Autoimmune disease happens when our body’s natural defense system, the immune system, gets confused and starts to attacks its own cells and foreign cells. Thus, causing the body to mistakenly attack normal healthy cells as well. This can lead to various types of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and celiac disease, among others. There are more than 80 types of autoimmune diseases that affect a wide range of body parts. Conventional medicine often addresses autoimmune conditions with powerful immune suppressive medications, but a functional medicine approach aims to address the root cause and reverse autoimmune disease.
Our Body and Understanding Autoimmune Disease
The immune system is designed to protect the body from harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses. However, in autoimmune disease, the body attacks its own tissues instead. This can lead to inflammation, pain, and damage to the affected tissues. There are over 80 different types of autoimmune diseases, and some people may have more than one. Most western doctors will only test using a blood test. Unfortunately, taking blood does not show a gluten intolerance or sensitivity. To find out if you have an intolerance to gluten you must have a stool sample to identify the disorder. Many people go undiagnosed when a doctor only uses a blood test. You can always request a stool test from your doctor if you continue to experience symptoms and are not getting the results from a conventional medicine approach.
The Causes of Autoimmune
There are various factors that can contribute to the development of an autoimmune condition. These include genetic predisposition, environmental factors, infections, and lifestyle choices. For example, exposure to certain chemicals or toxins, poor diet, stress, and infections can all play a role in the development of autoimmune disease.
In the case of Celiac or gluten intolerance, each parent contributes a 50% chance their offspring will have these autoimmune digestive disorders. In the case of our family, both Tim and I carried the genetics, hence all four of our daughters have gluten intolerance. How great it would have been if there were a genetic test done when I was pregnant or at an initial check-up when the kids were younger to find out sooner! We hope one day there will be that test when a pregnant mother is tested automatically or children will be tested for the genetics…
Molecular Mimicry
One of the theories behind the development of autoimmune disease is molecular mimicry. This is where a foreign antigen shares structural similarities with self-antigens. For example, certain infections can trigger an immune response that then mistakenly targets the body’s own tissues.
Leaky Gut
Leaky gut, or increased intestinal permeability, is another factor that can contribute to the development of autoimmune disease. This is where the lining of the gut becomes damaged, allowing undigested food particles, bacteria, and toxins to enter the bloodstream. This can lead to inflammation and the activation of the immune system, potentially leading to autoimmune disease. It’s important to heal your gut. One of the best ways to heal your gut is to eat an anti-inflammatory diet for at least 21-days. This allows your good gut bacteria to repopulate and heal. Gluten has been associated with leaky gut syndrome.
Treatment Approaches
Conventional medicine often treats autoimmune disease with anti-inflammatories and powerful immune suppressants. These medications can help to manage the symptoms and reduce inflammation, but they do not address the underlying causes of the disease. The person still suffers, continues to take expensive drugs and medications all the while never being told diet can actually put autoimmune in remission. Moreover, long-term use of these medications can lead to side effects and may even worsen the condition.
Functional Medicine Approach-A Holistic Approach
A functional medicine approach aims to address the root causes of autoimmune disease and to restore balance to the immune system. This involves a comprehensive approach that includes dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and nutritional supplementation.
Dr. Mark Hyman leading Functional medical doctor shared his thoughts about autoimmune disease and a western medicine approach… “this is often addressed by powerful immune suppressing medication and not by addressing the cause. That’s like taking a lot of aspirin while you are standing on a tack. The treatment is mot more aspirin or a strong immune suppressant, but removing the tack.”
Peg’s has worked with many Crohn’s clients who’ve come to her after long bouts of extreme and painful digestive flares. The drugs had given them no relief. Within the first week of their cleansing with food RESET, and removing the inflammatory foods, their symptoms begin to subside. By the second week, all flares and symptoms are in remission. At the completion of their 30 day Reset, the client is healthy and their body is in balance. As long as they continue to maintain the food program, the foods they’ve discovered to be their personal super foods, they continue to keep their autoimmune symptoms away. They go on to lead a normal healthy happy life.
Dietary Changes that Reverse Autoimmune Disease
Certain foods can contribute to inflammation and may trigger or worsen autoimmune disease. These include inflammatory foods such as gluten, dairy, sugar, and processed foods. A functional medicine approach often involves eliminating these foods from the diet and focusing on nutrient-dense, whole foods that can help to reduce inflammation and support the immune system. Our Cleansing with Food Reset is an anti-inflammatory food and lifestyle program allowing a person to discover which foods actually work best in their body. After 30 days, transformation happens and life changes for each person. It is why we share, food is the medicine that will give people their life back and reverse autoimmune disease. We have many programs to help support your journey back to health!
Lifestyle Modifications
Lifestyle factors such as stress, lack of exercise, and poor sleep can all contribute to the development of autoimmune disease. Therefore, a functional medicine approach often involves addressing these factors and implementing strategies to reduce stress, improve sleep, and increase physical activity.
Nutritional Supplementation
Certain nutrients can help to support the immune system and reduce inflammation. These may include vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics, among others. A functional medicine practitioner can help to determine which supplements may be most beneficial for your specific situation. Dr. Mark Hyman, renowned functional medical doctor shares his top ten strategies to help one reverse autoimmune disease.
Autoimmune disease can be a complex and challenging condition to manage. However, by addressing the root causes and implementing a comprehensive treatment approach, it is possible to reverse autoimmune disease and restore balance to the immune system. If you are dealing with an autoimmune condition, consider working with functional medicine coaches such as Peggy or Megan. We can help to create a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs and help you reverse autoimmune disease and put it into remission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can autoimmune diseases be cured?
While there is no cure for autoimmune diseases, they can often be managed and even reversed with the right treatment approach. This may involve dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and nutritional supplementation. Check out our 7-Day or 21-Day Cleansing with Food Reset. We’ve helped hundred of people return to a vibrant life while learning how to cook with their personal powerful super foods and anti-inflammatory diet.
Are autoimmune diseases hereditary?
There is often a genetic component to autoimmune diseases, meaning they can run in families. However, environmental factors and lifestyle choices also play a significant role in their development.
Can diet affect autoimmune disease?
Yes, diet plays a significant role in the development and management of autoimmune disease. Certain foods can contribute to inflammation and may trigger or worsen autoimmune disease, while other foods can help reduce inflammation and support and strengthen the immune system.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, there is hope. Meg and I have watched hundreds of our clients experience a 21-Day cleansing with food Reset. We have had outstanding responses from each student. Those who have suffered from an autoimmune have put their disease into remission.
We would love to help. We offer 1-1 functional medicine coaching as well as 1 on 1 private cooking instruction. We help you discover the foods that help strengthen and build your immune system using our anti-inflammatory diet program and lifestyle approach. Please contact us, we’d love to help you get your life back on track and feel vibrant, healthy and energized today!
Love,
Pegs and Megs