Did you know that autoimmune disease is the third most common disease category in the United States? Up to 50 million Americans suffer from autoimmune disease, making it one of today’s most prevalent health issues.
Unfortunately, there’s no known cure for many autoimmune diseases, making them difficult to treat in the long run. These conditions can also be very disruptive to your daily activities if they’re not managed properly. However, a range of natural therapies can work together to effectively manage autoimmune disease and preserve your quality of life.
Understanding Autoimmune Disease
Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system is overactive and mistakenly attacks healthy cells. This causes inflammation and disrupts normal bodily functions, leading to symptoms like fatigue, muscle aches, skin problems, swollen glands, and digestive issues, just to name a few.
There are over 100 known autoimmune diseases, but some of the most common ones are:
- Type 1 diabetes
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Celiac disease
- Graves disease
- Hashimoto thyroiditis
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBS)
- Addison disease
- Crohn’s disease
Managing Autoimmune Disease with a Natural Approach
A natural approach can help manage autoimmune conditions by reducing systemic inflammation, regulating the immune system, and pinpointing possible symptom triggers. To formulate a natural treatment plan, an integrative physician may first recommend functional testing, which offers a comprehensive overview of how the body is functioning and identifies possible imbalances or issues that may be contributing to autoimmune disease. These issues may include food allergies or sensitivities, heavy metal toxicity, hormone imbalances, and certain bacteria.
With this information, your physician may suggest a combination of natural remedies, including:
- An anti-inflammatory diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, fish, olive oil, nuts, and whole grains
- Chelation and/or oxidative therapies, which help detoxify the body to prevent toxin-related inflammation
- Supplements and IV therapy to address nutrient deficiencies
- Stress management strategies
- Lifestyle adjustments, including increased exercise, sleep hygiene, and environmental changes
The expert physicians at The Center for Natural & Integrative Medicine can develop a personalized treatment plan to help you naturally manage autoimmune disease. Contact us today to get started!
