Naperville Integrated Wellness
NAPERVILLE'S TOP RATED LOCAL® FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE FACILITY
Treating Autoimmune Disease Naturally
Autoimmune disease in this country has exploded to levels that are nothing less than shocking. More Americans suffer from autoimmune disease than heart disease and cancer combined! The American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA) estimates that 50,000,000 Americans suffer from autoimmune disease; yet only a fraction of these sufferers have been properly diagnosed with autoimmunity. This is a “modern disease” that has exploded to epidemic status in the past few decades and continues to grow uncontrollably.
What makes this picture all the more frightening is that there is no modern medicine specialty equipped to handle autoimmune disease and the countless ways it can damage the human body. Common specialists like gastroenterologists, rheumatologists and endocrinologist are not equipped to manage autoimmune disease as a whole and their treatment solutions fall into two general categories #1 Do Nothing and #2 Suppress your Immune System with powerful drugs. Many of these drugs can have devastating effects on your health. Do you wonder if you have an autoimmune disease? Read more now. The simple and honest answer is that nobody knows for sure. A healthy immune system can distinguish “you” from things that are “not you.” For example, your thyroid is “you” and should be ignored by the immune system but a virus is “not you” and should be attacked. Autoimmunity occurs when the immune system fails to differentiate what should and should not be attacked. Many times doctors will tell their patient with autoimmune disease that their immune system is “overactive.” I have even seen drug companies explain it this way. The problem with this explanation is that it simply is not true. Your immune system is not overactive; it is not regulated; is if malfunctioning. The solution therefore is not to suppress the immune system; the solution is to restore proper function so that is stops targeting you as the enemy. There are however several triggers that have been linked to autoimmune disease: The exact mechanism that causes the immune system to malfunction is not known; and most likely there is not a single mechanism involved. As with most chronic diseases, there is not a single cause. The only solutions traditional medicine has for autoimmune disease are #1 Do Nothing (e.g. Hashimoto’s disease) or #2 Suppress the Immune System (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis). Solution #1 leaves the patient susceptible to disease progression and additional autoimmune diseases. Option #2 utilizes medication that compromises the immune system and body to such a degree that it leaves the patient susceptible to organ damage, immune failure, infections, cancer and even death. The solution is as bad if not worse than the disease itself. Again, solution comes from the false assumption that the immune system is simply “overactive” and these drugs only add more malfunction to overall immune system function. This is what these side-effects are…new dysfunction placed on an already poorly functioning immune system. At Naperville Integrated Wellness, we apply the functional medicine approach to autoimmune disease. First of all, we are not so concerned with the “disease label” our patient has. One patient may have multiple sclerosis, another may have Hashimoto’s disease and yet another may have Crohn’s disease. Instead of focusing on THE DISEASE we address the possible underlying causes for the disease. All autoimmune diseases have one thing in common; poor immune system regulation. The focus of treatment should be on isolating what has caused and continues to cause the immune system to malfunction. This is important to understand; what continues to cause the immune system to malfunction! Autoimmunity is NOT just an immune system problem. The immune system is struggling and failing to maintain healthy balance and we always find other underlying health problems that keep the immune system in an overwhelmed state of malfunction. When autoimmunity occurs, other systems have played a role in this process. For example; 80% of individuals with autoimmune disease are women; so the endocrine system (hormonal system) is often involved. Most of the immune system is located in and around the digestive system; diet and the health of the gut is a factor in autoimmune disease. Sometimes a prolonged time of emotional and psychological distress triggers autoimmunity; so the nervous system has a place in the development of autoimmune disease. In functional medicine, our goal is not to suppress your immune system. Our goal is to restore regulation and many times that means we need to fix other related system like the ones mentioned above. This could start with an autoimmune diet! The immune system is extremely complex and powerful; it has the power to save you or kill you. It does not need to be crushed and disabled with drugs and autoimmunity should not be ignored. Treating autoimmune disease naturally involves a holistic approach that focuses on reducing inflammation, supporting immune function and improving overall health. A natural autoimmune disease treatment will include dietary changes, lifestyle changes and nutritional supplementation. Additional strategies may be implemented depending on a patient’s individual needs. Other key components of this holistic approach may include stress management, sleep support and specific detoxification strategies. While these strategies can go a long way to supporting an individual with an autoimmune disease, the cure for autoimmune disease is unknown. A natural treatment for autoimmune disease can help to create the conditions for optimal health and may assist in reducing autoimmune activity and progression. Preventing autoimmune disease naturally involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle that supports immune balance and reduces inflammation. A nutrient-rich diet, including anti-inflammatory foods will strengthen the immune system. Avoiding processed foods, excessive sugar, and potential allergens may also reduce the risk of triggering an autoimmune condition. Natural remedies for autoimmune disease such as turmeric and omega 3 fatty acids can help modulate inflammation and promote overall well-being. Probiotics and fiber rich foods can further support immune health. Managing stress through mindfulness, yoga and meditation may be appropriate as well to support optimal health. However, it is recommended that you consult with a qualified medical practitioner to determine what diet, supplements and lifestyle recommendations would be right for you. When managing autoimmune disease, diet plays a crucial role in either supporting or aggravating the immune system. Individual responses will vary. Generally speaking, certain foods help reduce inflammation and promote healing, while others can trigger flare-ups and worsen symptoms. Anti-inflammatory foods that help autoimmune disease include leafy greens, berries, fatty fish rich in omega-3s (like salmon and sardines), and healthy fats such as olive oil. On the other hand, foods that hurt autoimmune disease include processed foods, refined sugars, trans fats, and artificial additives, which can increase inflammation. Common triggers like gluten, dairy, soy, and nightshade vegetables (such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants) may also exacerbate immune reactions in some individuals. Identifying personal food sensitivities and focusing on a whole-food, nutrient-dense diet can be key to managing autoimmune conditions effectively. Reach out to us to learn more about how we can help you with a customized treatment approach for your autoimmune condition. Better solutions do exist! If you suffer from an autoimmune disease or suspect you have a problem with your immune system please contact our office for a functional medicine consultation.**What Causes Autoimmunity?
Traditional Medicine
Functional Medicine Solutions Autoimmune Disease
Your immune system
There are several factors that can lead to immune system dysregulation including:
Treating Autoimmune Disease Naturally In Naperville
Preventing Autoimmune Disease Naturally
Foods That Help and Hurt Autoimmune Disease