How Functional Medicine Can Help with Your Autoimmune Disease

How Functional Medicine Can Help with Your Autoimmune Disease

According to experts, you have a one-in-five chance of developing an autoimmune condition, like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or Hashimoto's thyroiditis. These conditions are becoming increasingly common globally. Yet, despite conventional treatments providing some relief, many people search for alternative or complementary approaches to support their health. That’s exactly where functional medicine comes into play.

What is Functional Medicine?

Functional medicine is a patient-centered approach focusing on lifestyle factors while identifying and addressing the root causes of disease, unlike conventional medicine, which merely treats symptoms. Through functional medicine, your body is seen as interconnected, affected by various factors, including genetics, environment, and lifestyle. Functional medicine practitioners can tailor treatments to meet individual needs while enhancing overall health and well-being.

To treat autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, functional medicine looks at your entire health profile and analyzes the root causes of your condition while also using integrative medicine, which is an evidence-based approach that combines conventional and complementary therapies. Some of these therapies include acupuncture, herbal medicine, and nutritional counseling. However, let’s examine more specifically how autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis are treated using functional medicine.

How Functional Medicine Can Help Autoimmune Diseases

As you can imagine, there are various ways that functional medicine can support and help those with autoimmune diseases. Let’s take a look at six distinct ways that a functional medicine approach could support your condition.

Optimizing Nutrition to Manage Symptoms

A well-balanced diet is crucial for managing autoimmune diseases. Functional medicine focuses on crafting a nutrient-rich eating plan that suits your specific needs. Consider incorporating foods that fight inflammation, like fish high in omega-3s, leafy greens, and berries packed with antioxidants. Additionally, elimination diets that cut out potential triggers like gluten, dairy, and sugar can be incredibly helpful in managing your symptoms.

Balancing Gut Health to Boost Your Immunity

You might have heard the gut called the "second brain"—and for good reason. It has a significant impact on your overall health. Issues like imbalances in gut bacteria and leaky gut are all too common for those with autoimmune diseases. Functional medicine digs deep into healing your gut by using probiotics and prebiotics and making key dietary changes. This approach can help ease your symptoms and boost your immune function.

Reducing Toxin Exposure to Help Your Body Recover

Environmental toxins can make autoimmune diseases worse. Many functional medicine experts suggest reducing exposure to harmful chemicals lurking in household cleaners, personal care items, and processed foods. They often recommend detox routines that include specific supplements and methods to promote sweating, like using a sauna, to help your body’s natural detox process.

Managing Stress to Keep You Healthy

Chronic stress is a well-known trigger for autoimmune issues. Functional medicine considers this by focusing on stress management techniques like mindfulness meditation, yoga, and deep-breathing exercises. These practices can help keep your immune system in check.

Individualized Supplementation to Suit Your Needs

Functional medicine practitioners might suggest specific supplements to help you address your unique nutritional deficiencies. Common recommendations include vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha. These can help boost your immune function, reduce inflammation, and manage stress.

Functional Testing to Understand Your Specific Concerns

Advanced diagnostic tests are key in functional medicine. These tests look at hormone levels, gut bacteria, and toxin exposure. With this detailed information, practitioners can create personalized plans that target the specific imbalances causing autoimmune issues.

Get in Touch to Explore How Functional Medicine Can Help You

Functional medicine takes a thorough and personalized approach to managing autoimmune diseases. By focusing on root causes and accounting for your unique genetic and environmental factors, you can enhance your overall health and quality of life.

If you’re dealing with an autoimmune condition, connecting with a functional medicine practitioner could be a game-changer. Ready to take the next step? Contact us for a virtual consultation and start your journey toward better health.

Written by: Alexandria St. Rose APRN, FMACP

October 2024