The Why and How of Autoimmune Diseases
Jan 30, 2017
Maryanne was diagnosed with 3 different autoimmune diseases. When she came to my office she had been suffering for many years and was taking several prescription medications for her various symptoms.Her fingers ached as she typed her very first email to me. Even a computer search was difficult because she had also had a bout with Iritis (inflammation of the Iris) along with fatigue because her thyroid was chronically sluggish from Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
So where did I focus? So much going on! So much to do! So much to heal!
From Multiple Sclerosis to Lupus to Rheumatoid Arthritis, to Hashimoto’s, I have seen so many cases of various autoimmune disorders in my practice. What they all have in common is that they all improve when gut health improves.
So how does one improve gut health? By reducing inflammation, balancing the gut flora and healing leaky gut. Also by eating a therapeutic diet that reduces inflammation and antibodies in the body. This also helps to calm the immune system so that the body stops attacking itself.
Many epidemiologists are wondering why suddenly we are seeing more gut health issues as well as an increased frequency of autoimmune disorders. These both seem to be a burgeoning epidemic! And they are related. The answer may be due to a combination of changes to agricultural practices and the food supply as well as environmental pollution and toxic chemical use. Glyphosates (Roundup) use has been implicated in the increase in Celiac Disease, which is a gateway for concurrent autoimmune disorders. GMO’s require heavier pesticide use in order to thrive so with increased growth of GMO crops we are also seeing more concentrations of these pesticides in our food supply. Also, we have changed the protein make-up through agricultural cross breeding and hybridization. Our crops may be more drought resistant and more fungus resistant, but perhaps this has rendered the proteins in wheat, corn , soy and canola ( frequently GMO in origin) indigestible for a larger percentage of the population..
People who have compromised detoxification pathways due to the MTHFR gene mutation, other inherited tendencies, or other conditions will be more sensitive to various pesticides, herbicides and GMO foods. Grains are often a large trigger for autoimmune diseases as well as Gut conditions. Some people have also had so much exposure to environmental toxins such as pesticides that without a concerted effort to detoxify, an autoimmune disorder is almost inevitable. It may be useful to test whether you carry the MTHFR mutation ( a large percentage of the population does!)
After just a few short months working together on her health, Maryanne had remarkable improvement with all of her autoimmune diseases. She had less pain and inflammation and was able to work more productively with longer periods of concentration. Her vision improved and she had much less pain in her hands. Her energy levels came up to levels she hadn’t had in decades. Her weight began to regulate as her hormones balanced. She continues to enjoy the improvements in her health! She was able to significantly reduce the dosages of her prescription medications too! Some of the medications she was able to completely discontinue which made everyone, including the prescribing MD, very happy!
If you have an autoimmune disorder and would like to get to the root of the problem, a functional medicine approach is often the best choice. We can explore the root causes of your chronic health concerns and formulate a comprehensive plan to get your life back!
My practice focuses on gut health! I would like to invite you to work one on one either in person if you are local, or long distance through video or phone, I am currently accepting new patients. You can also opt to have a FREE 15 minute phone consult with me to see if you and I are a good fit for each other! To schedule any appointment, you can do this online at https://intakeq.com/booking/NaURW8 or by calling my office (303) 443-2206 M-F 8:30-5 Mountain time to speak with my receptionist. I hope to hear from you soon! Be well!
