Autoimmunity
Extensive functional assessment for autoimmune conditions through Precision Medicine, Functional & Integrative Medicine, and lifestyle coaching.
Autoimmune Diseases: All You Need to Know
Autoimmunity is when a person's immune system reacts in a manner it shouldn't and attacks the body's own healthy cells and tissues. Any type of disease that causes its own immune system to attack its healthy counterparts is an autoimmune disease.
The healthy human body creates antibodies as a response against invading bacteria, viruses, and parasites. In autoimmune disorders, this set of defenses goes awry and attacks the body's own healthy cells.
Everyone has autoimmunity to some extent, as do all vertebral life forms. When the disease causes a progression from benign autoimmunity to pathogenic autoimmunity, it usually requires some type of trigger — an environmental factor of some sort or a pathogen.
100+ Types
There are more than 100 different types of autoimmune disease, and it is still not known what triggers them all.
5% of Population
ANAs (antinuclear antibodies) are naturally present in approximately 5% of the population who have no ill effects from them.
Genetic Component
Hereditary autoimmune conditions depend on there being a high number of polymorphic genes present.
Environmental Triggers
Progression from benign to pathogenic autoimmunity usually requires an environmental factor or pathogen trigger.
Understanding Antinuclear Antibodies (ANAs)
Humans normally have antibodies in the blood that work to repel invaders. Antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) are unusual antibodies that are very easy to detect in the blood due to their ability to bind to certain structures within the nucleus of a cell.
The ANA test is used as a screening test to detect the possible presence of an autoimmune disorder. ANAs are found in patients whose immune system may be compromised to permit inflammatory antibodies that work against the person's normal cells — these are called autoantibodies.
However, just because a person's blood shows ANAs doesn't mean they have an autoimmune disease. ANAs can merely be the body's reaction to an infection, and sometimes older patients with high ANA levels do not have an autoimmune condition.
Important to Know
ANAs can be present due to infections (viral or bacterial), gastrointestinal diseases like Crohn's or ulcerative colitis, hormonal diseases like Grave's disease, blood disorders, cancers, skin conditions like psoriasis, and rheumatic conditions in older people. A positive ANA test alone does not confirm autoimmune disease — comprehensive evaluation is essential.
Common Autoimmune Diseases
Potential Triggers
Some autoimmune diseases may follow an infection, some may be triggered by environmental factors, and others present no warning condition or cause.
Genetic Key: Hereditary autoimmune conditions depend on a high number of polymorphic genes being present. In small numbers, they don't do anything — but when lots of them congregate, it often leads to the development of autoimmune diseases.
Our Approach
We do not treat specific diseases but rather help with conditions through extensive functional assessment. Our multi-faceted approach focuses on identifying root causes and supporting your body's natural healing capacity.
Precision Medicine
Advanced genomic testing and targeted therapies based on your unique genetic profile and disease markers.
Functional & Integrative Medicine
Root-cause approach addressing immune dysregulation, gut health, inflammation, and environmental triggers.
Dietary / Lifestyle Coaching
Personalized nutrition plans, elimination diets, stress management, and lifestyle modifications to reduce autoimmune flares.
We Are Here to Help You!
If you have reason to believe you or a loved one may have an autoimmune condition, schedule a personalized assessment with our team today.