Autoimmune Disorders
The exact cause of autoimmune disorders is unknown.
There are several theories, including congenital, environmental, chemical, or bacterial origin.
An autoimmune disorder occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's tissues. Some common autoimmune disorders include Lupus, Addison disease, Hashimoto disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Graves disease, Rheumatoid arthritis, Ankylosing spondylitis, Type 1 diabetes, and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) such as Ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. These disorders can vary in severity, and even mild cases can have significant impacts on daily life. Those with autoimmune disorders may have weakened immune systems, making them more susceptible to common illnesses.
Understanding Autoimmune Disorders
Treatments
While there is no cure for most autoimmune disorders, they can be managed effectively to minimize symptoms and improve a person’s quality of life. In Western medicine, medications and medical procedures may be necessary in severe cases. In contrast, functional medicine often focuses on lifestyle changes and supplementation to regulate the immune system and address deficiencies in the body's energy systems. In deciding the best treatment approach for an individual, doctors may consider the type of autoimmune disorder, the patient's symptoms, and other medical conditions that may impact the recommended course of treatment.