At Clark Wellness, we use the functional medicine approach to help our patients live life to the fullest. Putting autoimmune diseases into remission through a functional medicine approach focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying root causes that trigger and sustain the immune response. This often involves personalized lifestyle and nutritional changes, environmental detoxification, and targeted support to reduce inflammation, improve gut health, and modulate the immune system.
Here’s a breakdown of key steps often used in a functional medicine approach:
1. Identify and Eliminate Triggers
• Food Sensitivities: Common trigger foods for autoimmunity include gluten, dairy, and sugar. An elimination diet or testing for sensitivities may help identify specific triggers.
• Environmental Toxins: Heavy metals, mold, and chemicals can overstimulate the immune system. Minimizing exposure through air and water purification, avoiding processed products, and organic eating can reduce these impacts.
• Infections: Underlying infections like Epstein-Barr virus, Lyme disease, or Candida can aggravate autoimmunity. Treating infections when identified may reduce immune activation.
2. Support Gut Health
• Repair Leaky Gut: Since gut health is closely linked to immune function, healing a “leaky” or permeable gut can help. This often involves a combination of diet, probiotics, and supplements like L-glutamine, zinc, and collagen.
• Probiotics and Prebiotics: A balanced microbiome helps regulate the immune system. Including fermented foods and high-fiber foods to feed beneficial bacteria can be beneficial.
3. Reduce Inflammation
• Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Emphasize whole, unprocessed foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids (from sources like fish, flaxseed, and walnuts), and fiber.
• Curcumin, Omega-3s, and Polyphenols: Supplements like turmeric (curcumin), fish oil, and green tea extract can help reduce inflammation and support immune health.
4. Balance Immune Function
• Vitamin D: Low levels of Vitamin D are associated with many autoimmune conditions. Optimal levels support immune modulation and may reduce the risk of flare-ups.
• Adaptogens: Herbs like ashwagandha, rhodiola, and holy basil can help balance the stress response, which can indirectly influence immune health.
• Immune Modulators: Natural compounds like low-dose naltrexone (LDN) are sometimes used to reduce autoimmune activity by modulating the immune response.
5. Optimize Lifestyle Factors
• Stress Management: Chronic stress worsens autoimmune conditions. Practices like meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, and adequate sleep are essential.
• Regular, Low-Impact Exercise: Movement can reduce inflammation and support detoxification. However, it’s important to avoid overly strenuous exercise, as this can sometimes trigger flares.
• Sleep: Quality sleep is vital for repair, immune regulation, and inflammation reduction.
6. Functional Testing and Personalized Supplementation
• Comprehensive Testing: Functional tests can identify the root cause, such as nutrient deficiencies, hormone imbalances, and metabolic factors that may affect immune health.
• Personalized Supplements: Based on test results, supplements like magnesium, B vitamins, or adaptogenic herbs can be tailored to individual needs.
Autoimmune remission often requires time and a tailored approach. Functional medicine providers may adjust treatment plans as the body responds, making patient-centered care essential for long-term success.
Angelica Clark PA-C is a certified functional medicine practitioner with over 16 yrs of experience and she can help anyone in Texas in person or via telemedicine visits to help you navigate the journey of living with an autoimmune condition.
Call us today at (254) 227-5851
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