those that support a healthy immune system. Dietary changes can help reduce symptoms and promote healing.

• Gut Health: The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in regulating the immune system. We address issues such as yeast overgrowth, leaky gut syndrome, dysbiosis, and food sensitivities, as these factors can contribute to autoimmune conditions.

• Hormone balancing with optimal thyroid, sex, and adrenal hormones, along with optimal vitamin D. Obviously, those with hypothyroidism due to autoimmune thyroiditis benefit from thyroid therapy. Hormones such as progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone have powerful. immunomodulatory effects. Progesterone and testosterone have anti-inflammatory effects which can be very useful at reducing autoimmune flares and symptoms.

• Low dose immunotherapy, also known as LDI, is based on the idea of using extremely low doses of antigens, including allergens and other immune-modulating substances, to regulate the immune system’s response. LDI aims to “educate” the immune system by exposing it to these low doses of antigens. The goal is to restore balance to the immune system by down-regulating overly active immune responses and promoting tolerance.

• IASIS microcurrent neurofeedback is a non-invasive technique that helps reduce stress and can reduce pain.

• Lifestyle Modifications: Lifestyle factors like sleep quality, physical activity, stress management, and exposure to environmental toxins are considered in the functional medicine approach. Making positive changes in these areas can help support the immune system and reduce autoimmune symptoms.

• Functional Testing: Functional medicine often utilizes specialized testing, such as comprehensive blood work and assessments of nutrient status, to identify underlying imbalances and deficiencies that may contribute to autoimmune diseases.

• Based on the results of history, physical and functional testing, we will recommend targeted supplements to address specific deficiencies or imbalances. These supplements are chosen to support immune function and overall health.

Our goal is to get to the root of autoimmune issues so that you experience a better quality of life. Healing from autoimmune conditions does require time and commitment. Since healing does take time, those with autoimmune conditions will at least initially want to work with both functional medicine as well as traditional healthcare providers. As your condition improves, this gives an opportunity for rheumatology to work with you to slowly reduce and/or eliminate medications.

Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation Today!

Are you ready to get your life back? If you are experiencing symptoms from an autoimmune disease and want to learn more about our holistic approach to Autoimmune Disease, please contact our Wellness Consultants today for a complimentary wellness consultation at 281-698-8698. It will be our privilege to serve you.