Autoimmune Disease
Addison’s Disease
Alopecia Areata
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Autoimmune encephalitis
Autoimmune Dysautonomia
Your immune system is designed to protect you from harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses. But sometimes, it can become overactive or confused, attacking your own body instead. This condition, known as an autoimmune disease, can cause the body to mistakenly target its own tissues and organs, often leading to disabling symptoms.
The standard treatment typically involves medications like NSAIDs, steroids, and biologics, or a mix of these. While they might help, they often miss a key part of the puzzle.
Autoimmune diseases are influenced by many factors, including lifestyle, diet, environment, and genetics
The most effective approach to managing autoimmune disorders is a holistic one—addressing all the factors that contribute to immune imbalance.
Common Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune Urticaria
Celiac Disease
Dermatomyositis
Graves Disease
Gullain-Barre Syndrome
Hashimoto Thyroiditis
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Multiple Sclerosis
Myasthenia Gravis
Psoriasis
Reactive Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Understanding Your Autoimmune Journey: How We Support Your Path to Healing
Scleroderma
Sjogren Syndrome
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Type 1 Diabetes
Vasculitis
Vitiligo
Living with an autoimmune condition can feel like navigating through unfamiliar territory, especially when trying to understand the complex interplay between your genes, environment, and overall health. Today, I'd like to share how we approach healing and help you understand the deeper story of autoimmune conditions, including conditions like Scleroderma, Sjogren Syndrome, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Type 1 Diabetes, Vasculitis, Vitiligo and the many others.
Think of your genetics as a treasured family album, containing stories passed down through generations. While we can't rewrite these inherited chapters, it's comforting to know that we have more influence over our health story than you might think. Your genes interact with your environment much like a book being read in different lighting – the words remain the same, but how they're interpreted can change dramatically based on factors like diet, lifestyle choices, and environmental influences.
Mark W
“Donna’s deep understanding of autoimmune ailments and her consistent compassionate care and attention have made all the difference in my journey to understand and address my disease.”
Many patients come to us having already taken the courageous step of trying an anti-inflammatory diet. While this shows wonderful initiative, we understand how disheartening it can be when your symptoms persist. Traditional anti-inflammatory diets emphasize wholesome, plant-based foods – which is certainly better than processed options – but we've learned through experience that even healthy foods can sometimes challenge your unique immune system.
This is where the complexity of autoimmune conditions becomes apparent. They're like an intricate symphony, with many genes playing different instruments and affecting various bodily processes simultaneously. These genetic predispositions set the stage, but environmental factors – such as certain foods or toxin exposure – act as directors, influencing whether and how these genetic tendencies manifest in your unique health story.
That's why we take time to truly understand your individual needs. Together, we'll discover your specific food sensitivities and create a personalized anti-inflammatory diet that works for you. We're here to support you as your body begins to heal and inflammation subsides. Within about 30 days, you'll have a strong dietary foundation, and we'll work together to gradually expand your food choices. Here's the encouraging news: as your immune system recovers, you may be able to enjoy some foods that were previously problematic – permanent restriction isn't always necessary.
We know that healing is about more than just diet. Your journey to wellness encompasses essential health principles, including balanced blood sugar, a thriving microbiome, proper nutrition, and lifestyle changes that nurture your recovery. Sleep plays a vital role – whether you're struggling with too much or too little sleep, sleep apnea, stress, or mood challenges like anxiety and depression, we're here to help your body find its natural rhythm of repair and renewal.
Your environment matters too, and we carefully consider factors that might be affecting your well-being, such as second-hand smoke exposure, VOCs from paint, pesticides, food additives, mold, or dental amalgam concerns. Rest assured, we'll only address these factors if they're relevant to your situation – our goal is to remove obstacles to your healing without creating unnecessary worry.
Remember, while your genes are part of your story, they don't have to define your entire narrative. By understanding and nurturing your body's needs, you can help write new, healthier chapters in your life's journey, even with genetic predispositions to autoimmune conditions. Through this caring, comprehensive approach, we'll walk beside you on your path toward improved health and resilience. You don't have to navigate this journey alone – we're here to support you every step of the way.
Your healing journey is unique, and we're committed to helping you understand and address both the genetic and environmental factors that influence your health. Together, we'll work to create a personalized approach that honors your individual needs and supports your body's natural healing abilities.