Autoimmune Conditions

What are autoimmune conditions?

Autoimmune conditions are disorders that cause your immune system to mistakenly attack and target your body's own healthy cells and tissues. This can lead to inflammation, tissue damage, and a range of symptoms that can affect various bodily functions and diminish your quality of life. 

Autoimmune diseases usually require careful management to minimize discomfort and prevent further complications. At Arbor Vitae Holistic Medical Center, the functional medicine team works with you to uncover the root cause of your condition and determine the appropriate treatment plan.

What are the most common autoimmune conditions?

Arbor Vitae Holistic Medical Center can address a range of autoimmune conditions with a holistic approach to care, including:

Celiac disease

This disease affects your body’s ability to process gluten, a protein found in many types of grains. Celiac disease can damage the small intestine’s lining, leading to bloating, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, gas, and other uncomfortable symptoms.

Type 1 diabetes

As an autoimmune disorder, Type 1 diabetes occurs when your immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The pancreas can’t produce adequate levels of insulin, causing glucose (sugar) to build in your bloodstream. Without effective management, this type of diabetes can cause kidney and vision problems, nerve damage, and heart disease.

Rheumatoid arthritis

This inflammatory condition affects the lining inside the joints. When the joints swell, they can become painful and sore and lose their range of motion. Rheumatoid arthritis tends to develop in the small joints in the hand and feet, but it can occur anywhere.

Lupus

Lupus can affect several bodily systems, including the lungs, kidneys, joints, skin, and heart. It can lead to symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, and organ damage. Lupus can affect your quality of life without treatment, and proper care is essential to control flare-ups. 

Graves’ disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis

Both of these conditions affect the thyroid gland. Graves’ disease causes the thyroid to produce excessive hormones, resulting in symptoms such as weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and anxiety. Hashimoto’s occurs when the thyroid produces too little of its hormone. This low production can lead to weight gain, depression, dry skin, and fatigue.

I have an autoimmune condition. How can functional medicine help?

Functional medicine focuses on treating your autoimmune condition’s root cause to promote lasting relief rather than masking symptoms. After diagnosing your condition, Arbor Vitae Holistic Medical Center may recommend the following treatments:

• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
• Diet and lifestyle changes
• Exercise support
• Nutritional supplements
• Ongoing testing
• Trigger avoidance
• Hydration
• Stress management
• Medication

Arbor Vitae Holistic Medical Center can help you gain control over your autoimmune condition. Call the clinic today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.