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Detection, Treatment, and Management of Autoimmune Conditions

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Autoimmune disorders are a group of conditions that arise when the body’s immune system, which typically serves to protect against infections and diseases, mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells and tissues. It is estimated that up to 50 million Americans have an autoimmune disorder, with as many as 4 out of 5 individuals being women. These disorders can affect various parts of the body, and symptoms caused by autoimmune disorders can be debilitating. Symptoms may include severe abdominal pain, joint stiffness and swelling, fatigue, brain fog, skin problems or rashes, muscle aches, hair loss, and more. Unfortunately, autoimmune disorders are often challenging to diagnose because their symptoms overlap with other conditions. The goal of this article is to discuss potential causes of immune dysfunction, reviewing the importance of screening and early detection, and finally, considering various approaches to management.

The causes of autoimmune disorders are complex and are believed to result from a combination of several factors including genetic predisposition, exposure to environmental triggers, hormonal fluctuations, and diet and lifestyle factors. Some people are more likely to develop autoimmune disorders due to their genetic makeup. Certain genes can increase susceptibility, and these disorders often run in families; however, it’s important to note that the presence of genetic variants doesn’t guarantee the development of an autoimmune disorder. External factors such as infections, chemicals, and toxins may trigger autoimmune responses in genetically predisposed individuals. For example, a viral or bacterial infection might initiate an abnormal immune response. Furthermore, autoimmune disorders occur more frequently in women, which suggests that hormonal changes, such as those during pregnancy or menopause, might influence the body’s immune response.

Screening for autoimmune disorders is essential, as early detection and intervention can significantly impact patient outcomes. Many autoimmune diseases can lead to serious complications if left untreated; therefore, healthcare providers should consider screening individuals with a family history of autoimmune disorders or those presenting with unexplained symptoms. Early detection promotes a quicker path to treatment, thereby preventing damage to organs and tissues, reducing the risk of long-term health issues, and improving quality of life.

Managing these disorders often requires a comprehensive approach and may involve various specialists depending on the type of autoimmune disorder present. In general, the traditional treatment approach involves comprehensive testing to identify the autoimmune disorder, and then controlling the body’s immune response through immunomodulating agents (i.e., immunosuppressants, biologics, or supplements). An alternative (or adjunctive) option to the traditional treatment approach is functional medicine. This approach involves evaluating the interplay of genetics, environmental, and lifestyle factors that contribute to the development and progression of autoimmune diseases, and then modifying those factors to prevent the misguided immune response from recurring. Although different in their approaches, both traditional and functional medicine have the same goal: To alleviate symptoms, improve an individual’s quality of life, and prevent further tissue damage.

Key aspects of the functional medicine approach include:

  1. Comprehensive assessment: Practitioners conduct a thorough evaluation of the patient’s medical history, genetics, lifestyle, diet, and environmental exposures to identify potential triggers and contributing factors.
  2. Diet and Nutrition: Emphasis is placed on adopting an anti-inflammatory diet that may include whole, unprocessed foods, and the elimination of potential allergens or sensitivities. Nutritional supplements may also be recommended to address deficiencies and support immune function.
  3. Gut Health: Since gut health is closely linked to immune function, strategies to heal and maintain a healthy gut microbiome are often prioritized.
  4. Lifestyle Modification: Functional medicine may incorporate strategies to reduce the body’s toxic burden, such as avoiding environmental toxins, improving liver function, and supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes.

The functional medicine approach can be extremely transformative for many individuals with an autoimmune disorder since it works to identify why someone is having an autoimmune response and remove the inciting trigger. In many cases, it is an excellent adjunct to an individual’s allopathic regimen. However, there are certain autoimmune conditions that would not be appropriate to treat from a functional medicine approach due to the complex nature of the disorder.

In summary, autoimmune conditions are a group of prevalent diseases that many present with a myriad of symptoms. There are various factors that contribute to the development of autoimmune disorders including genetic predisposition, lifestyle factors, and hormonal fluctuations. Symptoms caused by an autoimmune disorder may severely affect an individual’s quality of life. These symptoms may overlap with other conditions, which may make detection challenging. However, if left untreated, most autoimmune disorders continue to progress and worsen over time, causing persistent organ and tissue damage. Therefore, early detection is paramount. Treatment modalities may include a traditional, functional medicine, or combination approach, with the goal of alleviating symptoms, improving the individual’s quality of life, and preventing further tissue damage.

Understanding your autoimmune condition can be difficult on your own and can put you at risk for worsening symptoms. Working with an autoimmune specialist or a functional medicine practitioner may be the best path for you take control of your health. At the Whole Health Institute, we strive to uncover root cause of disease and to treat your symptoms naturally. If you’d like to schedule an appointment with one of our functional medicine experts, give us a call at Call913-632-3550.

References

Castro, C. & Gourley, M. (2010, January 12). Diagnostic testing and interpretation of tests for autoimmunity. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(09)01477-8/pdf.

Goldman, B. (2024, February 1). Stanford Medicine-led study shows why women are at greater risk of autoimmune disease. Stanford Medicine. https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2024/02/women-autoimmune.html.

Martins, K. (2023, October 3). What’s an autoimmune disease? WebMd. https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/autoimmune-diseases.

About the Author

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Courtni Parker, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She specializes in autoimmune diseases and associated disorders. Courtni is passionate about helping her patients lead healthier lives.

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