Autoimmunity Specialist

What is autoimmunity?

Autoimmunity (AI) is a group of diseases in which your body’s immune system malfunctions and attacks your body’s tissues. Normally, your immune system functions to fight off invading infections and pathogens that cause damage to your tissues. This malfunction creates chronic inflammation in your body so that your tissues cannot heal properly and you experience pain, discomfort, and loss of function.

What causes autoimmunity?

Autoimmunity generally begins in stages. At first, your body begins to identify your healthy tissues as invading pathogens. Next, stages of early destruction begin and your symptoms may come and go. Finally, the level of inflammation leads to significant tissue damage and your body cannot heal properly.

This process is promoted by three factors, called the trilogy of autoimmunity::

Genetic vulnerability

Your genes can predispose you to certain AI conditions. Functional lab testing can determine your level of risk — along with your family history — to determine if genetics are the cause of your AI condition. Genetics accounts for about 30% of AI cases.

Environmental triggers

Environmental triggers — including dietary allergies, exposure to toxic chemicals, and infections — can cause an autoimmune condition. This occurs in approximately 70% of cases.

Leaky gut syndrome

About 80% of your immune system is found in your intestines. If your intestines become injured by inflammation, you may develop Nodulesleaky gut syndrome. Leaky gut syndrome allows harmful substances from food and inflammation to enter your bloodstream through damaged intestinal tissues. This is how systemic inflammation develops.

What types of autoimmune conditions are there?

There are more than 100 autoimmune conditions, many of which can overlap or have similar symptoms. To determine which autoimmune condition you have, our team analyzes your functional lab work, overall health, and symptoms. Common AI conditions include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Lupus
• Celiac disease
• Sjögren’s syndrome
• Polymyalgia rheumatica
• Multiple sclerosis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Alopecia areata

Based on your diagnosis and symptoms, we will recommend appropriate treatment strategies.

How can functional medicine help autoimmunity?

While traditional medicine focuses on steroid medications and drugs to mask symptoms of autoimmunity, functional medicine focuses on treating the root cause of your condition so that your body can heal and function normally again.

Your personalized treatment plan may include eating anti-inflammatory foods, removing hidden infections — like yeast infections and Lyme disease — removing foods from your diet that aggravate your symptoms, healing leaky gut syndrome, and incorporating appropriate nutritional supplements, exercises, and stress reduction techniques.

Functional medicine can help you heal from autoimmunity. Call or schedule a visit online at Midwest Integrated Medical Center to learn more.

Dr. Cooper see's patients in the following cities: Woodbury, MN River Falls, WI New Richmond, WI Stillwater, MN "