AutoImmune Diseases

Autoimmune disease is one of the top ten causes of death in women and the elderly and now affects one in eight people worldwide.

Over 100 distinct autoimmune diseases have been identified, affecting nearly every organ system and tissue in the body with at least 50 other diseases suspected of having an autoimmune component.

Autoimmune conditions can range from diseases like Type 1 Diabetes, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and Multiple Sclerosis to other expressions of the skin such as scleroderma, psoriasis and dermatomyositis.

While autoimmune conditions have become commonplace in our world, it's almost nonexistent in contemporary hunter-gatherers living a traditional, ancestral lifestyle.  

This gives rise to the current theory that the dramatic rise in autoimmune disease is environmental, rather than genetic.

Environmental factors thought be the cause of autoimmunity include a Western diet, chronic stress, changes in the gut microbiome, environmental toxins, sleep deprivation, vitamin D and other nutrient deficiencies, reduced sun exposure and a number of pathogens including parasite and viral infections.
Additionally, these environmental factors not only trigger autoimmune conditions, but perpetuate and exacerbate them if left unchecked.

It's important to understand that most autoimmune conditions many not be completely curable, but identifying and removing the triggers will often lead to a dramatic reduction in symptoms and even complete remission (which is similar to a cure).  

Some of our patients return to normal symptom free living with some slight changes in lifestyle and a preventative strategy that can protect them from disease in the future on all levels of their being.

Each and every autoimmune disease will manifest differently, in different people. However, there are similar relationships and identifiable factors. For instance, Hashimotos affects impacts the Thyroid, whereas Crohns Disease/Ulcerative Colitis affects the GI tract and digestive systems.

Regardless of where the body is being affected, the same mechanism is true across the board: the body is inappropriately recognizing what’s bad and good. The immune system begins to protect a particular tissue or organ system till the overprotection becomes destructive.  Chronic issues like these can lead to mood disorders as well such as Depression, anxiety etc.  We also see this pattern with PTSD and trauma histories.

In light of this, balancing the immune system and identifying what the body is reacting to is key.
The digestive system contains over 80% of our immune system response, assessing digestive health and function is a primary place to begin in your quest to regain your top form and function.  Your top potential.  Your max power. If you are not digesting properly you are NOT being nourished.
Intestinal permeability, or leaky gut, is one of the major mechanisms that can initiate autoimmunity.  When your good protections break down the system is alerted.  This passes on more inflammation and cellular containment. 

Autoimmune disease are the end result of a disturbed digestive system and misfiring immune attack. Restoring gut health, barrier function and removing foods or environmental stressors can help to calm the immune system down and restore balance.
 

Dr. Anderson and Healing by Design systems use Functional Medicine and other diagnostics to get to the roots of the bodies unresolved stress and blockages.  

Click the button below to schedule a consultation w Dr Anderson to see If Functional Medicine is right for you.