14 May Autoimmune Diseases – An Integrative Medicine Approach
As one of the most prevalent and chronic illnesses in the country, autoimmune diseases affect 23.5 million Americans with severe pain, disability, and even death. Recent studies from the National Institutes of Health over the last decade now report that more people suffer from this collection of chronic illnesses than from cancer or heart disease. Although these alarming rates continue to rise, there is a lack of awareness that inhibits necessary treatment. Many people affected by autoimmune conditions suffer without realizing their condition is treatable through functional medicine.
Autoimmune disease arises from an abnormal immune response against the tissues and organs of the body. This can be restricted to certain organs, such as the thyroid gland or kidneys, or can involve tissues in different organ systems, such as the basement membrane in the lungs. These harmful diseases arise from consistent exposure to toxins in the environment, a diet void of nutritional value, and the chronic use of harmful medication.
Among the wide variety of treatment options, prevention is the first step to reversing the chronic diseases that arise from autoimmune conditions. Many of the first symptoms, such as chronic fatigue, muscle and joint paint, or simple bodily discomfort can be warning signs of a larger and more complex problem. With simple blood tests, autoimmune disease can be diagnosed at an early stage, giving doctors the ability to naturally balance your immune system before any irreversible damage is done to the brain, joints, thyroid, blood vessels, or other vital organ systems.
As an experienced functional medicine expert, I can assess the numerous factors that can affect your immune system – potential environmental toxins, lifestyle, stress, diet, medication, allergies, and sleep habits – to uncover the root cause of your autoimmune diseases. If you would like to get more information or schedule a consultation, call our office at 212-696-4325.
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