Can Functional Medicine Help with Autoimmune Diseases?

Did you know that more than 24 million Americans suffer from autoimmune diseases? That’s a considerable number. And yet, most of them don’t get better with usual care alone. If that is true for you, then you may have heard of something known as functional medicine. But is it that good for you?

Let’s break it down. We’ll discuss North Charlotte functional medicine, how it works, and whether it could help with autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

Let’s get started.

What Is North Charlotte Functional Medicine Anyway?

Functional medicine represents a modern approach to understanding health. It addresses the underlying issues, seeking to identify the root cause and, consequently, aiming to address and resolve the problem effectively.

Moreover, physicians trained in this area dedicate time to understanding your history. They ask about your food, then check on your stress levels, followed by inquiries about your sleep, and finally, they want to know about any past illnesses. Moreover, they examine your genes, your gut, and how your body processes toxins.

What sets it apart?

Personalized. No one-size-fits-all solution here.
It considers your entire body. Everything’s interrelated.
It incorporates both science and nature. That means diet, exercise, and even supplements.

Rather than simply giving you a pill, functional physicians will begin by recommending lifestyle modifications. And sometimes these modifications are more effective than you would imagine.

How Are Autoimmune Diseases Typically Treated?

Autoimmune diseases occur when your immune system becomes confused. It begins attacking your own body by mistake.

Prevalent autoimmune diseases include:

Rheumatoid arthritis
Lupus
Psoriasis
Type 1 diabetes
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Multiple sclerosis

Today, physicians manage most of these with drugs. Some relieve pain and inflammation, and others suppress the immune system. While this helps many, it has downsides.

For one:

Some drugs have strong side effects.
They don’t always stop the disease.
You feel fine, but not truly well.

That’s where North Charlotte functional medicine steps in. It attempts to heal the source, not simply silence the symptoms. And that may mean more sustained relief.

What Does Functional Medicine Do Differently?

This is where it becomes exciting, and the North Charlotte functional medicine examines the reasons behind your immune system’s adverse reactions. It views autoimmunity as a complex puzzle that needs to be solved. Additionally, here are some areas that it tackles:

Gut Health: Your gut is home to about 70% of your immune system. If your gut is sick, your immune system can go haywire.
Food Sensitivities: Certain individuals are sensitive to foods such as gluten or dairy, which may cause inflammation.
Toxins: Mold, heavy metals, or pesticides can kill your immune system.
Chronic Stress: Chronic stress inflames your body. That worsens symptoms.
Infections: Occasionally, dormant viruses or bacteria keep your immune system occupied.

Functional doctors run a lot of tests to identify these triggers. Then, they make a plan specifically for you. That plan might include:

A clean, whole-food diet
Natural supplements
Improved sleep habits
Mind-body techniques, such as yoga or meditation
Toxin removal or underlying infections

This can balance the immune system with time. For most, that translates to fewer flare-ups and more energy.

Is There Any Evidence It Works?

You may be asking yourself, “Is this a trend?” That’s a good question. The reality is that there is growing scientific evidence. Although large drug trials are not the standard in functional medicine, small trials are beginning to look promising.

Some of the highlights include:

In 2014, a study in Nutrition Reviews reported that dietary changes alleviated symptoms in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
The Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet, which is commonly utilized in functional medicine, has been effective in patients with Hashimoto’s and IBD.
The Institute for Functional Medicine’s research indicated better outcomes in chronic disease when lifestyle elements were addressed.

The majority of patients experience better sleep, increased energy, and fewer symptoms. Such success in the real world is testimony to the merit of the work being conducted.

But it’s not a magic pill. It requires work and dedication. But if you’ve already tried doing everything else, it’s worth a try.

Should You Try Functional Medicine for Autoimmunity?

Good question. Here’s the short answer: It depends. If what you’re doing now isn’t working, functional medicine may be a wonderful addition.

It’s also an excellent choice if:

You want to reclaim your health.
You’re willing to make lifestyle changes.
You’re sick of just treating symptoms.

Therefore, it is important to consult a licensed practitioner. First, consider looking for someone who has received training at the Institute for Functional Medicine. Additionally, IFM.org serves as a good starting point for your search.

First and foremost, always be sure to check with your primary physician. Additionally, this step is crucial for your health. Moreover, merging both methods can create a potent combination.

In the end, the objective is simple: feel better and live life to its fullest.

Key Takeaways

Here’s a quick recap of what we’ve discussed:

Functional medicine focuses on causes, not symptoms.
It can help autoimmune diseases like lupus, RA, and Hashimoto’s.
Gut-healing, anti-inflammatory diets, and stress management are key tools.
Small studies and anecdotes are promising, but more research is needed.
Always check with your healthcare professionals before trying a new approach.

Final Thoughts

It may be hard to live with an autoimmune condition. But you don’t have to fight alone. North Charlotte functional medicine offers a new perspective on your health. It gives you the tools to reclaim your life and improve in the long term.

If you are ready to see further, heal your gut, worry less, and detox your lifestyle, this system may be the help you have been searching for.

So, what do you say—ready to blaze a new trail?