Understanding Autoimmune Diseases: The Functional Medicine Approach
At Vibrant Market, our mission is to empower you to become the most vibrant version of yourself. A key part of this journey is spreading awareness about functional medicine and its focus on identifying and treating the root causes of health issues. Traditional Western medicine often falls short, especially in addressing autoimmune diseases, which affected an estimated 23.5 million Americans as of September 2021—a number that has likely increased since then.
Functional medicine takes a different approach. Instead of merely treating symptoms with medication, practitioners look upstream to find the underlying causes of diseases. This holistic approach considers genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, recognizing that autoimmune diseases typically result from a complex interplay of multiple causes. Here are some of the top root causes of autoimmune diseases according to functional medicine:
1. Leaky Gut Syndrome
Leaky gut syndrome occurs when the intestinal lining becomes more permeable, allowing toxins, undigested food particles, and bacteria to enter the bloodstream. This triggers an immune response and can lead to autoimmune diseases. Factors such as stress and diet can contribute to leaky gut syndrome, making it crucial to address these lifestyle elements.
2. Chronic Infections
Chronic infections like Lyme disease, Epstein-Barr virus, and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) can provoke an immune response that contributes to the development of autoimmune diseases. Identifying and treating these infections is a key step in functional medicine.
3. Environmental Toxins
Exposure to environmental toxins—found in cleaning products, skincare products, heavy metals, pesticides, and mold—can play a significant role in the development of autoimmune diseases. Reducing exposure to these toxins is essential for maintaining a healthy immune system.
4. Nutrient Deficiencies
Deficiencies in nutrients such as vitamin D3, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids can lead to inflammation and increase the risk of autoimmune diseases. Genetic variations, like MTHFR mutations, can also impact nutrient absorption and detoxification processes, making it important to address these deficiencies.
5. Poor Diet
A diet high in processed foods, GMOs, non-organic produce, seed oils, sugary foods and beverages, fried foods, and trans fats can contribute to inflammation and autoimmune diseases. Choosing a nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory diet is crucial for overall health.
6. Chronic Stress
Chronic stress significantly impacts the immune system and can contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases. Managing stress through mindfulness, exercise, and other stress-reducing techniques is vital for maintaining immune health.
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7. Food Sensitivities
Sensitivities to foods like gluten, dairy, nightshades, or even certain "healthy" foods can trigger immune responses that lead to autoimmune diseases. Identifying and eliminating these triggers from your diet can help reduce inflammation and improve health.
8. Hormonal Imbalances
Imbalances in hormones, such as thyroid dysfunction or sex hormone imbalances, can contribute to autoimmune diseases. It's important to maintain hormonal balance by avoiding endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in skincare, makeup, cleaning products, plastics, and certain foods.
Personalized Functional Medicine Treatment
Each person's experience with autoimmune disease is unique, and the root causes can vary. Functional medicine practitioners work with patients to identify and address their individual root causes through personalized treatment plans. If you're looking to take control of your health and address autoimmune issues at their root, explore our resources to find a functional medicine doctor near you.
By addressing these root causes, we can move towards a more vibrant, healthy life. For more information and resources, visit Vibrant Market online or in person at our flagship in New Orleans at 3811 Magazine Street.